[SOLVED] Do I need the Corsair Commander Pro?

[RSpearritt13]

Hi,

I’ve recently built my first pc and I’ve installed two Corsair LL120 RGB Fans and Corsair RGB Strips. Can I just use the Node pro and fan hub for my strips and fans rather than by the Commander Pro? If so, how do I got about this?

Thanks

 

[tennis2]

RGB is standardized, you're fine with the Node if your mobo can't do RGB control already.

 

[RSpearritt13]

RGB is standardized, you're fine with the Node if your mobo can't do RGB control already.

My mobo does have an RGB header. Can the strips just plug into that?

 

[tennis2]

Yes
Much like everything else in a computer, if something can plug into something else, it's ok. Everything has a specific connector to prevent plugging incompatible components together.

 

[RSpearritt13]

Yes
Much like everything else in a computer, if something can plug into something else, it's ok. Everything has a specific connector to prevent plugging incompatible components together.

Oh great. I’m a bit of a newbie to pc building sorry

 

[devbiker]

RGB is not standardized, not by any stretch of the imagination.
For Corsair RGB questions, check out the RGB FAQ at http://forum.corsair.com/v3/showthread.php?t=173880.

 

[Karadjgne]

The only thing that can be said to be standard about pc RGB is that there's nothing standard about it. Some use 5v, some use 12v. Some are 5050, some are 3pin ARGB, some are 4pin RGB, there's also 5pin and 6pin RGBW.

Compatability will depend on much research, seeing what fittings, voltages apply to what component, including the mobo ports and software. Vendor software like used by Thermaltake and NZXT and older stuff from Corsair was definitely proprietary in design, as was much of the hardware, and may or may not be compliant with Mystic or AORUS or Aura or Polychrome.

RGB is getting better, but it's far from perfectly sync'd the way fan control is, as far as mix-n-match goes.

As it is, the lighting node pro comes with 2 channels, 1 channel will handle upto 6 Corsair (proprietary connectors) ARGB fans via the included hub, the other channel can power upto 4 ARGB strips (included).

The Only reason to get the Commander would be IF you wanted the Corsair software to also monitor/control fan speeds. Otherwise the Node Pro is plenty good enough and the connectors should physically match. You will need the mini-USB to USB 2.0 cable for use with the iCue software to have any control over colors whatsoever. This can be an issue on some mobo's as they've cut out any USB2.0 headers in favor of USB 3.0/3.1

 

[VirtualValtyr]

And do NOT plug the rgb cable that comes off of your LL120 fans into the rgb (or argb) header on your motherboard. I know you can technically push the connector over the rgb pins, but it will damage something. At the very least it will blow the leds in the fan, at worse it could damage the rgb controller and harm your motherboard.
As @Karadjgne stated above, Corsair uses a proprietary connector and wiring implementation. Most argb fans just have 3 wires, 5v data and ground. But the LL fans have four, 5v-data in-data out- ground (and I don't even think it's in that order). Anyways, I hope you were able to get your setup working!