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Thread: Software control RGB fans without mobo header

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    Software control RGB fans without mobo header

    Hi all,

    This is possibly a stupid question, but I can't find a straightforward answer via Google. Basically I'm new to pc building. I want to add some RGB fans (likely dual colour, breathing pattern), I also want them to sync to my new graphics card (Sapphire Radeon RX 5700 XT Nitro+ ), but I don't have an RGB header on my motherboard. Is there a 3rd party controller that allows you to use aura etc. via a usb connection? The only option I've found is Corsair starter sets with their icue software, but I'm not sure this will work with the graphics card and ideally I was looking for a cheaper option. Thanks for any advice.

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    Re: Software control RGB fans without mobo header

    nothing like that on the market, you can have software operation controllers like corsair commander pro or cooler master rgb led controller but they do required a rgb header on the motherboard. other option is cheap sata powered controller with remote control but either way you will not be able to sync that gpu of yours

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    Re: Software control RGB fans without mobo header

    Thanks for the advice, I'll have to be more careful choosing the motherboard next time

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    Re: Software control RGB fans without mobo header

    Quote Originally Posted by half_empty_soul View Post
    nothing like that on the market, you can have software operation controllers like corsair commander pro or cooler master rgb led controller but they do required a rgb header on the motherboard. other option is cheap sata powered controller with remote control but either way you will not be able to sync that gpu of yours
    Things like Coolermaster led controller do NOT require an RGB header on the motherboard, it is controlled via usb and software.

    It won't sync as the OP wants but they will have the option to control the fan colour via software and get it to a same/similar colour
    Jon

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    Re: Software control RGB fans without mobo header

    Ah thanks Jon I'll look at coolermaster

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    Re: Software control RGB fans without mobo header

    Np
    Jon

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    Re: Software control RGB fans without mobo header

    I am pretty sure the commander pro does the same thing, ie just connect by USB and control by the software.
    Jon

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    Re: Software control RGB fans without mobo header

    Well....

    Firstly, your card has several threads (on places like Reddit) in which owners claim there is a 3-pin ARGB connector, which is supposed to connect to a corresponding 3-pin ARGB header on the motherboard, which they say is what's written in Sapphire's own paperwork that comes with the card. I don't know how true that is, but if you know what a 3-pin RGB header looks like perhaps you can confirm?
    It's a starting point, at least...

    Secondly, almost every graphics card with RGB has the LEDs on the cooler portion, which then connects to the actual PCB of the card with a removable cable. The connector may be proprietary, but is usually of a type commonly found in any half-decent electronics shop such as RS Components. Either way, it will have thre wires and there will be some way to connect this to a standard 3-pin connector.

    From either of these points, though the first one would be preferable, you can use any suitable USB-based RGB controller.
    I personally am a big fan of Aquacomputer, as their kit has *SO* many good points it's hard not to be a gushing fanboy about it. You'll need one small adapter for the RGB connector, which only costs about £2, unless you rewire your existing GPU connector for one that fits their RGBpx headers.

    If you're wanting loads more RGB all linked to this, get the Farbwerk360. If you're just after a strip or two plus the card, a Farbwerk Nano is probably good enough.
    For fans, they do also offer a Splitty4, which will even handle the proprietary (and thus very awkward) RGB from NXZT and Corsair fans.

    All of this synced and controlled through their comprehensive Aquasuite software, which is included with your purchase, and run through a USB motherboard header, no RGB headers needed. That last feature is what sold me on their stuff in the first place!
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    Re: Software control RGB fans without mobo header

    Hi,

    Thanks both. I've found the connector on the card but the LEDs are on the backplate rather than the fans.

    I've found an article about aquacomputer's equipment so I'll have a read, but I'm probably leaning towards corsair as I've just picked up one of their keyboards.

    Thanks

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    MCRN Tachi Ttaskmaster's Avatar
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    Re: Software control RGB fans without mobo header

    Quote Originally Posted by Srenron View Post
    Thanks both. I've found the connector on the card but the LEDs are on the backplate rather than the fans.
    Which is possibly a good thing, as it should effectively be just a normal LED strip, in terms of connecting and running it off a third party device.
    You should just need to identify which pin is the 5v one, and find a suitable way to connect to it, either with an adapter or (if you're lucky) a standard RGB connector.

    Can you post up a photo of it?
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