Thanks for the quick and informative response, that helps a lot!
Quick clarification and follow up: I bought the 4000D Airflow, which I'm now realizing doesn't come with a fan controller. So I think I will need another controller for PWM for fans 7 and 8. Is that right? If so, which?
For RGB, I do want to be able to take full advantage of the iCUE software and send waves/etc across the fans, or at least the 5 QLs visible from the side panel. It sounds like I need to choose between all 5 QL120s on the Lighting Node Core w/ 3 MLs on the Commander Core, *OR* just the 3 exhaust QL120s (rear and top mounted) connected to the Lighting Node Core, with all 5 radiator fans (3 ML at front intake pushing air through radiator and 2 QL pulling) connected to the Commander Core.
If all 5 QLs are on the Lighting Node Core (to be able to send waves across all the interior fans visible from side panel), will the 3 MLs on the Commander Core still be synched with the QLs (but obviously not able to do the same effects b/c no rings and less LEDs/etc)? Which connection setup would you recommend?
Thanks again for the info, it's greatly appreciated!