Explained: How To Connect RGB Fans To Motherboard

RGB fans have become increasingly popular as the need for more efficient cooling solutions grows. The three primary colors used in lighting systems are Red, Green, and Blue; these are called RGB. Some people get worried about how to connect RGB fans to the motherboard. We’ll be discussing the way to do it in this article.

In this article, you’ll learn the basics of connecting RGB fans to your motherboard, what components you’ll need, and how to ensure that each step is done correctly. With these detailed instructions, you’ll be able to connect your RGB fans in no time.

Also Read: How To Clean PC Fans

Different Types Of RGB Fans

We will discuss the steps to connect three different types of RGB fans to the motherboard, which are: 

• 3-Pin RGB Fans.
• 4-Pin RGB Fans.
• RGB Fans Without Headers.

Steps For Connecting 3-Pin RGB Fans To A Motherboard

To connect 3-pin RGB fans to a motherboard, follow these steps:

Connecting The RGB Cable

Connecting the RGB cable to 3-pin fans can be tricky for those unfamiliar with basic computer hardware. First, find the appropriate port on your motherboard that matches the end of your RGB cable.

Depending on your type of motherboard, this may be a three or four-pin RGB header with a symbol similar to “RGB” or “ARGB” printed next to it. Once you have located this port, plug one end of the cable into it until it clicks securely into place.

Installing Motherboard Software

Installing a motherboard software for connecting 3-pin RGB fans to the motherboard is a straightforward process that requires minimal setup. You’ll easily customize and control your RGB lighting on compatible fans with the correct setup. 

Install the correct driver or software necessary for controlling and syncing up these lights. Finally, configure the settings required to get everything working correctly, and enjoy the customizations you can do with these lights!

Changing BIOS Settings

You can easily connect your 3-pin RGB fan and accompanying cable to the motherboard by changing the BIOS settings. Firstly, enter the BIOS mode. This can be done by pressing Delete or F2 on startup. However, this varies from PC to PC, and you might need to press a different key to enter BIOS mode. 

Once in BIOS mode, select Advanced Mode and head to the Advanced tab. From there, find the System Agent Configuration option and select Graphics Configuration from within that menu. Then set both Primary Display Port or PCI Express Slot State and Internal Graphics Mode Option to Enabled.

Finally, save your changes by hitting F10 and pressing Enter – this will restart your computer with your new RGB fan settings enabled!

Also Read: 120mm Vs 140mm Case Fans 

Test The Fan Speed

Connecting 3-pin RGB fans to your motherboard can provide additional cooling power and help reduce heat build-up in your system. To ensure that these fans are functioning correctly, you should regularly test the fan speed.

Testing the fan speed requires only a few simple steps, which can be completed in minutes. Ensure that all cables are correctly and securely connected to the PC and fan. Once you have verified this connection, use an application such as SpeedFan or HWMonitor to check the individual fan speeds within your system settings.

Assigning Color Modes

Users must know how to correctly assign color modes after connecting a 3-pin RGB fan to the motherboard. To start, users should download and install software from the manufacturer onto their PC if they do not receive one with the product. For this, software such as MSI Mystic Light Sync or ASUS Aura Sync can be used.

This will provide access to an interface where various colors and lighting effects can be selected for each fan. 

Steps For Connecting 4-Pin RGB Fans To A Motherboard

To connect 4-pin RGB fans to a motherboard, follow these steps:

Research Compatibility

Any PC builder must research compatibility when connecting 4-pin RGB fans to a motherboard. The standard for RGB fans has been the 4-pin connection compatible with most RGB headers built into motherboards.

Knowing what type of connection your motherboard supports and if it supports the fan you are planning on using is essential. Whether you have a basic setup or something more advanced, research can ensure all components work together seamlessly from start to finish.

Fortunately, many computer manufacturers have detailed specifications available online and in user manuals so users can determine if their equipment will be compatible before they make a purchase. 

Also, see our guide on How Many Fans Should a PC Have?

Connecting The RGB Cable

The first step is finding a connection on your motherboard that can support the RGB cable. Wiring up 4-pin RGB fans can be done in just a few steps with the correct cable.

First, you need an RGB fan that has a 4-pin connector on it; this will fit into the header of your motherboard or controller. Then, take the corresponding 4-pin RGB cable and plug it into the fan’s port at one end, and then plug the other end into either your motherboard or controller, whichever is available in your system.

Connect Fan To Power Supply

The most important part of this process is connecting the fan to a power supply before you even start. Before you connect the fan to a power supply, it’s essential to know what voltage rating the fan requires to run safely.

Once you’ve identified that information, slide two of the pins on your 4-pin RGB fan into an available header on your motherboard and then connect its other two pins to a 12V or 5V SATA connector from your PC’s power supply unit (PSU).

Install Software And Configure Settings

Installing and configuring software and settings to connect 4-pin RGB fans to your motherboard is essential for optimal performance. RGB fans allow you to customize the look of your computer, but they are also necessary for cooling the internal components.

Installing and configuring the software and settings is essential to ensure you get the most out of your RGB fan setup. The fourth step in installing 4-pin RGB fans on your motherboard is downloading the correct software from the manufacturer’s website.

After downloading this software, follow all instructions carefully to install it onto your computer. Once installed, you will need to configure the settings for them to work with your specific motherboard model. 

Steps For Connecting RGB Fans To Motherboard Without Headers

To connect RGB fans to a motherboard without headers, you will need to use a fan control hub or an RGB controller. Here are the steps:

Check Fan’s Type & Compatibility

First, you will need to determine which type of RGB fans you have. There are two main types: 4-pin RGB fans and 3-pin RGB fans, which can be connected directly to an RGB controller or a fan control hub.

Similar Guides: AIO Vs Air Cooler 

If you have 4-pin RGB fans, you have to connect them to your motherboard using a fan control hub. This device connects to a standard 4-pin fan header on the motherboard and allows you to control the RGB lighting on your fans. Some fan control hubs have additional features, such as temperature sensing and fan speed control.

If you have 3-pin RGB fans, you need to use an RGB controller to connect them to your motherboard.

Install The Fan Control Hub Or RGB Controller

Once you have determined which type of RGB fans you have and what device you need to connect them to your motherboard, you can begin the installation process. Install the fan control hub or RGB controller according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Connect RGB fans

Next, connect your RGB fans to the fan control hub or RGB controller using the appropriate cables. This will typically involve using either 4-pin or 3-pin connectors, depending on the type of fans you have.

Connect The Hub Or Controller To Your Motherboard

You can connect the hub or controller to your motherboard using a standard 4-pin fan header. This will allow you to control the RGB lighting on your fans using the motherboard’s BIOS or a software utility provided by the manufacturer of the hub or controller.

Customize The Lighting Settings

After successfully connecting your RGB fans to your motherboard, you can customize the lighting settings using the BIOS or software utility. This will typically involve selecting the colors and patterns you want your fans to display and setting additional features such as temperature sensing or fan speed control.

Connecting RGB fans to a motherboard without headers is a simple process. Just be sure to carefully follow the manufacturer’s instructions and use the appropriate cables and connectors to ensure a successful installation.

Also, check our DeepCool FC120 White 3-in-1 A-RGB Fans Review.

Conclusion

Connecting RGB fans to your motherboard is a great way to elevate the look of your computer. With the proper knowledge, you can easily find the right components and connectors needed to correctly connect RGB fans to your motherboard.

Ensure that you are using compatible parts and have selected the appropriate connection type for your system. Make sure to double-check all connections before powering on your device. Finally, take some time to experiment with connecting the RGB fans in different ways for a unique look. We hope that our guide has helped you learn about how to connect RBG fans to a motherboard.