First build, RGB questions.

[Harleybokula]

hey all! I'll be starting a new build next week, and wanted to iron everything out beforehand. I've got a 3pack of LL's(LNP), capellix 360(3 fans +CoCo) and would like to set them all up together along with a couple light strips and strimer cables. Im having a tough time finding tutorials or wiring diagrams that are actually discernable. Will I need additional controllers to acheive this? Either way, how should i set it up to run all together? I'll eventually add the LCD upgrade to the aio. Ordered parts 2 days ago, so hopefully building next week! 

thanks much!!

https://pcpartpicker.com/list/xGXT78

[Harleybokula]

this is my first build since 2005, and so much has changed! If any more information is needed, please dont hesitate to let me know! I plan on using the commander core for the 3 fans from the AIO, as well as the 3 pack of corsair LL fans. So, the commander core *that comes with H150i aio(sata power, and usb to mobo) will control all 6 corsair fans. I believe the 3pack of corsair LL fans comes with the Lighting node pro. I'll be connecting two phanteks rgb light strips together and into the LNP, which should take one of the two led ports on the LNP. I'd also like to add Lian li strimer cables (two together and into the last open slot on the lighting node pro/LNP) but I'm finding that is only possible with the strimer V1 controller box. So you could theoretically use the V2 strimers into the V1 controller then into the LNP with Corsair/argb adapter(same one for phanteks); or just use the V1 strimer and the controller it comes with. I'm confused aboout how to connect the LNP and the CoCo/commander core. Do they both plug into the motherboard at separate rgb/argb ports? Or do they run together? This is my first try at RGB, as well as my first build in forever. I appreciate any tips/advice/walkthroughs/videos/diagrams. Thanks much, and Happy Holidays!

 

[c-attack]

Commander Core - 6 fan PWM ports and 6 RGB ports.  Also does power/control/lighting for the pump.  You will have 3 ML-Elite OEM fans (8 LED center hub) that come with the radiator.  If you are using them, I would put them alone on the Commander Core RGB side.  If you are replacing them with LL, then fill it up to 6.  If it's just 6 fans, then combine them on the Com Core.  While the Commander Core can handle mixed fan types, you can't make a non-ring fan show ring effects and that complicates the lighting management.  You likely will want to program each group of 3 as a separate set with its own lighting effect.  

 

Lighting Node Pro - 2 LED channels.  Fans will connect to a RGB Lighting Hub (5v booster) and then to LED 1/2,.  Strips, strimmers, and the like go directly into the LED port.  However, you likely will need a 3rd party adapter to connect other branded products. 

 

Corsair devices do not communicate directly to each other.  All must have their own USB 2 connection to the motherboard.  If you have more than 2 devices, you will need a powered USB 2 hub.  Most everyone does.  Every device will need a SATA connector for power and a USB 2 connector for communication.  The RGB lighting hubs are not devices and serve as a power booster only.  That means SATA but no USB.  Those fans are recognized through the parent Lighting Node Pro or Commander Pro.  

 

 

[ETHERNHIUM]

Hello, I love corsair products, I've always wanted to start building my pc with everything corsair (fanboy), I just bought a 175rgb chassis which came with two standard fans and I bought 3 sp120 rgb fans that came with their respective rgb hub, but I have a problem and it is that the rgb hub does not allow me to connect the rgb of the fans that came with the case because the connector is wider and does not fit inside the hub, is there a solution for it? :c

[c-attack]

I believe the 175R RGB case comes with "standard motherboard style" connectors to hook up to your 12v 4 pin RGB header.  This is a completely different type of system than the 5v addressable Corsair products (3 pin RGB).   The case fans cannot work with any Corsair RGB controllers.  You would need to replace them with normal 5v RGB fans.

 

Be careful with the "SP" fan types.  There are three.  The oldest and now discontinued SP-RGB was the first Corsair 5v fan and is not like the others.  I can't work with anything else, but there are still some floating out there.  In more recent releases there is a SP-Pro (8 LEDs center, 3 pin DC motor) and SP-Elite (8 LEDs center, 4 pin PWM motor).  Both of those are more functional fan types.  

[Harleybokula]

12 hours ago, c-attack said:

Commander Core - 6 fan PWM ports and 6 RGB ports.  Also does power/control/lighting for the pump.  You will have 3 ML-Elite OEM fans (8 LED center hub) that come with the radiator.  If you are using them, I would put them alone on the Commander Core RGB side.  If you are replacing them with LL, then fill it up to 6.  If it's just 6 fans, then combine them on the Com Core.  While the Commander Core can handle mixed fan types, you can't make a non-ring fan show ring effects and that complicates the lighting management.  You likely will want to program each group of 3 as a separate set with its own lighting effect.  

 

Lighting Node Pro - 2 LED channels.  Fans will connect to a RGB Lighting Hub (5v booster) and then to LED 1/2,.  Strips, strimmers, and the like go directly into the LED port.  However, you likely will need a 3rd party adapter to connect other branded products. 

 

Corsair devices do not communicate directly to each other.  All must have their own USB 2 connection to the motherboard.  If you have more than 2 devices, you will need a powered USB 2 hub.  Most everyone does.  Every device will need a SATA connector for power and a USB 2 connector for communication.  The RGB lighting hubs are not devices and serve as a power booster only.  That means SATA but no USB.  Those fans are recognized through the parent Lighting Node Pro or Commander Pro.  

 

 

Thank you so much for the detailed response! I will be using the ML that came with the aio, (unless it would be cheaper to buy three more LL instead of another hub) and only have two Phantek light strips. I believe I've got the right adapter for non-corsair rgb products. 

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08KGMZ9YT/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

So, I was planning on running the 3 ML fans on the radiator exhausting out the top, and two of the LL 120's in the front as intake (as well as two chassis fans *nonrgb* in the floor blowing up at a vertical GPU) as well as one more LL 120 on the back as a fourth exhaust.

I'm not certain, but I think that you can daisy chain the two light strips to occupy only one of the LED ports on the lighting node pro.

So, it doesn't work to put 3LL and 3ML fans on one commander core? Which route would you recommend going, get the commander core XT, the commander Pro, another set of matching fans, or something else entirely? I'd like to keep the costs down, and possibly have the option to add additional rgb later on. 

Thanks so much for taking the time to help me out!! Most of the parts are here, still waiting on the mobo and GPU.

Happy Holidays!!

[Harleybokula]

I did a little digging around, and from what I've learned, the commander core that comes with h150i should be able to control both the three ML and the three LL fans via PWM and RGB. Though the rgb profile may not be 100% accurate, but as long as I can control the PWM and they light up and can be controlled (ill upgrade later on as I'm already over budget.) I just wanted to make sure that using the commander core to control pwm/rgb for the 2 types of fans with out harming anything. I will likely ditch the ML n buy 3 more LL fans, but for now, as long as it doesnt hurt anything, I'll run it like that. 

Then just run the two phantek strips together and then into the LNP into the mobo. I appreciate any advice or tips on how to set this up, and how to efficiently upgrade in the future.

Thanks!!!

 

Edited December 14, 2022 by Harleybokula

[c-attack]

On 12/13/2022 at 5:24 PM, Harleybokula said:

So, it doesn't work to put 3LL and 3ML fans on one commander core?

The Commander Core and Commander XT have independent RGB ports, unlike all the other serial RGB controllers.  You can mix the fan LED counts and it it will automatically try and sort it out for you.  However, it can't turn a ring fan into a 8 center hub LED fan and vice versa, so special ring effects like Pong, Heartbeat, Arc, etc. won't be viable for the 8 LED fans.  The way to deal with that is to set two separate lighting effects within CUE.  You have control down to the individual LED, so it's a simple matter to tell fans 1-3 to play Pong and then 4-6 can do Rainbow Wave or whatever you choose.  

[Harleybokula]

20 hours ago, c-attack said:

The Commander Core and Commander XT have independent RGB ports, unlike all the other serial RGB controllers.  You can mix the fan LED counts and it it will automatically try and sort it out for you.  However, it can't turn a ring fan into a 8 center hub LED fan and vice versa, so special ring effects like Pong, Heartbeat, Arc, etc. won't be viable for the 8 LED fans.  The way to deal with that is to set two separate lighting effects within CUE.  You have control down to the individual LED, so it's a simple matter to tell fans 1-3 to play Pong and then 4-6 can do Rainbow Wave or whatever you choose.  

I ended up just ordering another 3 pack of LL fans. I believe will all that I'll have; 1 commander core(h150i), and two Lighting Node Pro's that will come in the two respective 3-packs of LL fans.

So, with everything that I have, I'll run the 6 LL fans on the commander core for both PWM and RGB, also the AIO will be controlled by the CoCo which will occupy a sata connection and a usb header. Then I'll have 2 more LNP to add any additional RGB products. Again, I'll run the 2 phantek RGB light strips (daisy-chained) into 1 port on a LNP and into sata and usb header, which will leave me one open LED port on a LNP, and an extra LNP that I won't even install until/if I get more RGB products. 

All in all, I should be able to accommodate what I have with 1 commander core, and 1 LNP, 2 sata connections, 2 usb headers, and the cpu/pump/fan header? This will leave me with 3 extra ML fans, and 1 LNP. I do have 2 fans under the floor of the chassis that are non-RGB. If I wanted to  add 2 of the ML fans to replace the two updraft floor fans and connect, I could get an RGB hub to connect to the LNP, and either get a PWM hub, or plug the fan power cord directly to the mobo fan headers? Also how will I know which header is for the AIO. 

Most parts arrived already, just waiting on the 3-packs of fans, and corsair dominator ram(2sticks 3200ddr4)

If I want to add more ram later, do I have to make sure that I get exactly the same model number dimms, or how does that work. Also with this setup, I should be able to use Icue for all my RGB? My Gpu and ram have rgb as well. 

thanks so muvh for your help so far! I'll message more, or make a new post when I'm building (next weekend hopefully) for troubleshooting questions.

Much love!

[c-attack]

6 hours ago, Harleybokula said:

All in all, I should be able to accommodate what I have with 1 commander core, and 1 LNP, 2 sata connections, 2 usb headers, and the cpu/pump/fan header? This will leave me with 3 extra ML fans, and 1 LNP. I do have 2 fans under the floor of the chassis that are non-RGB. If I wanted to  add 2 of the ML fans to replace the two updraft floor fans and connect, I could get an RGB hub to connect to the LNP, and either get a PWM hub, or plug the fan power cord directly to the mobo fan headers? Also how will I know which header is for the AIO. 

Yes, this should work.  There is no "designated AIO header" despite the way most MBs label their stuff.  You must have something on CPU_FAN to boot up.  This is a safety feature to prevent you from powering on with no cooling method in place.  The lead from the Commander Core should go there.  No power or control, but if the pump does not talk back on power on, the BIOS will stop you on boot to let you know there is a problem.  Unlike CPU Fan which has unique behavior parameters on most boards, AIO fan and W_Pump can often be turned back into normal chassis headers.  They are set to 100% by default for "simple AIO" units that get their pump power from the board.  Most all RGB type units need more than the board can deliver and thus use SATA for power.  

 

6 hours ago, Harleybokula said:

f I want to add more ram later, do I have to make sure that I get exactly the same model number dimms,

I'll caution you against this.  It might work.  It might not.  Mixing RAM kits even when identical version numbers is a gamble.  On a mature DDR4 board you might be able to get away with it, but these hybrid Z690 DDR4 boards can be unpredictable.  If you think you are going to need 32 GB, I would look for a 2x16 DDR4 kit now.  You don't have to break the bank and your world will not be one bit different if you get a 3200 vs 3600 MHz kit.  As DDR4 stock begins to disappear, you won't be able to the find the same batches and suppliers change.  You also should be able to get away with 2x8GB for RAM for a bit longer.  The major spammer in the works would be if you get a new GPU with 16GB VRAM or more.  I see the Intel GPU in the cart.  I am not as familiar with their operation as Nvidia, but I do think that is something worth checking into.  

[Harleybokula]

16 hours ago, c-attack said:

Yes, this should work.  There is no "designated AIO header" despite the way most MBs label their stuff.  You must have something on CPU_FAN to boot up.  This is a safety feature to prevent you from powering on with no cooling method in place.  The lead from the Commander Core should go there.  No power or control, but if the pump does not talk back on power on, the BIOS will stop you on boot to let you know there is a problem.  Unlike CPU Fan which has unique behavior parameters on most boards, AIO fan and W_Pump can often be turned back into normal chassis headers.  They are set to 100% by default for "simple AIO" units that get their pump power from the board.  Most all RGB type units need more than the board can deliver and thus use SATA for power.  

 

I'll caution you against this.  It might work.  It might not.  Mixing RAM kits even when identical version numbers is a gamble.  On a mature DDR4 board you might be able to get away with it, but these hybrid Z690 DDR4 boards can be unpredictable.  If you think you are going to need 32 GB, I would look for a 2x16 DDR4 kit now.  You don't have to break the bank and your world will not be one bit different if you get a 3200 vs 3600 MHz kit.  As DDR4 stock begins to disappear, you won't be able to the find the same batches and suppliers change.  You also should be able to get away with 2x8GB for RAM for a bit longer.  The major spammer in the works would be if you get a new GPU with 16GB VRAM or more.  I see the Intel GPU in the cart.  I am not as familiar with their operation as Nvidia, but I do think that is something worth checking into.  

When I get to the point where I upgrade ram, I'll just look for a new kit to get 32g, either 2-4 pack. I wont add ram to this setup, even the same model no. Curious why that can be an issue too.

I'll look on  my mobo for the labels on the various different fan headers. The AIO pump should be on CPU_FAN? is there any other particular connections that I should be mindful of? Thank you SO much for the help!! 

I also just ordered Lian Li strimers, ,the 8x2 pin is the V2 version, and the 24 pin is the V1 version(so that I can use the older controller to connect to LNP) The research that I did indicates that I'll be able to run the V1&V2 together and connect to a LNP. I think my mobo only has like 2-3 headers, so I may need to get an interior USB hub. 

Many thank you's!!!!

[Harleybokula]

18 hours ago, c-attack said:

I'll caution you against this.  It might work.  It might not.  Mixing RAM kits even when identical version numbers is a gamble.  On a mature DDR4 board you might be able to get away with it, but these hybrid Z690 DDR4 boards can be unpredictable.  If you think you are going to need 32 GB, I would look for a 2x16 DDR4 kit now.  You don't have to break the bank and your world will not be one bit different if you get a 3200 vs 3600 MHz kit.  As DDR4 stock begins to disappear, you won't be able to the find the same batches and suppliers change.  You also should be able to get away with 2x8GB for RAM for a bit longer.  The major spammer in the works would be if you get a new GPU with 16GB VRAM or more.  I see the Intel GPU in the cart.  I am not as familiar with their operation as Nvidia, but I do think that is something worth checking into.  

The Arc a770 looks like it has 16gb vram

 

[c-attack]

The motherboard header from the Elite Capellix should go to CPU Fan.  It's not a control header and doesn't do anything other than report a speed to the BIOS.  However, that is exactly what the BIOS is looking for and this acts as a safety precaution.  If the pump does not respond back to the BIOS on power up, it will throw up a warning (CPU Fan Boot Error) and then you know you need to check the AIO power.  No other motherboard headers of consequence.  All your stuff will go on the Commander Core so you can control it through CUE.  

[Harleybokula]

2 hours ago, c-attack said:

The motherboard header from the Elite Capellix should go to CPU Fan.  It's not a control header and doesn't do anything other than report a speed to the BIOS.  However, that is exactly what the BIOS is looking for and this acts as a safety precaution.  If the pump does not respond back to the BIOS on power up, it will throw up a warning (CPU Fan Boot Error) and then you know you need to check the AIO power.  No other motherboard headers of consequence.  All your stuff will go on the Commander Core so you can control it through CUE.  

definitely! I'll run the 6 LL fans off the commander core, and will run the phantek rgb strips and the lian li strimers off a single lighting node pro with two respective adapter cables. That should only occupy 2 usb headers, and 1 (cpu) fan header. 

I'll keep posted on here when i put everything together with updates!

1 last thing, I couldn't find anything about possibly controlling Intel Arc a770 RGB through icue, it sounds like, in order to operate the rgb on the arc card, you need the intel specific software. I'd love to find a way for icue to control the arc's rgb.

 

[Harleybokula]

https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/download/743675/intel-arc-rgb-controller.html

[c-attack]

You will need Intel's software for the GPU RGB.  Likely need it anyway.  

[Harleybokula]

17 hours ago, c-attack said:

You will need Intel's software for the GPU RGB.  Likely need it anyway.  

Thats what I figured! No worries! Will probably go with the rain setting in icue that accents Intel arc's colours very well. 

I really appreciate all the help with everything! The last of the parts for this build should be here by thursday, so I will keep updated on here with build progress and troubleshooting questions.

Otherwise, does the description of how I'll set up the fans, strips, and strimers sound like it will work out ok? This will be my first foray into RGB, so I'm trying to make sure I've got all my ducks in a row!

One last thing, I've seen in some build videos that people sometimes set up certain components together on a test bench prior to building in the case. Is it necessary with all new components, and whats the best way to accomplish this as a first timer. 

I will have to flash the bios on the asrock steel legend before installing the cpu, from what I gather, all you need to accomplish that is power to the motherboard, and a freshly formatted fat32 usb stick with the latest version of asrock bios uploaded to it, and rename the file(cant remember off the top of my head.), insert usb to proper usb port, and press the bios flashback button until the led lights up(and continue to blink until it is completed) At which point you shut of and unplug the usb? How do you shut it off at that point? just flip the switch on the psu, then begin building? I'm sorry for all the questions, just nervous and don't want to mess it up! Thanks!

 

[Harleybokula]

Ive got it all built everything worked great first try, save a faulty DP cable (or maybe just needed driver update) So, my issue is that Icue Is not recognizing my commander core with 6 fans and my AIO. They are lighting up (blinking red) and spinning full speed. 

How can I control my commander core and aio in icue if they dont show up?

 

[Harleybokula]

So, my issue is that Icue Is not recognizing my commander core with 6 fans and my AIO. They are lighting up (blinking red) and spinning full speed. Icue is picking up my Lighting node pro with 2 led strips and 2 strimer cables, plus my dimms, but the aio/CoCo aren't showing up! My CPU temps are just under 90F(in bios) 

I have all my drivers installed for windows/mobo/gpu, and Icue is at v4.31.168 . Should I be using the Legacy v3.38.88 (For Legacy Devices)?

 My aio, h150i and all 6ports both PWM and RGB with LL120's are all blinking red in sync, and the fans are spinning. I don't think my AIO is cooling. i5 13600k asrock steel legend wifi 6e and the CPU is at 90F! All the connections seem secure and the aio is plugged into 'chassis/waterpump fan connector'. I also tried it on CPU_FAN1, no difference.

Im freaking out, what do I do? Is it a bad pump? or a bad commander core? What can I do?

 

[Harleybokula]

just double checked, my cpu temp is idling at 30-31C or 86-90F and appears to be working, no error messages anywhere, fans are spinning and everything attached to commander core is flashing red. Is this a bad commander core or what? Been waiting for awhile to build this, now will have to wait just a bit extra to gain control of my aio and fans in icue. thanks for the help!

also, tried the legacy version, no difference. so my pump is likely working, not going above 90F, but i cant control it or it wont even appear in icue,.. thanks for the help!

 

[c-attack]

8 hours ago, Harleybokula said:

have all my drivers installed for windows/mobo/gpu, and Icue is at v4.31.168 . Should I be using the Legacy v3.38.88 (For Legacy Devices)?

No, definitely not. That version has been end of life for almost 2 years. It only complicates firmware/software interactions. 
 

8 hours ago, Harleybokula said:

Im freaking out, what do I do? Is it a bad pump? or a bad commander core? What can I do?

Unfortunately this is a too common experience and the Commander Core can be very finicky. Did you end up getting the LCD top already?  That is another Iayer in this issue and the top is like a second device that must be in sync with the Com Core. 
 

First step with this is always do a full shutdown, then flip the PSU switch off. Now go back and disconnect that wide power out cable from Com Core to pump. Reconnect securely and make sure the white stripe is lined up. This connection is trouble spot number 1. If not exactly right it will put the AIO into that uncontrolled alarm mode. The pump is clearly running but that won’t matter if we can’t get it to talk. 
 

If you have the lcd top, pop it off the block and remount. The little socket connection is trouble spot number 2. Now flip the PSU back on and try starting up again. Flipping it off for 30 seconds forces the Com Core to a deep reboot on the next power on. Hopefully that resolves the first part of the issue. 
 

When it is in this alarm mode it is unlikely to be detected by CUE, but this can be a tricky issue even without the first part. Device detection is about the USB 2 cable and the Z690 is quirky about this for a fair number of users, something that seems to be resolved on Z790. If we can get the alarm response stopped and it is still not connected, there are some steps to try. 

Edited December 24, 2022 by c-attack

[Harleybokula]

2 hours ago, c-attack said:

No, definitely not. That version has been end of life for almost 2 years. It only complicates firmware/software interactions. 
 

Unfortunately this is a too common experience and the Commander Core can be very finicky. Did you end up getting the LCD top already?  That is another Iayer in this issue and the top is like a second device that must be in sync with the Com Core. 
 

First step with this is always do a full shutdown, then flip the PSU switch off. Now go back and disconnect that wide power out cable from Com Core to pump. Reconnect securely and make sure the white stripe is lined up. This connection is trouble spot number 1. If not exactly right it will put the AIO into that uncontrolled alarm mode. The pump is clearly running but that won’t matter if we can’t get it to talk. 
 

If you have the lcd top, pop it off the block and remount. The little socket connection is trouble spot number 2. Now flip the PSU back on and try starting up again. Flipping it off for 30 seconds forces the Com Core to a deep reboot on the next power on. Hopefully that resolves the first part of the issue. 
 

When it is in this alarm mode it is unlikely to be detected by CUE, but this can be a tricky issue even without the first part. Device detection is about the USB 2 cable and the Z690 is quirky about this for a fair number of users, something that seems to be resolved on Z790. If we can get the alarm response stopped and it is still not connected, there are some steps to try. 

I do not have the LCD upgrade kit yet, and I' glad I didnt buy it yet, this is the only part of the whole build that im struggling with. its super frustrating. So is it safe to say that I've got a faulty commander core? Should I send in for RMA or just buy the Commander core XL??   

I've tried what you recommended as well as running a separate SATA cable just for the ComCore, switching the ports on the commander core making sure all the fans line up the same on both sides(IE; fan #1 in slots #1 in both pwm and rgb) same for all the fans connected to Com Core. my pump appears to be working, but I cannot get signal. This is driving me nuts, everything is plugged in and working, everything is updated, all fans are spinning and pump is running, but everything on Com Core is blinking red and will not show up in Icue.. 

Is it because its hooked up to usb 2? I only have2x usb 2 and 2x usb 3.2 headers on mobo

what should I do? 

Thank you for the help!!

 

Edited December 24, 2022 by Harleybokula

[c-attack]

There is no telling whether the issue is on the Commander Core, the power line, or the pump itself.  There is a condition where the unit will do this and no amount of tinkering will help.  I have one like that and it becomes non-functional.  If you still have exchange options through the vendor, take it.  If not, then start a ticket with Corsair Support.  This is not related to the fans.  It's some type of  hardware issue between the two elements.  Some users are able to force update the firmware from CUE and this will make the AIO appear temporarily, but it then returns to the alarm state 30-60 seconds later.  There is no cure for this as far as I am aware.

 

You can't use a Commander XT to power the AIO.  No workaround there.  

[Harleybokula]

Can I still use the PC while I wait for a new ComCore XL?

(instead of the regular comcore)

 

 

[Harleybokula]

1 minute ago, c-attack said:

There is no telling whether the issue is on the Commander Core, the power line, or the pump itself.  There is a condition where the unit will do this and no amount of tinkering will help.  I have one like that and it becomes non-functional.  If you still have exchange options through the vendor, take it.  If not, then start a ticket with Corsair Support.  This is not related to the fans.  It's some type of  hardware issue between the two elements.  Some users are able to force update the firmware from CUE and this will make the AIO appear temporarily, but it then returns to the alarm state 30-60 seconds later.  There is no cure for this as far as I am aware.

 

You can't use a Commander XT to power the AIO.  No workaround there.  

I bought the aio unit off ebay, It claimed to be refurbished, so that probably hurts my chances of getting it fixed I imagine.  already put a ticket in to corsair, yet to hear back.

What should I do?