This article will act as a guide to setting up your NZXT RGB & Fan Controller. This guide applies to the following models:
- RGB & Fan Controller (2022)
- RGB & Fan Controller (2019)
- Smart Device V2 (included with i-Series cases)
What's in the Box?
Depending on the model of your controller, your RGB & Fan Controller will include the following:
Why doesn't the RGB & Fan Controller (2022) include magnets?
For the RGB & Fan Controller (2022), the magnets are integrated inside of the controller housing and do not need to be manually added.
What do I need to connect the controller?
To connect your controller, you will need:
- One (1) SATA Power Connection (Power Supply)
- One (1) USB 2.0 Internal Connection (Motherboard)
In addition to this, you will need either some 4-pin PWM or 3-pin DC PC fans as well as some NZXT RGB Hardware such as our F Series RGB Fans. These will include a 4-pin NZXT RGB connection to connect to the RGB/LED headers on the controller.
My fans instead have a single 8pin connector instead of a 4-pin, how do I connect this?
If you have the newer F-series Single-Frame fans, you may notice that the fans instead have a single 8pin connection. This connector is meant to be used with the updated NZXT Control Hub, however this can be connected to the older RGB & Fan Controller using the splitter included with the fans. For more information, please refer to the fan user's manual.
Step 1 - Securing the RGB & Fan Controller
If you have an NZXT Smart Device V2, please skip to Step 2.
Using the magnets or 3M Velcro included with your controller, find a clear space within your case to secure your controller. Many NZXT cases will include a flat, clear area where controllers can be placed as shown below:
Step 2 - Connecting the RGB & Fan Controller to the Motherboard
From the controller, connect the cable labeled USB 2.0 to an open USB 2.0 header on your motherboard.
Checkpoint - If your system does not have enough USB 2.0 headers, it is recommended to use an Active USB Splitter like our Internal USB Hub (Gen 3) to connect to the motherboard or a splitter included with your controller. Simple PCB based splitters may not deliver enough power or bandwidth for a controller to detect properly.
Step 3 - Connecting the RGB & Fan Controller to the Power Supply
From the controller, connect the SATA Power connection to an open SATA Power cable from your power supply.
Step 4 - Connecting your Fans & RGB Devices
To connect your fans, either connect the fans directly to the Fan ports on the controller or use the included 1-to-3 Fan Splitters. While DC fans are compatible, it is highly recommended to use PWM fans for improved fan speed control.
Checkpoint - When using the included splitters, please make sure that one of the fans is connected to the single 4-pin connector on the splitter. If no fan is connected to the 4-pin connector, you will get a 0 RPM reading.
To connect your RGB devices, connect the 4-pin NZXT RGB cable into the RGB/LED header on the controller until you feel a click. When properly connected, the RGB cables will lock into the controller.
Using the Controller in NZXT CAM
With the controller connected, you should see the device appear in the NZXT CAM software as shown above. In the Lighting section, any RGB devices will appear as individual devices where you can apply different lighting effects ranging from static color to spectrum wave and even some audio reactive effects.
In the Cooling section, fans will be controlled on a per-channel basis. This means that if you are using the included splitters, all fans attached to the splitter will share the same fan speed setting. If there is no fan connected to the header, it will report a speed of 0 RPM.
I have a fan connected to a header, but it's showing 0 RPM.
As noted in the setup, if you are using the included splitters you must use the 4-pin connection on one of the splitters. If this connection is not used, the fan connector will report 0 RPM. If you are not using a splitter or the 4-pin is properly filled, this could indicate an issue with the fan or the header. Try connecting another known-working fan to the header to isolate the issue.
Do you have any questions not covered by this guide or need further assistance? Please feel free to reach out to our Customer Support team and one of our friendly support agents will be there to assist you.
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