The process for connecting NZXT RGB Fans in your PC will vary depending on the model of the fans as well as other hardware in the PC.  Most NZXT fans will require an additional RGB Controller to connect, but there are some exceptions such as the Performance Fan series and the Case Version fans included with some RGB cases.

Do my fans require an NZXT RGB Controller?

This will depend on the model of fan you are using and how it was purchased, however a basic breakdown can be found below:

Case Version fans will include either an integrated 4-pin NZXT RGB connector with a 3-pin 5V ARGB pigtail or may include an adapter or pre-installed controller.  For more information, please refer to your case user's manual.

My fan is not listed, what do I do?

Older fans such as the Aer RGB series may use the same 4-pin NZXT RGB header or may have a dedicated connection type.  For more information, please refer to your fan user's manual.

The Kraken Core is unique in that it is not compatible with any NZXT RGB Controller and instead relies on 5V Addressable RGB.  For more information, please see the guide here:

• Installing the Kraken Core - Connecting the Radiator and Fan

Connecting NZXT 8-pin Fans

The 8-pin NZXT PWM + RGB connector was introduced to help simplify the fan installation process, featuring a keyed connector to hook directly into controllers such as the NZXT Control Hub or other compatible products.  To connect an 8-pin fan, line up the connector with a 8-pin port and insert it until you feel a click.  To disconnect it, squeeze the clip to unlock the cable and pull it out.

The 8-pin connector allows a controller to identify the connected fan and access information such as the number of LEDs and what animations are going to be compatible.  A list of products featuring the 8-pin connector can be found below:

If you do not have an 8-pin compatible product and purchased a new standalone fan, a fan controller is not required.  8-pin fans such as the Single-frame RGB Core and Single-frame Performance Fan series will include an additional adapter in the box to split the 8-pin connector to the following connectors:

• 4-pin PWM Fan
• 4-pin NZXT RGB
  • Includes 3-pin 5V Addressable RGB (ARGB) pigtail

For more information on using these adapters, check the section for connecting 4-pin NZXT RGB fans.

Connecting 4-pin NZXT RGB Fans

The 4-pin NZXT RGB connector is a specialized connector for NZXT RGB devices based on 5V Addressable RGB with an additional sync pin for identifying RGB products such as fans, light strips, etc.  This allows an NZXT controller to detect the exact model of fan connected and access data such as the number of LEDs present and what lighting effects are going to be compatible.

4-pin PWM Fan can be connected to a 4-pin fan header on the motherboard or a compatible controller.  

Do not connect both NZXT RGB and 5V ARGB at the same time, this can result in severe damage to the fans and/or your motherboard/controller.  When connecting the RGB connection be sure to only use 4-pin NZXT RGB  or 3-pin 5V ARGB.

Connecting NZXT Case Fans

If you purchased an NZXT case with pre-installed fans, the exact way to connect the fans will depend on the model.  Most NZXT Case Fans will be Case Version fans which will feature the following connections:

• 4-pin PWM Fan
• 4-pin NZXT RGB
  • Includes 3-pin 5V Addressable RGB (ARGB) pigtail

Other cases will instead include a pre-installed NZXT RGB to 5V ARGB adapter, such as the H6 Flow RGB.  These will connect directly to a 5V ARGB header or can be connected to a controller by removing the adapter.

Some models may include other fans, such as the F420 RGB Core included with the H9 Flow RGB (CM-H92FX-R1 & CM-H92FX-R2) with a pre-installed adapter or may include an RGB Controller pre-installed such as the H9 Flow RGB+ (CM-H92FX-P1 & CM-H92FX-P2).

For more information on fans with a pre-installed adapter, see the section for connecting 4-pin NZXT RGB fans.