Which RGB controller/hub do I need?

[FRD]

I'm looking to connect at least 4x 4-pin RGB lights to my Asus motherboard which has only 2x 4-pin RGB headers.

Now I only have got 1 2-way splitter cable that can connect 2x 4-pin RGB lights.

Of course I can buy 2 splitter cables if I want to attach 4 lights, but I would need a 3-way or 4-way splitter if I want to connect more and the unused cables will be hanging around if I want to connect more. Also I'm unsure about the power draw.

I'm kind of confused which kind of RGB controller or hub I need. Most seem to be for 3-pin or 4-pin fans only, I think they are not the same connectors as the 4-pin RGB header on the motherboard which my RGB strips and such need.

Please recommend me what I exactly need.

 

Would this cheap one work too? 

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/10000095545686.html?spm=a2g0o.productlist.0.0.132167f7wClH25&algo_pvid=f6a50a43-4a2e-4a40-8d8b-f222a5552168&algo_expid=f6a50a43-4a2e-4a40-8d8b-f222a5552168-2&btsid=0b0a182b16154609526851766e865a&ws_ab_test=searchweb0_0,searchweb201602_,searchweb201603_

 

Additional question. What if I would like to go ARGB in the future? Would I have to switch out my RGB controller/hub or can I connect a 4-pin RGB to 3-pin ARGB converter box to a 4-pin only RGB hub (daisy chain basically)?

[tdkid]

who makes the RGB strips? sometimes you have to buy their controller because of one reason or another. corsair makes a few products that might work for you, like these

 

CORSAIR Link Lighting Node

 

iCUE Lighting Node PRO RGB Lighting Controller (corsair.com)

 

iCUE Lighting Node CORE Digital Fan RGB Lighting Controller (corsair.com)

 

iCUE Commander PRO Smart RGB Lighting and Fan Speed Controller (corsair.com)

 

CORSAIR Link Cooling Node

 

and you do not have to hook up the extras that some of these controllers have like the sensors or temps. those just wont read in the program.

[thrasher_565]

4 hours ago, FRD said:

I'm looking to connect at least 4x 4-pin RGB lights to my Asus motherboard which has only 2x 4-pin RGB headers.

Now I only have got 1 2-way splitter cable that can connect 2x 4-pin RGB lights.

Of course I can buy 2 splitter cables if I want to attach 4 lights, but I would need a 3-way or 4-way splitter if I want to connect more and the unused cables will be hanging around if I want to connect more. Also I'm unsure about the power draw.

I'm kind of confused which kind of RGB controller or hub I need. Most seem to be for 3-pin or 4-pin fans only, I think they are not the same connectors as the 4-pin RGB header on the motherboard which my RGB strips and such need.

Please recommend me what I exactly need.

 

Would this cheap one work too? 

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/10000095545686.html?spm=a2g0o.productlist.0.0.132167f7wClH25&algo_pvid=f6a50a43-4a2e-4a40-8d8b-f222a5552168&algo_expid=f6a50a43-4a2e-4a40-8d8b-f222a5552168-2&btsid=0b0a182b16154609526851766e865a&ws_ab_test=searchweb0_0,searchweb201602_,searchweb201603_

 

Additional question. What if I would like to go ARGB in the future? Would I have to switch out my RGB controller/hub or can I connect a 4-pin RGB to 3-pin ARGB converter box to a 4-pin only RGB hub (daisy chain basically)?

if you think you want argb 3 pin i would buy that instead of rgb 4pin and buy an internal usb controller. there is an convertor to hook 3 pin argb fans to 4pin rgb mb header but it may or may not work and will make your 3pin argb fans dume and act like rgb fans so a wast.

 

as for what you have now splitor cables will work keep in mined that they are cloned from each other. meaning you cant have 1 strip one color and another strip another color if you want that you need more headers 1 per device. and there a max of 3maps on the header.

 

 

 

[FRD]

3 hours ago, tdkid said:

who makes the RGB strips? sometimes you have to buy their controller because of one reason or another. corsair makes a few products that might work for you, like these

 

CORSAIR Link Lighting Node

 

iCUE Lighting Node PRO RGB Lighting Controller (corsair.com)

 

iCUE Lighting Node CORE Digital Fan RGB Lighting Controller (corsair.com)

 

iCUE Commander PRO Smart RGB Lighting and Fan Speed Controller (corsair.com)

 

CORSAIR Link Cooling Node

 

and you do not have to hook up the extras that some of these controllers have like the sensors or temps. those just wont read in the program.

Actually I made a different topic not too long ago about RGB. For now I just have some cheap Chinese RGB strips that use the 12V 4-pin connector, I got that along with a 4-pin splitter. The connection on that Corsair Link Lighting Node looks similar like mine.

I don't have Corsair and I'm afraid that my strips won't work with those controllers if they're not from that brand. The strips that I have claim to work with Corsair iCue as well, but I have yet to test it. Basically this is still my first step into the RGB world, before I upgrade to the better stuff.

 

16 minutes ago, thrasher_565 said:

if you think you want argb 3 pin i would buy that instead of rgb 4pin and buy an internal usb controller. there is an convertor to hook 3 pin argb fans to 4pin rgb mb header but it may or may not work and will make your 3pin argb fans dume and act like rgb fans so a wast.

 

as for what you have now splitor cables will work keep in mined that they are cloned from each other. meaning you cant have 1 strip one color and another strip another color if you want that you need more headers 1 per device. and there a max of 3maps on the header.

 

 

 

I think later on I might want ARGB, but currently I'm just starting off with RGB and my motherboard only 4-pin RGB headers, no ARGB. That means I could only use the converter box. If the ARGB may not work using the RGB header, then I'm not sure if I want to take the gamble.

 

I'm aware that the splitter cable makes them behave the same, but thanks anyway. If it's 3 Amps on the header. Would that mean I can run 5 RGB strips using a 5-way splitter cable or is that too much?

Right now I'm just trying to find a controller, so I won't have to deal with splitter cables in my case everywhere.

[thrasher_565]

11 hours ago, FRD said:

Actually I made a different topic not too long ago about RGB. For now I just have some cheap Chinese RGB strips that use the 12V 4-pin connector, I got that along with a 4-pin splitter. The connection on that Corsair Link Lighting Node looks similar like mine.

I don't have Corsair and I'm afraid that my strips won't work with those controllers if they're not from that brand. The strips that I have claim to work with Corsair iCue as well, but I have yet to test it. Basically this is still my first step into the RGB world, before I upgrade to the better stuff.

 

I think later on I might want ARGB, but currently I'm just starting off with RGB and my motherboard only 4-pin RGB headers, no ARGB. That means I could only use the converter box. If the ARGB may not work using the RGB header, then I'm not sure if I want to take the gamble.

 

I'm aware that the splitter cable makes them behave the same, but thanks anyway. If it's 3 Amps on the header. Would that mean I can run 5 RGB strips using a 5-way splitter cable or is that too much?

Right now I'm just trying to find a controller, so I won't have to deal with splitter cables in my case everywhere.

well the only way to tell how much your rgb stuff uses is to use a multimeter and should test with a 100% bight wight. i dont no how you would test it thow.

 

if your mb has an rgb header why not just use that? and usb controller wont be better. there not many of them and not may of then that use the stander connector so then you might need to make your own cables or buy adapters so that could be like $100

 

if you want more then the 3amps then you need more headers from mb or controller or find somthing like this i had a look and coundent find anything.

 

another thing you can do is get a rgb Amplifier and wire then up and add power form the psu but that is soldering.

 

or you can buy an manual rgb controller were you push buttons to change the modes.

 

if you still want a usb controller ill list them.

 

12vRGB:

RGB Aquacomputer  aquaero 6 PRO 5.25 bay

RGB Aquacomputer aquaero 6 PRO 5.25 bay silver

RGB aquaero 6 XT Black/Blue 5.25 bay

RGB aquaero 6 XT Black/red 5.25 bay

RGB Aquacomputer aquaero 6 LT

RGB Aquacomputer aquaero 5 LT

 

RGB Aquacomputer RGB Splitty3

RGB Aquacomputer farbwerk USB

RGB Aquacomputer Farbwerk LED Controller USB | Bluetooth Version

 

RGB Thermaltake  GB Tt Premium Edition 140mm Software Enabled Circular RGB Led Ring

 

Both 12v rgb 5v Argb:

RGB ARGB Lamptron SM436 PCI RGB and Addressable RGB Fan and LED Controller (Silver)

RGB ARGB Lamptron SM436 PCI RGB and Addressable RGB Fan and LED Controller (black)

RGB ARGB Lamptron CE420 RGB Fan and Light Controller with Touch Screen and Remote

 

Coolermaster is crap! but they have both rgb and Argb Software Enabled controllers

 

Edited March 12, 2021 by thrasher_565

[FRD]

8 hours ago, thrasher_565 said:

well the only way to tell how much your rgb stuff uses is to use a multimeter and should test with a 100% bight wight. i dont no how you would test it thow.

 

if your mb has an rgb header why not just use that? and usb controller wont be better. there not many of them and not may of then that use the stander connector so then you might need to make your own cables or buy adapters so that could be like $100

 

if you want more then the 3amps then you need more headers from mb or controller or find somthing like this i had a look and coundent find anything.

 

another thing you can do is get a rgb Amplifier and wire then up and add power form the psu but that is soldering.

 

or you can buy an manual rgb controller were you push buttons to change the modes.

 

if you still want a usb controller ill list them.

 

12vRGB:

RGB Aquacomputer  aquaero 6 PRO 5.25 bay

RGB Aquacomputer aquaero 6 PRO 5.25 bay silver

RGB aquaero 6 XT Black/Blue 5.25 bay

RGB aquaero 6 XT Black/red 5.25 bay

RGB Aquacomputer aquaero 6 LT

RGB Aquacomputer aquaero 5 LT

 

RGB Aquacomputer RGB Splitty3

RGB Aquacomputer farbwerk USB

RGB Aquacomputer Farbwerk LED Controller USB | Bluetooth Version

 

RGB Thermaltake  GB Tt Premium Edition 140mm Software Enabled Circular RGB Led Ring

 

Both 12v rgb 5v Argb:

RGB ARGB Lamptron SM436 PCI RGB and Addressable RGB Fan and LED Controller (Silver)

RGB ARGB Lamptron SM436 PCI RGB and Addressable RGB Fan and LED Controller (black)

RGB ARGB Lamptron CE420 RGB Fan and Light Controller with Touch Screen and Remote

 

Coolermaster is crap! but they have both rgb and Argb Software Enabled controllers

 

Thanks for the info and many options. I think I can get along with this. Just need to see which one is for me. I need to research which ones are available here in Europe, since the ones you listed aren't all on sale anymore. I do like the 5.25" bay controllers, since I like the idea of adding a display to my case. Good to know that I should not pick Cooler Master. I do use the 2x RGB headers on my motherboard, I just need to power more RGB devices and I don't want to use a ton of splitter cables, like mentioned in my first post. I do like the ideas you came up with, even DIY is an option for things, but I would prefer to buy directly to make sure everything is working fine.

[thrasher_565]

4 hours ago, FRD said:

Thanks for the info and many options. I think I can get along with this. Just need to see which one is for me. I need to research which ones are available here in Europe, since the ones you listed aren't all on sale anymore. I do like the 5.25" bay controllers, since I like the idea of adding a display to my case. Good to know that I should not pick Cooler Master. I do use the 2x RGB headers on my motherboard, I just need to power more RGB devices and I don't want to use a ton of splitter cables, like mentioned in my first post. I do like the ideas you came up with, even DIY is an option for things, but I would prefer to buy directly to make sure everything is working fine.

ya you can buy the aquacomputer controller with out the lcd and its cheaper. but it dose not have a connector on it just wire crimps.

 

2 headers on the mb should be enough for your rgb stuff i mean i would just get extensions and hide all the cables behind the mb tray unless your case dose not have the room?

 

anyway i hope this helps if not i tried.

[FRD]

50 minutes ago, thrasher_565 said:

ya you can buy the aquacomputer controller with out the lcd and its cheaper. but it dose not have a connector on it just wire crimps.

 

2 headers on the mb should be enough for your rgb stuff i mean i would just get extensions and hide all the cables behind the mb tray unless your case dose not have the room?

 

anyway i hope this helps if not i tried.

I see. I found the Aquacomputer one, but it costs a whopping $175 with LCD, didn't find the one without LCD yet. Really cool, but it's better for me to buy more RGB than just the controller for that price. Hopefully the other are good too.

Extensions is the easiest way to go, I just hope not to have too much cable clutter. There's room behind my mb tray, but it's pretty filled up already. I have a full tower case, but it's an open design, not fully closed.

Yeah, your suggestions helped me so far, thanks a lot!

[thrasher_565]

11 hours ago, FRD said:

I see. I found the Aquacomputer one, but it costs a whopping $175 with LCD, didn't find the one without LCD yet. Really cool, but it's better for me to buy more RGB than just the controller for that price. Hopefully the other are good too.

Extensions is the easiest way to go, I just hope not to have too much cable clutter. There's room behind my mb tray, but it's pretty filled up already. I have a full tower case, but it's an open design, not fully closed.

Yeah, your suggestions helped me so far, thanks a lot!

ya w/e you do you going to have controllers and wires.

 

my pc will be the god of wires when im done...i think ill buy an labler but i also have a pace to hide it...

 

 

Edited March 13, 2021 by thrasher_565

[thrasher_565]

Aquacomputer aquaero 5 LT

 

ya i never said the rgb software controller were cheap. you can buy 3 argb fans with a corsair core for $80

Edited March 13, 2021 by thrasher_565

[FRD]

10 hours ago, thrasher_565 said:

ya w/e you do you going to have controllers and wires.

 

my pc will be the god of wires when im done...i think ill buy an labler but i also have a pace to hide it...

 

 

Wow, that's a huge and great air cooled case you have there with all the possible fans. And I thought I was having a lot of cables using 15 fans in my tower case.

Like you said, I can't really avoid the wires anyway, since either a controller or splitter will add more wires. I'm going to get a splitter first and then see which controller I will get later. I hope I can find a nice one with a display, I still have 2 unused 5.25" bays.

I do like the Corsair set you mentioned, but my case is currently filled with 15 fans, but not RGB yet. I'm mostly adding other RGB things first like strips and a GPU bracket.