Aio pump header vs CPU header

[RxDealer]

Halfway through my first build, and I'm stuck. I'm using a strix z270e mobo and the kraken x62 cooler. The kraken's manual says to plug the 3 pin connector from the power cord coming from the pump to the cpu_fan header whereas the z270e's manual says to plug it into the aio pump header. Can anyone explain the correct way to do it please? I've heard you can't leave the CPU header empty. I'm also running the hue+ and was wondering if my two other case fans should plug into the mobo or into the 4 plug daisy chain off the kraken pump. Any help is appreciated

 

[raisonjohn]

You can connect the X62 either way (CPU_FAN) or (AIO_PUMP). Both headers are Q-Fan Controlled (variable speed) and the Kraken X62 features a variable pump. If you decide on using the (AIO_PUMP), make sure you connect a fan into the (CPU_FAN) header.

Your two other case fans can also be connected either way [kraken pump] or (CHA_FAN1) or (CHA_FAN2) or other fan headers. If you connect the case fans to the pump, the PWM/speed of the case fans will be based on the temperature reading where the AIO is connected (and to can be controlled via CAM Software, if I'm not mistaken, since it is connected to the X62). If you connect the case fans to the other fan headers (which, in your MB, are technically all PWMs), then you can control its speed via Q-Fan Control/BIOS.

 

[RxDealer]

Ok that's what I thought. My next question is if the cam software can control the pump and fan speeds separately. Ideally I would like my pump to be maxed at 100% all the time, but don't want my fans blasting away all the time. I am worried that if I plug all my fans into the kraken connector, I will lose the ability to control them independently. My goal, although not sure if it's possible, is to only have to use 1 program to control all, instead of controlling fans via mobo or asus software and kraken pump via cam software. Any thoughts?

 

[raisonjohn]

There are some reports that the CAM software is sometimes buggy especially during version updates. I am not sure if you can control the pump and fan speeds separately since they are both connected to 1 header (chances are, you cannot). I would prefer to control the fan speeds via Q-Fan control/BIOS than the CAM software for stability (only use the CAM software for the lighting effects).

An alternative configuration is to plug in your pump solely to the AIO_PUMP (note that this header can be Q-Fan Controlled *BUT* the *Default Setting* is Full Speed/100%). Then connect the radiator fans of your AIO to the CPU_FAN (which is Q-Fan Controlled/PWM by default). This way, the pump always runs at 100%, while the rad fans would run depending on the CPU temps. The rest of the fans (case fans) can be plugged in at the most convenient CHA_FAN location in your Z270E.

With the above setup, you'll only be using the CAM software to control the LED effects of the X62. You won't be using the CAM to control the pump - since it will always run in 100% by *default* in the AIO_PUMP header (check make sure it is, in Asus BIOS). The rest of your fans are controlled via MB/BIOS. So, your primary program to control all is via MB/Asus Software (not the CAM, which a lot of users report as 'buggy').

 

[Kamil_22]

There are some reports that the CAM software is sometimes buggy especially during version updates. I am not sure if you can control the pump and fan speeds separately since they are both connected to 1 header (chances are, you cannot). I would prefer to control the fan speeds via Q-Fan control/BIOS than the CAM software for stability (only use the CAM software for the lighting effects).

An alternative configuration is to plug in your pump solely to the AIO_PUMP (note that this header can be Q-Fan Controlled *BUT* the *Default Setting* is Full Speed/100%). Then connect the radiator fans of your AIO to the CPU_FAN (which is Q-Fan Controlled/PWM by default). This way, the pump always runs at 100%, while the rad fans would run depending on the CPU temps. The rest of the fans (case fans) can be plugged in at the most convenient CHA_FAN location in your Z270E.

With the above setup, you'll only be using the CAM software to control the LED effects of the X62. You won't be using the CAM to control the pump - since it will always run in 100% by *default* in the AIO_PUMP header (check make sure it is, in Asus BIOS). The rest of your fans are controlled via MB/BIOS. So, your primary program to control all is via MB/Asus Software (not the CAM, which a lot of users report as 'buggy').

Greetings, im in the same kinda situation here. but i have one question, the radiator has 2 fans, how do i connect both fans to the cpu fan header since because there is only one cpu header on the z270e mobo or might i be wrong?

 

[RxDealer]

The kraken has a daisy chain that you run all the fans off of or there is also enough headers on the mobo if you want to go that route