What is the maximum number of fans (regular black, non-RGB) and RGB light strips a Commander Pro can handle...?

[Ngamer]

What is the maximum number of fans (regular black, non-RGB) and RGB light strips a Commander Pro can handle...?

Thanks!

[c-attack]

Official answer is 6 fans, 1 for each port on the Commander Pro.  For strips, CUE will allow you to program up to 6 x 10 LED strips per channel.  The Commander Pro has 2 LED channels and thus the maximum is 12 x 10 LED strips.  

 

However, maximum 12v current for the Commander is going to be 4.5A.  In theory you could put a two way splitter on each header for 12 fans and then be mindful of the maximum current.  Do not use three way splitters.  These pose a problem for both control and per header current totals.  That said, unless you already have 6 two way splitters sitting on the table, this is not a great way to go.  You would be better of using a power PWM hub that uses 1 PWM header for speed control while providing that signal to 4-10 fans, depending on the size of the hub.  It is in effect a powered splitter, typically with a SATA connector to offload the current from the Commander.  Most people do not need individual fan control or even pair fan control.  A PWM hub is a lot cheaper than 6 splitters.  Also, you can use more than one allowing you to connect very large amounts of fans to a Commander with minimal current draw.  

 

For the strips, it is also possible to up the specific number of LEDs by lying to CUE and setting it up as external RGB strips and then using those larger size "LS100" lengths in CUE to create a higher LED count.  I believe the maximum is 250 LEDs per channel on the Commander Pro, but I need to confirm that.  In a factual sense, it will the number of LEDs you can create with a 1.4 M LS100 strip + 2 x 450mm strips.  

[Ngamer]

2 hours ago, c-attack said:

Official answer is 6 fans, 1 for each port on the Commander Pro.  For strips, CUE will allow you to program up to 6 x 10 LED strips per channel.  The Commander Pro has 2 LED channels and thus the maximum is 12 x 10 LED strips.  

 

However, maximum 12v current for the Commander is going to be 4.5A.  In theory you could put a two way splitter on each header for 12 fans and then be mindful of the maximum current.  Do not use three way splitters.  These pose a problem for both control and per header current totals.  That said, unless you already have 6 two way splitters sitting on the table, this is not a great way to go.  You would be better of using a power PWM hub that uses 1 PWM header for speed control while providing that signal to 4-10 fans, depending on the size of the hub.  It is in effect a powered splitter, typically with a SATA connector to offload the current from the Commander.  Most people do not need individual fan control or even pair fan control.  A PWM hub is a lot cheaper than 6 splitters.  Also, you can use more than one allowing you to connect very large amounts of fans to a Commander with minimal current draw.  

 

For the strips, it is also possible to up the specific number of LEDs by lying to CUE and setting it up as external RGB strips and then using those larger size "LS100" lengths in CUE to create a higher LED count.  I believe the maximum is 250 LEDs per channel on the Commander Pro, but I need to confirm that.  In a factual sense, it will the number of LEDs you can create with a 1.4 M LS100 strip + 2 x 450mm strips.  

Thanks for the reply!

[Ngamer]

So if I wanted to run 8 fans - 3 front, 2 rear, 3 that are on the AIO water cooler...

And 4 RGB strips...

What is the best way to do that...?

The 1000D comes with a Commander Pro already.

Thanks!

 

 

[c-attack]

4 RGB strips - No problem.  Simple plug and play into the LED port.  

 

Fans - With only 8, you could put a pair on PWM splitters, but given the enormous capacity of a 1000D there is a strong chance you'll add more fans later.  Get 1 powered PWM hub from any brand.  I would look for one that supports 8-10 fans max.  Then you put either the front 3 or the radiator 3 on the PWM hub.  They will act like one fan and all run the same speed, something this is of no consequence on the front panel or the radiator.  The remaining fans connect to the Commander Pro headers directly and will be individually controllable in CUE.  

 

The only catch here is if your AIO is a Corsair Elite Capellix.  That model routes power through its own external controller (Commander Core), meaning you need two Commanders.  If that is the case, then there is no reason for the PWM hub right now and you would have individual PWM control for 12 fans.  

Edited July 26, 2022 by c-attack