[SOLVED] Casefans help please!!

Jan 10, 2022
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Soooo, basically I have the cougar mx 410 mesh g argb. It comes with 4 fans and a fanhub/controller idk cus I’m stupid.
Now my slight problem is that the fans are going 100% at all times because they are plugged in from the power supply to the fanhub/controller with 12 V power. So I was just wondering if there was a 12V to fan-motherboard header or something that allows me to control the fans.
 
Solution
you could go into your bios and control the fan speeds from their.. most boards allow that...

also do you have all the cables plugged in.. (ie a 4/6 pin cable should be next to the cable that says "reset sw" on the controller). that 4/6 pin cables other end should be plugged into a 4 fan header on the motherbard.. its how you can get to use the "sync all leds"
Jan 10, 2022
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Most fan hub controllers have at least a manual fan speed adjustment button/dial, or they feed from an input signal from a mobo fan header.

I don't see any mention of a fan controller coming with that case. Only an LED controller.

So the led controller has no control over the fans even tho it feeds them power?
 
Jan 10, 2022
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The LED controller powers the LEDs on the fans. There should be 2 wires coming off each fan. 1 to power the fan itself, 1 to power the LEDs.
[/QUOTE

There is just one cable that ends in a connector with 4small cables and two empty holes on the side. That plugs into slots with 6 pins on the led controller I believe
 

steveb1976

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Oct 4, 2020
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you could go into your bios and control the fan speeds from their.. most boards allow that...

also do you have all the cables plugged in.. (ie a 4/6 pin cable should be next to the cable that says "reset sw" on the controller). that 4/6 pin cables other end should be plugged into a 4 fan header on the motherbard.. its how you can get to use the "sync all leds"
 
Solution
Jan 10, 2022
16
0
10
you could go into your bios and control the fan speeds from their.. most boards allow that...


also do you have all the cables plugged in.. (ie a 4/6 pin cable should be next to the cable that says "reset sw" on the controller). that 4/6 pin cables other end should be plugged into a 4 fan header on the motherbard.. its how you can get to use the "sync all leds"

Well the one next to the reset sw is connected to an rgb or rainbow thing on the motherboard. Otherwise except for the fan connections there are two LED marked ones of which one is connected to the led strips at the front. There does not seem to be a cable that I can plug in a fan connector on the motherboard
 
Jan 10, 2022
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steveb1976

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Well the one next to the reset sw is connected to an rgb or rainbow thing on the motherboard. Otherwise except for the fan connections there are two LED marked ones of which one is connected to the led strips at the front. There does not seem to be a cable that I can plug in a fan connector on the motherboard

my mistake. i worked on a friends cougar case, but he had different "controller" from the 1 in the PDF file in the link.. do any of the fans that are plugged in to fans 1-6. have a 2nd pin attached to the(3pin or 4pin), if so you could buy a fan cable splitter,and and attach them to that and then to the fan header on the board (cable will cost about £3($5 or 4 euros)... if not check out ebay for another cheap controller only about £10.. i use the "gamemaxx" controlller, comes with a remote to control speed and RGB..
 
Jan 10, 2022
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my mistake. i worked on a friends cougar case, but he had different "controller" from the 1 in the PDF file in the link.. do any of the fans that are plugged in to fans 1-6. have a 2nd pin attached to the(3pin or 4pin), if so you could buy a fan cable splitter,and and attach them to that and then to the fan header on the board (cable will cost about £3($5 or 4 euros)... if not check out ebay for another cheap controller only about £10.. i use the "gamemaxx" controlller, comes with a remote to control speed and RGB..
I’m not totally sure what you meant with the splitter, could you send a link?
 

Paperdoc

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I can understand your confusion and frustration. Start with the FANS. If I read this all right, each fan had only ONE cable coming out of it, with a connector on the end with SIX holes. This fits cleanly onto the FANn headers on the case's fan Hub. Is that right?

If yes, that makes them the Vortex RGB FCB 120 fan kit style from Cougar, with a NON-standard cable on them. That connector can NOT be connected directly to any standard mobo fan header; its ONLY connection can be to the Hub fan ports.

That gives you exactly what you are experiencing. That Hub has a connection to power for both lights and fan motors. It has outputs for two light strips on the front and six fans containing lights. It has a connection l;line to reach the case's manual lighting display button, and another to connect to a mobo 3-pinARGB header, and the Hub CAN allow the mobo lighting display control to take over. But this Hub has NO connection to any mobo fan header, so it can NOT use any header's speed control system to control the fans on the hub, nor can it report any fan motor speed to the mobo. The Hub has NO way to exercise control of the speeds of its fans, so those fans can only run at one speed. That will be full speed at all times. The Hub provides no means to change that, and the fans' 6-pin non-standard connectors do NOT give you any simple way to plug them into standard mobo fan headers.

To gain speed control of those fans by connecting them to standard mobo fan headers you would have to change the connections of each of them with custom re-wiring. To start you would need to know exactly what each of the six wires on that connector is. Then you'd have to cut off the ones involved in fan MOTOR control and power, and leave attached the ones associated with the lights. By leaving the old connectors with lighting wires only plugged into the Hub you would maintain control of lighting displays that way. THEN you'd have to attach proper standard fan connectors onto the ends of the wires you cut off, and use those to make connections to mobo fan headers. All that requires some DIY skill, specific knowledge of the wire functions, and some parts.
 
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Jan 10, 2022
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I can understand your confusion and frustration. Start with the FANS. If I read this all right, each fan had only ONE cable coming out of it, with a connector on the end with SIX holes. This fits cleanly onto the FANn headers on the case's fan Hub. Is that right?

If yes, that makes them the Vortex RGB FCB 120 fan kit style from Cougar, with a NON-standard cable on them. That connector can NOT be connected directly to any standard mobo fan header; its ONLY connection can be to the Hub fan ports.

That gives you exactly what you are expriencing. That Hub has a connection to power for both lights and fan motors. It has outputs for two light strips on the front and six fans containing lights. It has a connection l;line to reach the cse's manual lighting display button, and another to connect to a mobo 3-pinARGB header, and the Hub CAN allow the mobo lighting display control to take over. But this Hub has NO connection to any mobo fan header, so it can NOT use any header's speed control system to control the fans on the hub, nor can it report any fan motor speed to the mobo. The Hub has NO way to exercise control of the speeds of its fans, so those fans can only run at one speed. That will be full speed at all times. The Hub provides no means to change that, and the fans' 6-pin non-stanrdard connectors do NOT give you any simple way to plug them into standard mobo fan headers.
I believe you got all of it correct there, so just to be clear there is no way to change the speed of the fans at all.
I might be totally wrong but I had an idea that if you could control the power going into the controller you could control the fans but that might be wrong.
 

Paperdoc

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"I might be totally wrong but I had an idea that if you could control the power going into the controller you could control the fans but that might be wrong. "

Well, that's another way. But now we're talking about custom re-wiring of the power supply lines into the Hub from a SATA power output of the PSU. First, recognize that what follows ASSUMES that the 12 VDC power supply to that Hub is used ONLY for powering the MOTORS of the fans, and not involved in the lights. That is a reasonable assumption - those lights do NOT make any use of the 12 VDC supply. So then the aim becomes how to change the +12 VDC supply lines into the Hub into VARIABLE DCV supplies from a mobo fan header. AND that fan header will have to be configured for the older Voltage Control Mode (aka DC Mode), not to use the new PWM Mode. That also is possible. The trickier part is this. In the SATA power connection cable from PSU to Hub there are THREE wires carrying power from a PSU +12 VDC line to the Hub, although AT the Hub's input connector I think only ONE of the wires brings that supply in. So probably AT the Hub end of that cable you would need to DISconnect the +12 VDC wire from the cable to the Hub connector, and then connect to that Hub power input pin a wire bringing power from Pin #2 of one mobo fan header. That is the variable +DVC power supply line from a header that is using Voltage Control Mode. In this way you could remove all source of +12 VDC power at the Hub and replace it with +DC power of varying Voltage from a single mobo fan header, and let the Hub distribute that to all its fans' motors,

Again, that requires some DIY skills, and certainly voids any warranty on the fan and lighting system.
 
Jan 10, 2022
16
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"I might be totally wrong but I had an idea that if you could control the power going into the controller you could control the fans but that might be wrong. "

Well, that's another way. But now we're talking about custom re-wiring of the power supply lines into the Hub from a SATA power output of the PSU. First, recognize that what follows ASSUMES that the 12 VDC power supply to that Hub is used ONLY for powering the MOTORS of the fans, and not involved in the lights. That is a reasonable assumption - those lights do NOT make any use of the 12 VDC supply. So then the aim becomes how to change the +12 VDC supply lines into the Hub into VARIABLE DCV supplies from a mobo fan header. AND that fan header will have to be configured for the older Voltage Control Mode (aka DC Mode), not to use the new PWM Mode. That also is possible. The trickier part is this. In the SATA power connection cable from PSU to Hub there are THREE wires carrying power from a PSU +12 VDC line to the Hub, although AT the Hub's input connector I think only ONE of the wires brings that supply in. So probably AT the Hub end of that cable you would need to DISconnect the +12 VDC wire from the cable to the Hub connector, and then connect to that Hub power input pin a wire bringing power from Pin #2 of one mobo fan header. That is the variable +DVC power supply line from a header that is using Voltage Control Mode. In this way you could remove all source of +12 VDC power at the Hub and replace it with +DC power of varying Voltage from a single mobo fan header, and let the Hub distribute that to all its fans' motors,

Again, that requires some DIY skills, and certainly voids any warranty on the fan and lighting system.

I would not say that I have the required skills and more to preform that.

But other than that I assume that there is no other option than buying new fans?
 

Paperdoc

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Buying and installing new fans with suitable ratings and standard connectors is the easy way, assuming your mobo has the headers you need. For fans that's not too hard, although you need a bit of info on WHAT things are important for case ventilation fans. For the lights, it is critical that the LIGHTS in the fans you buy match the type of lighting header on your mobo. There are two types: plain RGB with a 4-pin header supplying 12 VDC power, and the more complex Addressable RGB with a 3-pin header supplying 5 VDC. Post back here the mobo maker and exact model number so we can look up its features and advise.
 
Jan 10, 2022
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Buying and installing new fans with suitable ratings and standard connectors is the easy way, assuming your mobo has the headers you need. For fans that's not too hard, although you need a bit of info on WHAT things are important for case ventilation fans. For the lights, it is critical that the LIGHTS in the fans you buy match the type of lighting header on your mobo. There are two types: plain RGB with a 4-pin header supplying 12 VDC power, and the more complex Addressable RGB with a 3-pin header supplying 5 VDC. Post back here the mobo maker and exact model number so we can look up its features and advise.

Idk model number sorry but it’s an MSI MAG B550 Tomahawk
 

Paperdoc

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That tells me exactly what mobo you have. You're in luck. It has TWO headers of EACH of the two types. So you can use fans with EITHER type of lights in them, but I suggest you get all four replacement fans the same. They all need to be 120mm size, and I suggest you should get fans with the newer PWM design (4-pin) of motors. If you get them with the Addressable RGB (3-pin 5VDC) type of lights in their frames, then you can use the JRAINBOW mobo headers to power and control them. You also could feed those signals into the Hub supplied with the case using its supplied cable to connect to an ARGB header (or Splitter) and then leave the two front RGB Light Strips connected to that Hub so they also light up.

Your mobo has six SYS_FAN headers for fan motors, so you can easily connect each fan to its own header. Just make sure in BIOS Setup that you configure all the headers you use the same so that all the fans do the same thing. And NOTE this: the manual says that all of the SYS_FAN headers arrive set by default to use the older DC Mode for control. Set them instead to use PWM Mode for 4-pin fans if that's what you buy.

Now, that leaves you with four fans (plus a connection cable to the Hub) to feed from two JRAINBOW headers. You are probably are aware of fan SPLITTERS for motors. Likewise there are SPLITTERS for 3-pin ARGB LIGHTS, like this two-pack of Splitters with three outputs each

https://www.amazon.com/Splitter-Ext...1878233&sprefix=ARGB+Splitter,aps,129&sr=8-15

NOTE that the units are made with female connects on all arms, but come with six little gender-changer adapters so you can convert the three output arms each to male connectors and plug in your lighting cables from fans. With this you could connect the three front fans' lighting cables to one JRAINBOW header, and the rear fan plus the cable for the Hub to another header. Then you download and run the free utility MSI Mystic Light to control all your lights.

If you need any help understanding what to look for in fans, post back here.
 
Jan 10, 2022
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That tells me exactly what mobo you have. You're in luck. It has TWO headers of EACH of the two types. So you can use fans with EITHER type of lights in them, but I suggest you get all four replacement fans the same. They all need to be 120mm size, and I suggest you should get fans with the newer PWM design (4-pin) of motors. If you get them with the Addressable RGB (3-pin 5VDC) type of lights in their frames, then you can use the JRAINBOW mobo headers to power and control them. You also could feed those signals into the Hub supplied with the case using its supplied cable to connect to an ARGB header (or Splitter) and then leave the two front RGB Light Strips connected to that Hub so they also light up.

Your mobo has six SYS_FAN headers for fan motors, so you can easily connect each fan to its own header. Just make sure in BIOS Setup that you configure all the headers you use the same so that all the fans do the same thing. And NOTE this: the manual says that all of the SYS_FAN headers arrive set by default to use the older DC Mode for control. Set them instead to use PWM Mode for 4-pin fans if that's what you buy.

Now, that leaves you with four fans (plus a connection cable to the Hub) to feed from two JRAINBOW headers. You are probably are aware of fan SPLITTERS for motors. Likewise there are SPLITTERS for 3-pin ARGB LIGHTS, like this two-pack of Splitters with three outputs each

https://www.amazon.com/Splitter-Extension-Addressable-Connector-Computer/dp/B09DGCK54V/ref=sr_1_15?crid=2XLUMJWK7GB4B&keywords=argb+splitter&qid=1641878233&sprefix=ARGB+Splitter,aps,129&sr=8-15

NOTE that the units are made with female connects on all arms, but come with six little gender-changer adapters so you can convert the three output arms each to male connectors and plug in your lighting cables from fans. With this you could connect the three front fans' lighting cables to one JRAINBOW header, and the rear fan plus the cable for the Hub to another header. Then you download and run the free utility MSI Mystic Light to control all your lights.

If you need any help understanding what to look for in fans, post back here.
I would like some recommendations for fans, not something to expensive but still quality stuff
 
that makes them the Vortex RGB FCB 120 fan kit style from Cougar, with a NON-standard cable on them. That connector can NOT be connected directly to any standard mobo fan header; its ONLY connection can be to the Hub fan ports.
Had to watch a review video to discover this but yeah, Paperdoc is right. This is a ridiculous implementation in the effort to reduce cable clutter. At least they're 1200rpm, so they shouldn't be TOO loud....
 
If they wanted to go proprietary, they should've done what Paperdoc suggested. Keep the single cable off the fan, but do a short branch-out into LED and Fan at the end of the cable where it would plug into the fan controller. Their choice whether they'd want to upgrade the functionality of the controller to accept fan speed control from the mobo or just include a Y-splitter(s) to bring the fan connection(s) onto the mobo. Likely cost savings....
 

Paperdoc

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I can make some suggestions, but to get many more, try starting a new thread with a title specifically asking for recommendations of 4-pin PWM fans with ARGB lights in the 120mm size. That will get you so many ideas it may take some time to sort through!

First, criteria in choosing fans. On makers' websites most of these specs should be shown. If not, be skeptical of the fan.
Size: 120 mm to fit your spaces. That is the width of one SIDE of a square fan frame.
Fan MOTOR type: PWM preferred (4-pin connector)
Cabling: should have TWO cables, one each for motor and lights, and each with "standard" connectors on the ends.
Lighting type: Addressable RGB (not plain RGB), also called ADDR RGB, ARGB, Digital RGB. These have female connectors with THREE holes (looks like it had 4 holes, but one is blocked off) and carry a power supply of 5 VDC. Photos almost always show these with rainbow lights, whereas the plain RGB sill be shown with only one colour throughout the fan.

Performance specs
Air Flow (max at full speed, unimpeded air flow path) usually in CFM the higher the better. Conversion factor 1.00 CFM = 1.70 m³/hr if it's spec'd in those units). Usually 50 to 65 CFM, VERY high flow up to 100 CFM but noisy.
Pressure (full speed max backpressure resistance to air flow it can push against before there is zero air flow) in mm of water, typically 1 to 2 for case ventilation fans (your application). Should be upper 2's to 4 for rad fans and heatsinks, NOT your need.
Noise at full speed in dBA, lower is quieter. Typically 15 to 25, may be over 30 for very powerful fans.
RPM (max rotational speed) is less important - focus instead on air flow rating.
Voltage should be 12 VDC max for the motor, 5 VDC for the lights.
Current draw max in amps (maybe mA). SHOULD be specified separately for the motor and the lights, because they draw from different sources. Typically 0.10 to 0.25 A for fan motor; a normal mobo fan header can supply up to 1.0 A total load for all motors attached to EACH header. For lights, one lighting unit (one fan frame) typically is 0.2 to 0.5 A and the header can supply up to 3.0 A. Some headers also carry a spec for the max number of LED's on one header, not usually a limit for you.
Watts: sometimes for lights or motors the electrical consumption is specified in Watts (Watts = Volts x Amps) instead of each component separately.
Fan Lifetime: hard to judge. The Warranty period can be a good clue, and user comments can help sometimes. SOME makers (e.g. Noctua) have well-established reps for long life, and some DO last a long time but are not widely recognized as such.

Of these, Size must match the mounting location, Air Flow is most important, Pressure is important mostly for fans on rads and heatsinks but not for case ventilation, Noise is your own preference, RPM really does not matter. Voltage is standard for almost all fan motors (you can get odd ones for special uses), but Voltage IS vital for the LIGHTS. Current or Watts becomes important only when you are combining several units on one header using a Splitter.

So, OP, for your situation you should concentrate your search on: 120 mm size, 4-pin PWM fan motor, 3-pin ARGB lights in the frame, and check that the fan does not use some non-standard connectors. Then you can narrow down according to price, noise, perceptions of quality and reputation of the maker's products, user comments, and perhaps your preference (if any) of fan colour.

I like Noctua fans, BUT I do not believe they make ANY with lights in their frames. Several makers known for lighted fans come to mind: Corsair, Cooler Master, Phanteks (odd connectors, but supply adapters), beQuiet, Thermaltake, Arctic, Deepcool. Each sell several lines, SOME of which are PWM fans with ARGB lights, and each line has slightly different features. Often you can get fans in three-packs or singles, and some of the three-packs come with accessories (like Controllers) you may not need.