Question Where to plug AIO on a MB without pump header?

[Tex-Twil]

Hi,
I have the Gigabyte Z390 Gaming X Motherboard (PDF manual here) and the DeepCool Castle EX 240. The MB does not have a dedicated header for a AIO pump and has 1 CPU_FAN header and 3 SYS_FAN

I'm not quite sure to which headers I should plug the pump and the two AIO radiator fans. I tried plugging the pump to the CPU_FAN and the radiators fans to a SYS_FAN via a Y splitter but the temps where quite high at idle (50C with a i9700 non OC)

The BIOS has some fan settings but I don't know which one to choose

 

[Darkbreeze]

Yes, pump to CPU_FAN header and fans to SYS_FAN2.

Then, in the BIOS, you need to set the CPU_FAN header to 100% operation, at all times. No variable rate. Then, set the radiator fans (SYS_FAN2) to normal or silent (Or create a custom curve using manual), whichever you prefer and you can do some trial and error playing around in this area, BUT, you need to also find the setting for that fan header that allows you to change WHAT thermal sensor controls that fan header, (Fan control temperature input) and change it to the CPU because by default it is probably set to motherboard or VRM. You want the radiator fans reacting directly to CPU temperature, not to any motherboard thermal diode temperatures or anything else. Those other thermal sensors have far too slow of reaction times to be suitable for use with radiator fans. All of this is assuming the Castle EX240 doesn't have it's own place to plug the radiator fans into. These days, most coolers DO. I'll have to look at that one and see if it does, but I'll be surprised if it doesn't and IF it doesn't, then just do as I described above.

 

[Darkbreeze]

Seems there is also an option, and there should be an adapter in your cooler kit to do this, to simply connect the pump via the adapter to a SATA power connector coming from the PSU. It has three settings inline on the adapter cable so you can set the pump speed to low, off, or high, possible some other variations of various speeds using the + and - buttons on that adapter. IDK for sure if it's JUST three settings, or variable based on the number of "clicks" to each direction. You can figure that part out, but I'd probably start with the highest setting for the pump you can get and make adjustments from there once you are sure you are getting good thermals. Then, connect the radiator fans via splitter to the CPU_FAN setting and set it to normal or a custom curve. This is probably the BETTER way to configure it, since the CPU_FAN header will already be configured for direct and responsive reaction to CPU thermals, and it frees up your remaining two SYS fan headers for case fans.

Manual showing this is here: http://www.gamerstorm.com/download/pdf/CASTLE_240EX.pdf

 

[Tex-Twil]

ok so

• Pump to the CPU_FAN with 100% power
• Radiators to SYS_FAN with variable rpm and header temp sensor set to cpu. I wonder if that is possible

All of this is assuming the Castle EX240 doesn't have it's own place to plug the radiator fans into.

I don't think so it has it. Here is the manual http://www.gamerstorm.com/download/pdf/CASTLE_240EX.pdf

 

[Tex-Twil]

Seems there is also an option, and there should be an adapter in your cooler kit to do this, to simply connect the pump via the adapter to a SATA power connector coming from the PSU.

This controller with +/- buttons is used to control the RGB lighting of the cooler. I don't think it's meant for the speed of the pump. Is it?

 

[Darkbreeze]

Yeah, I think you're right, now that I look at it more closely. Stick to what I first said and ignore that second post. It looks like the two options I was seeing were for different ways of connecting the RGB, not the pump itself.

 

[Darkbreeze]

ok so

• Pump to the CPU_FAN with 100% power
• Radiators to SYS_FAN with variable rpm and header temp sensor set to cpu. I wonder if that is possible

Yes, it's absolutely possible. I already gave you the specific sections you need to make those changes in. The "Fan control temperature input" setting allows you to change which temperature sensor THAT specific fan header uses for speed control, for EACH different fan header. And then you simply can set the CPU fan header to "full speed" which is outlined right there in the options you posted in your OP.

 

[Tex-Twil]

Yes, it's absolutely possible. I already gave you the specific sections you need to make those changes in. The "Fan control temperature input" setting allows you to change which temperature sensor THAT specific fan header uses for speed control, for EACH different fan header. And then you simply can set the CPU fan header to "full speed" which is outlined right there in the options you posted in your OP.

yeah I did find that in the BIOS and set it as you suggested.

When I'm in the BIOS, the CPU fan (i.e AIO pump) indicates running at 2500 rpm but as soon as I boot to windows, the CPU fan reports again a variable RPM between 0 and 800 on idle (so not full speed)


BIOS CPU setting

BIOS Sys fan setting

 

[Darkbreeze]

What are the options in the drop down menu under CPU fan control mode in your first screenshot, where it currently says "Auto"?

 

[Tex-Twil]

What are the options in the drop down menu under CPU fan control mode in your first screenshot, where it currently says "Auto"?

Auto
Voltage
PWM

 

[Tex-Twil]

I had a software utility from my MB installed for fan control. I uninstalled it and now the pump is running at 2500 rpm and CPU temps are at 28C at idle

I think this might be it 👍

 

[Darkbreeze]

Perfect. That is correct. Good job.