Explained: How To Connect RGB Fans To Motherboard

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Abdul Hadi

At HI Digital I test and write about different hardware configurations to show other PC users what they can expect from their build. My end goal is to educate the masses to make the right decision when they are looking for new PC parts to buy

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In order to connect an RGB fan to your motherboard, you will need to find suitable connectors on your motherboard. Furthermore, compatibility research before connecting a fan is necessary for a safe connection.

Key Takeaways

• Before purchasing an RGB fan for your PC, make sure that your motherboard is capable of running the fan.
• You will also have to check which type of fan you have and find the appropriate pins for it.
• To connect an RGB fan without an RGB header, you will need to connect an RGB controller to your motherboard.

Different Types Of RGB Fan Connections

We will discuss the steps to connect three different types of RGB fan connections 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, but the following steps that we came up with will make it easy for you.

First, find the appropriate port on your motherboard that matches the end of your RGB cable. 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. With the correct setup, you’ll easily customize and control your RGB lighting on compatible fans. 

Install the correct driver or software 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’ll need to make some changes to the BIOS.

Here’s how to do it:

1. Enter the BIOS mode. This can be done by pressing Delete or F2 on startup.
   
   Tip: However, this varies from PC to PC, and you might need to press a different key to enter BIOS mode.
    
2. Once in BIOS mode, select “Advanced Mode” > head to the Advanced tab > find the “System Agent Configuration” option > select Graphics Configuration from within that menu.
3. Then, set both the “Primary Display Port” or “PCI Express Slot State” and “Internal Graphics Mode” options to Enabled.
4. Finally, save your changes by hitting F10 and pressing Enter.

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. We recommend regularly testing the fan speed to ensure that these fans are functioning correctly.

Testing the fan speed requires only a few steps. Ensure 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, you should download and install software from the manufacturer onto their PCs if they do not receive one with the product.

Software such as MSI Mystic Light Sync or ASUS Aura Sync can be used for this. 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

PC builders 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.

It is essential to know what type of connection your motherboard supports and if it supports the fan you plan on using. 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 purchasing. 

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:

1. First, you need an RGB fan that has a 4-pin connector on it
2. This will fit into the header of your motherboard or controller.
3. 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.

Connect Fan To Power Supply

The most important part of this process is connecting the fan to a power supply before you even start.

Once you’ve identified that, 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 must configure their settings to work with your specific motherboard model. 

Steps For Connecting RGB Fans To Motherboard Without Headers

You will need to use a fan control hub or an RGB controller to connect RGB fans to a motherboard without headers.

Here are the steps:

Check Fan’s Type & Compatibility

First, you must 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.

If you have 4-pin RGB fans, 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 like temperature sensing and fan speed control.

If you have 3-pin RGB fans, you must 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.

Additional Tips

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 our guide has helped you learn how to connect RBG fans to a motherboard. 

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Abdul Hadi

[How-To Guides Expert]

Laiba, our tech guru at HI Digital, simplifies and crafts How-To Guides with a Google IT Support Certificate. Beyond tech, she captures the city’s aesthetics through her lens. Join her journey where tech meets creativity!

Get In Touch: Laiba@hidgt.com