[SOLVED] Connecting CPU water block RGB to non RGB motherboard

[Skytten]

Hello peeps

(Apologise if this is the wrong thread to create this topic in)
I've spent quite some time researching and asking for help, but I still haven't found the right solution. I've spent so much money already on my water cooling setup, so I'd rather not waste any more on stuff that won't work.
So now I've decided to ask you guys for some help.

I've bought EK-Velocity RGB water block: https://www.ekwb.com/shop/ek-velocity-rgb-nickel-acetal
And I've got Gigabyte Z170x Gaming 7 rev.1 as my motherboard: https://www.gigabyte.com/Motherboard/GA-Z170X-Gaming-7-rev-10#ov

The CPU water block has a 4 pin 12v RGB cable, but my motherboard doesn't seem to support that directly. So what I'm wondering, are there any adapter or controller that gives me the opportunity to enjoy this lovely RGB?

Everything is working fine, expect the RGB lighting, and I would really like for it to work =)
I assume there's probably some information missing, and if so, please feel free to ask for it.

Any help or tips are really appreciated!

Sincerely Skytten

 

[rubix_1011]

I would say you can use the EK Loop Connect, but it uses 3-pin 5v aRGB headers: https://www.ekwb.com/custom-loop/connect/

and your block is 4-pin 12v RGB: RGB connector classic 4-pin (12+ G R B)

Why EK have done this, I have no idea, because I have a similar EK CPU block that is also 4-pin 12v as well as a Velocity GPU block, which is also 4-pin 12v RGB.

The EK Loop Connect would be a lot better if it supported both 3-pin 5v and 4-pin 12v components....both of which EK sells. It really makes little sense other than moving to aRGB is probably their long-term plan as it supports more features.

The Gigabyte site isn't cooperating to see what RGB/aRGB options your board supports...which is annoying when it takes such a long time....anddddddddd....looks like zero RGB/aRGB other than the LED lighting accent?

SO.....

You can find a 4-pin 12v RGB controller on Amazon and use it - most come with a remote to control color, although not the full spectrum.

Actually, looks like there is a weird one by Deep Cool that might do something like this for you:

https://www.amazon.com/DEEP-COOL-Co...ds=4pin+rgb+controller&qid=1588771357&sr=8-34

Although, you don't have a motherboard header to utilize...so maybe its back to finding a 12v 4pin RGB controller that you like.

https://www.amazon.com/Computer-Mag...in+12v+rgb+control+sata&qid=1588772464&sr=8-3

This is one that could work. If you need additional splitter cables, just look for 4pin RGB splitter or connectors. There are a lot of options.

 

[Skytten]

Thank you so much for your reply Your second link doesn't seem to be valid 🙁 As the product in first link seems to require some form for header on my motherboard to utilize I don't think I can use that. Not really sure. It just transform 5v to 12v? Or other way around as well. Problem is I have neither one of those =) But I'm looking forward to what the product on second link was
And I got plenty of splitters, I've got 12 fans installed and 3 controllers from Corsair, so had to prepare for that problem already, it's also splitters with extra Molex cable connection, so should be fine.

 

[rubix_1011]

This one doesn't work?

https://www.amazon.com/Computer-Mag...in+12v+rgb+control+sata&qid=1588772464&sr=8-3

You can search on Amazon in the search box for "4pin 12v rgb control sata". This finds items that are powered by PC SATA so they turn on when the computer powers up. I have one these that I use with multiple splitters to control my lighting since the 4pin RGB wasn't able to effectively power all my devices. I would have needed a powered splitter to do that.

 

[Skytten]

No the link doesn't work. Just a bunch of random pictures shows up for sale. But it looks like the hub/controller won't fit with the cable I need to fit. Those are for fan cables, which is no problem. But it's hard to be entirely sure since there are no good "above" pictures of em.

I wonder if my cable would fit in this one? https://www.coolermaster.com/catalog/coolers/rgb-accessories/rgb-led-controller/#image-Item3

Or maybe this one could be a solution: https://shop.aquacomputer.de/product_info.php?products_id=3232

It just seems so far fetched, I mean there's gotta be a bunch of people with that same kind of problem, or maybe that many don't have RGB in their CPU block.

 

[rubix_1011]

Those would both work for you, the Cooler Master one would be more 'user friendly' but the other should work provided it offers USB interface with software.

 

[Skytten]

Just an update, there's probably several viable solutions to this problem, but the one I used was a cheap adapter that I usually use for my LED strips.

https://contestimg.wish.com/api/web...cache_buster=5a88cfc56d0685fbf397200af3432b71
Just with much smaller power supply =)

But it works perfectly, so other in the same situation could use the same solution, thanks for the help though!