Using 3 Pin 5v ARGB and 4 Pin 12v RGB Adapters, Cables and Splitters Correctly (1/9/23)

[@raymadmechanic8780]

VERY GOOD VIDEO HELP ME OUT A LOT ,LAST TIME A DID A PC REBUILD WAS 8 YEARS AGO THINGS HAVE CHANGE THANKS MATE

[@Alpha-ms9nj]

I appreciate that you took the time to explain this important information. This is the only video that I have found this on. I'm putting together my first PC using older cheaper LGA 1150 parts with an Asrock board that doesn't have ARGB so I had to buy an 5v ARGB fan hub that also has a 4 pin PWM for fans. Everything else is by far easier to put together then the lighting IMO, it's a PITA but explaining things in videos like this are very helpful. Thanks for sharing your experience.

[@EndUserGamer]

Thank you, I appreciate it.

[@silvermasked0]

Dude this was a good video. Leaving a comment for the algorithm Gods. Keep it up.

[@EndUserGamer]

Thank you for commenting and watching! Please like and subscribe, I just uploaded a new video and I will have future videos coming. Thanks again!

[@josephtrimble7798]

The arrow usually always means positive another words to make sure you line it up positive to positive whether it is 5 volts 12 or 24 volts,

[@EndUserGamer]

Well, yes, but let's not confuse people. Motherboards only have 5v 12v, and 24v is different. Also, as shown in the video, not all RGB cables have the arrow. Some only have 12v RGB markings, in which case you have to line up or match up the 12v pins to the 12v side of the cable.

[@xXWH1TEW01FXx]

What would you recommend for an adapter for 12V 4 pin to 5V 3 pin? My housing RGB is 3 pin and the mother board is 4 pin.

[@EndUserGamer]

You'll probably want to look for a 3-pin USB controller and not use the MB 4 pin header.

[@xXWH1TEW01FXx]

@@EndUserGamer what does that look like?

[@EndUserGamer]

@@xXWH1TEW01FXx Google 3-pin ARGB USB controller to look at the different options. That said, you could potentially try something like this... www.amazon.com/Cooler-Master-Controller-3-Pin-Ports/dp/B07Z7WLWD5 That is just as an example, you will want to go with your wallet, and look over several options and read reviews. Another option is to search for a 4 pin to 3 pin converter, but I'd probably just go with a USB controller for simplicity.

[@Technology-pe6rc]

Very helpful

[@Sanchez10259]

This is amazing video like truly love it thank so much ❤❤❤

[@weenzh]

Hello from France ! I came across your video by chance because I was looking for a solution for connecting my RGB cables. I have an Asus prime H510M-K motherboard on which I'd like to connect a watercooling system that includes ARGB cables. But unless I'm mistaken, my motherboard can only accommodate 4pin 12V. Is there a solution for adapting 5V 3-pin cables to a 4-pin 12V motherboard? The watercooling is a Thermalright Frozen notte. Thank you and keep up the good work!

[@EndUserGamer]

@@weenzh You'll want to use a USB ARGB controller hub.

[@weenzh]

Thanks a lot ! Will try

[@airbarboy8973]

Which ones power the fan blades 5v or 12?

[@EndUserGamer]

These connections are only for the RGB leds. The fan power connections have either three or four holes on the connector... A four pin PWM fan connector will have four square holes on the front and four wires entering the back. A three pin fan connector will be smaller in size than the 4 pin PWM fan connector. It will also have three square holes on the front and three wires entering the back. Additionally, the square connector will be keyed so that it connects to the motherboard (also keyed) fan header on the correct pins. Three pin fans operate using voltage control, and four pin fans have PWM control for more precise speed control.

[@froylanflores3991]

will i damage my motherboard if i plug the 4 pin 12vrgb incorreclty?

[@EndUserGamer]

Yes, you can damage the motherboard and / or the RGB device you connect to the header. Just use the motherboard manual to verify the correct orientation.

[@Tony-nh1rd]

What’s are those cables for at the 19:55 …? Are they just extensions?

[@EndUserGamer]

Yes that is an extension splitter for the Lian Li ARGB Kit. However, it seems like the kit can be used with other JST cables and ARGB things like strips.

[@jlb0320]

worth a like and subs

[@felix_z.0825]

Am i still able to induvitualy control the the rgb on the devices if they are all hooked up to an 3 pin argb splitter cable so they are technicly only running on one argb port? Good video by the way.

[@EndUserGamer]

@felix_z.0825 ARGB is individually addressable, via software, so I think it should be controllable.

[@vishalkatarha]

Sir can I connect argb Led strip in System fan 3pins ?? Because in my motherboard there is not option for argb or RGB header

[@EndUserGamer]

The three pins you've talking about are for powering fans. Those do not supply RGB functionality. And if you were to do this, it could potentially break the strip or fan header. Fortunately, the three pin ARGB cable wouldn't fit on the fan header. That said, you can get an ARGB connector or hub / controller. It will probably use a USB connector for you to connect to the motherboard.

[@ValkyOn]

Nice video !!!

[@bottomtext6558]

hello my case fans are 4 PIN and they are hooked to a special hub that takes fans 4 pin my question is can i sync my cpu cooler its a 3 pin 5 v ( deepcool ag400) with the case fans? im getting a b450m ASUS A II motherboard and it has the 3 pin 5v port but im confused on how to sync everything please help

[@EndUserGamer]

@bottomtext6558 You can't connect them together, but with software, you could possibly control the colors together.

[@aboothahiru6354]

My cabinet has 4-1 pin and sata power for rear fan (with argb) and front panel argb light , * if i connect 4-1(argb) pin only on motherboard the front panel argb works * if i connect sata power only the rear fan and front argb works what happens if both cables connected ? Cabinet Ant eSports sx3

[@EndUserGamer]

@aboothahiru6354 Sorry for the delay in response. Since you posted, have you figured it out? So, to be sure if I fully understand this. The front case has an ARGB cable, and when connected to MB, it works. And the rear fan also has ARGB but with sata power? This makes me think there's a hub involved because you're saying that the sata power also lights up the case and fan ARGB. Anyway, you should be able to use both together, but look for the hub, if any, by tracking back where the sata power is connected.

[@aboothahiru6354]

@EndUserGamer Hai ,yes connected argb to argb header and sata power to psu with mystic light(Msi center ) i could control the leds This is awesome

[@stoneycase5440]

Hey need some help, I have fans with 3 pin rgb female connectors (not argb so not 4 minus one pin) and on my motherboard, there are 4 pin rainbow connections. No 3 pin rgb. What do i need to get these fans plugged in? I can't find an rgb only (3 consecutive pins no gap) controller or hub anywhere.

[@EndUserGamer]

@stoneycase5440 Ok, so typically, from what I recall, 3-pin is 5v ARGB and 4-pin is 12v RGB . So I think the three pin female is either the power or a JST connection . On the motherboard is usually three pin ARGB/ rainbow and 4 pin RGB. So if your motherboard has 4 pins, you'll need to use 4 pin RGB fans or led strip. Otherwise, you may need to get a USB ARGB / RGB control box / hub. Try reading through the comments to see if anyone has posted something useful for you.

[@stoneycase5440]

@@EndUserGamer The fan has a 4 pin power and 3 pin rgb, not argb. So what do i do? I have nowhere to put the 3 pin rgb. Do you know of any adapters or controller/hubs that take the old 3 pin rgb females?

[@EndUserGamer]

@stoneycase5440 Hey, sorry I wasn't able to get back to this! Did you get any results since you posted? Ok, so from what you are saying, the four pin power connects to the motherboard fan power header, the three pin RGB sounds like it's JST connector, possibly Corsair's specific connector, or VDG (gigabyte motherboard connector). You may need to look into an adapter cable, perhaps. Hopefully, you can get it fixed!

[@WeissDjinn]

This was a good video, sir! I have a question. See, I'm just starting to build a PC and I got a bit of a situation. I have 2 sets of 3 case fans and each of my fans only has 1 cable which allows them to be daisy-chained to each other and are connected to this cable with 5 heads that came with the box. This cable has a SATA head, 2 5v-3pin heads, a case fan cable for the motherboard, and a 4 pin that connects to the case fans. Now, like I said, I have 2 sets of these 3 fans, so I have 2 of this 5-head cable. I understand where the rest of the heads go, my concern are the two 5v-3pin grounding cables that I have. Theres only one 3pin slot in the motherboard so I don't know where to put the other one.

[@aahadrashid540]

Do you have any other 4 pin connectors like this comment so I can see your reply

[@EndUserGamer]

@WeissDjinn If I'm understanding you, your motherboard only has one 5v 3 pin ARGB header, but you have 6 fans, which can be daisy chained together, but you'll need to connect two 3 pin ARGB wires for all six to light up. Yes? In this case, you'll want to use a 3 pin splitter cable to connect both leads to the one 3 pin header on the MB.

[@EndUserGamer]

@@aahadrashid540 It sounds as though the 4 pin connector they mentioned is a Molex power cable, but they have two 3 pin ARGB cables from each fan set, but only one 3 pin header on the MB. And if this is the situation, they can use an ARGB splitter cable.

[@pujamahalder3344]

where did you purchase?

[@EndUserGamer]

@pujamahalder3344 The Lian Li ARGB kit was from B&H Photo Video and Electronics but can possibly be found on Amazon and through LianLi. Amazon is where I got the other extension and splitter cables.

[@chrisbloem6639]

Hi I have an asus mobo and i would like to use the aura feature but i only have a four pin cable, would i be able to snip the correct pin and use it that way? I would connect the modified cable in my 5v plug on my mobo and connect the male snipped plug in the rgb controller,

[@EndUserGamer]

@chrisbloem6639 Well, in theory, I suppose it would work. Like, it seems that if the correct pins are attached, it should be fine and functional... However, there are differences between the 4-pin 12v RGB and the 3-pin 5v ARGB devices, so there may be differences in the cable, too. So, to be sure, you can just get a 3-pin cable and not worry about any risks.

[@ramosjose5068]

My Mobo is B550 Msi Gaming Carbon Wifi . have 2 slot 4 pin rgb . then i buy 2 set 3 in1 fan and daisychain the 3 fan and put them to 1 slot 4pin rgb . that safe or no ? then the another 3 set fan put to another 4pin rgn slot . or 6pcs fan daisy chain to 1slot 4pin rgb . which is safe ?

[@EndUserGamer]

I would probably use both 4 pin headers for each set of three. There are splitter cables that go up to 4, so I think three on one would be ok. There are also RGB hubs for using multiple devices, like fans, RGB strips, AIO pumps, and other RGB products.

[@ramosjose5068]

@@EndUserGamer thanks for answering my question

[@kuaciMY]

For my case, i have 4 argb accessories (not argb fan).. can i use splitter to use those 4 accessories on 1 mobo slot? Using z790 maximus hero.. already use hub but the size are not fit (fan seems like smaller 5v3pin) can anyone help.. thx

[@EndUserGamer]

Sorry, I'm just seeing this now. Ok, so you have four 3-pin 5v ARGB accessories (such as LED strips or other ARGB components), installed in your case, and you have one 3-pin 5v ARGB header, yes? Or are there two headers on the motherboard? If you do have two headers, you can use a two-way splitter on each header for the four accessories. But if you only have one ARGB header, you'll need a four-way ARGB splitter cable. Or better yet, use an ARGB hub with four pinout headers and connect the hub to the one motherboard header. This is probably the best way. All that said, your last sentence confuses me. Fans have small square power connectors (sometimes 3 pin and sometimes 4) which connect to the motherboard or fan hub to power them, but that connector is not for the ARGB (3-pin5v) or RGB (4-pin 12v) LEDs, those connectors are shaped differently.

[@HelleyPress]

What do you do if your motherboard has only 4pins header, but rgb fan has 3 pin cable only

[@EndUserGamer]

You'll want to use a USB controller instead of the motherboard header. There are adapters / converters, but that may possibly not work as you want... Google search 4-pin RGB to 3pin ARGB (you may see DRGB mentioned, which is the same thing), and research for the correct USB Argb controller. Or consider buying RGB fans if you wish to use the motherboard header.

[@MFIsaacFn]

I purchased a lian li Strimer V2. I plugged in the rgb cable to the wrong header. I plugged it into the 12V instead of the 5V one. As a result, the entire strimer won’t turn on. Do you think replacing the RGB cable could solve the issue?

[@EndUserGamer]

You may have damaged the whole strimmer. You might possibly be able to RMA, but I don't know if end user error is covered, but you can contact support to see if you can get help with a replacement.

[@sumitsingh4311]

Hey bro i don't i have ARG motherboard but i have ARGB cabinet ho can i cannect??

[@EndUserGamer]

You can use a USB ARGB hub adapter.

[@sumitsingh4311]

@@EndUserGamer provide me link please..

[@EndUserGamer]

@@sumitsingh4311 (Sorry I missed this!) So (for you or anyone else), this is a Google search link that may possibly provide several useful options. www.google.com/search?q=USB+ARGB+hub+adapter.&rlz=1C1CHBD_enUS956US956&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8

[@donleadbeter6308]

What do need to get to plug in a 3 pin rgb led fan to my CPU LED 12v pins on my motherboard. I'm beating my head against the wall.

[@EndUserGamer]

@donleadbeter6308 RGB fans will have 2 connections, one for power and one for the RGB. The power pins connect to CPU fan header, and the RBG connects to the RGB motherboard header.

[@areenazoian818]

hi does anyone know where the GDV cable from a fan hub plug into on my Asrock B550M-C? last thing to plug in

[@EndUserGamer]

If I recall correctly that is three pins. Look for VDG on the motherboard those are the pins.

[@EndUserGamer]

Also, Google image search VDG for reference

[@jorgepereira9455]

Thanks for the video. Very helpful to everyone. There is any way to deal with ARGB Hub proprietary connectors, and apply the standard 3pins ARGB Fans ? The proprietary connector's are a pure nightmare, and IMO should be illegal. I had a Case ( Kolink - balance ) during 3years, which I like a lot, due to the front LED stripe, and Rear a Fan ARBG with a LED Ring style, that its perfect to my personal taste. I really don't like the atual Fans with full LED'around the Fan and also on the Blades, I only like Fans with a Ring Led Style around the blades and nothing else - LED's yes, but Minimalist style. So what happened its that my actual Rear back Fan started to rattle due to use, and were not PWM ( was like a 600RPM Fan or so - almost useless), I've search for other ARGB better fan on same style with PWM this time, and I don't get any other Fan, due to not being compatible. The PWM, were easy to solve since it connects to the motherboard, but the ARGB won't, since the case uses proprietary connectors, it demands that the front LED stripe, and Rear ARGB Fan be on the same connection to colours be in sync with each other. Since i've upgraded to a newer CPU, board, etc, i do feel that I needed a better aircooling with a Case with a wider airflow, and since the last case, has this rattle problem Fan, and no Fan to replace the old one, and a Bad airflow I decided and realized that was the perfect timing to buy a new case. But i'm on a budget ( like everyone else who are not a millionaire lol ), and after weeks of search, I've finnally found a case who has a enough airflow system, have the perfect size, has the look / LED / Strip styles that I like ( and its a truly kind of style hard to find nowadays ), and most important - Its fits my Budget, so I decided to bought that case, Since I've already seen every PC case on EU market 1 by on1 trying to find one of my taste, and finally found the only one who have everything (or almost ) i want and need - a Cougar MX410 Mesh-G RGB. With some modifications, the case would be just perfect ( finally ) removing the 3 front LED ARGB Fans and replacing them for normal non ARGB Black Fans ( like 3 Arctic's P12 PWM to get better control and cooling performance), letting only the 2 Led Stripes on the front to a cleaner look, makes the the front Perfect for me - Check ✔ Removing the Rear fully LED's on Fan frame and blades ARGB Fan and switching it for an simple ARGB Ring LED style FAN with PWM - Like a Be Quiet ARGB LIGHT WINGS 120mm PWM ( or a similar one ) - Check ✔ Everything would work with the controller, without the need of installing extra unnecessary software, and only using the PC Case button to switch colors or turn off the leds, perfect, that's exactly what I want - ✔ But... On the very last second, before purchasing the case, and, with my decision already made ( since no other case, match my needs , taste and Budget), I've remembered to search the Fan connections, since on every store sites, on Cougar's site, and all video reviews don't mention NOTHING about the Fan ARGB connections/HUB Controller, so I've search and get the PC Case manual, which I've found that uses a 4 Pins with proprietary connector..... WT...!?!? So... Basically after several hour's ( in truth were week's ) searching and deciding for a PC Case, finally I've got 1 PC Case which suites everything I was searching for, but, once again, the Case has proprietary connections - and worst - from what i've understood, I couldn't even control the PWM of each Fan separately. All fans on the case, should run at the Same RPM due to the controller/Hub which is ridiculous. I want to be able to configure each Fan by PWM individually, adjusting the RPM's of each one to CPU, GPU directions, and the Rear Fan RPM's, to otimize airflow when Hardware needed to. And reduce RPM's / Noise when the system were on low usage - Seems to be a very pretty basic logic to me. Specially, when I have the PC on my Bedroom, and, at nigh I have the PC turned on until I went to sleep, to have Wifi connection to mobile, etc - trough Windows Wifi Hotspot. Since the router is on the opposite site of the house, and the PC is connected through RJ45, so the Hotspot is perfect. But obviously, at night, on silent, with the PC Fully Idle, only working for internet hotspot, there are no need to have noise at bedroom with high RPM's on the Fans. Did you know, if there's any compatible adapters to these controller / Hub ? ( I know, I know, its a hard question ). I don't mind to truly go in to DIY even cutting the wires and making new cable connections to use the controller with the standard ARGB Fans, so I can have this PC case working like I want, but i need to know a way OR if it is even possible ( at least, from what I've understand the Controller uses 5V connections so looks like a good news, they should more "easy" to DIY or get an adapter ). Since the Front LEDS Stripes only work ( synchronous ) with the Cougar Case controller, I don't have no other solution. And the other PC Case similar to this one, and that I also liked (even not matching everything I was looking for) , it cost's almost 4x the price of this one, so its absolutely out of my budget. Don't know if you are able to proper answer me this. But it worth to ask, and try. Looks like, you are an expert on this stuff, and maybe I get an proper answer, if this is valid or not. Or if its better to forget the idea. I think that could be possible, since other day I saw a guy's topic talking about this issue, and one guy replied saying that he usually DIY the wires and solves that problem by itself, after understanding the wires scheme. But unfortunately, I don't find the site where i saw that post to contact him ( this was before I decided to buy this case, and know that the ARGB connections are proprietary, so I was not even thinking about this problem ). PS. sorry for the long message. Many thanks.

[@EndUserGamer]

Hi, sorry for the delay in response. Ok, so I wouldn't call myself an expert, but I've had some experience with ARGB and RGB devices. To answer your question, as best as possible, if you haven't already purchased the case you mentioned, I'd recommend trying a Be Quiet case with Be Quiet fans, for simplicity. However, sometimes you can get 3-pin ARGB adapter cables to use with certain brands of ARGB fans and cases. And sometimes you can connect fan hubs to the motherboard and then use the PWM signal from the MB to the hub. Just connect your case fans to the hub, and the CPU cooler fan(s) to the CPU header.

[@davidecardini4817]

Hi i dont have a 3 pin connector on my motherboard like 2 and 1 to power fans case i wanna use a xontroller but it need 3 pin connector in motherboard to power the fans case how can i do? There is like a adapter? If yes,can you link that? Thank you

[@EndUserGamer]

Hi, Sorry for the delay! When you say power the fans, I'm assuming you mean the fan LEDs. You may need a USB controller as opposed to using the motherboard ARGB headers. It's been a while since you posted. I hope you found a solution already!

[@d4rk50ul5]

Firstly thanks for the video. So I just built a new PC and I'm confused about something. My motherboard (an ASUS TUF B450M-PRO II) only has the 4-pin header. My case fans are connected to a controller that came with the case itself, and I only get a 3-pin ARGB cable with it, not the 4-pin RGB. Is there a way at all for me to use AURA with the LEDs on the case fans or is that impossible with the current build?

[@EndUserGamer]

You'll need an adapter. This article explain the possibilities for this... cpugpunerds.com/how-connect-3-pin-rgb-4-pin-header/

[@ПаноДол]

I have a question, if you can help I have argb (3pins) fan Cooler master mf200. I use it apart from PC, just plug it in directly to 12v DC adapter. And it works (spins, blows an air) fine. But now I need to turn the led light on on it. I need any color, it doesnt matter. I've tried to plug in 2 pins of argb 3-pin connector to the 5v DC charger and it does nothing. How can I turn the ligh on that fan on? Which voltage on which pins I should apply?

[@EndUserGamer]

I'm not sure if I understand you correctly, but it sounds like the fan is powered by a wall power outlet adapter, correct? And, I'm not sure what you mean by plugging in 2 of the three pins to a 5v DC charger. That said, the three pins all need to be used, I believe one is the 5v power the other two operate colors and controlling the colors. That said, I think you should be able to use an extension and connect to your 3 pin ARGB motherboard header, or use the ARGB external controller that should have come with the fan so you can use a remote for operating the colors. Of course because I'm not sure exactly what external ARGB fan you're using, I'm just taking the best guess here.

[@mursalinpairava3314]

love

[@Janis5555]

my mb doesnt have 4 pin connection. if i get myself a cable (4pin to 3pin) can i still controll the rgb via mb software or any other software? in other words: is it still argb?

[@EndUserGamer]

Sorry for the day in response. Ok so let me be sure I'm clear on this, your MB DOESN'T have 4 pin (12v RGB), but it DOES have 3 pin (5v ARGB). However, one of your LED devices happens to be 4 pin RGB? So you're hoping to use a converter / adapter cable of 3 pin to 4 pin. Am I understanding you correctly? If I am following you, yes there are converter hubs and certain cables for this. That said, I haven't used them, and I'm not sure if they are 4 pin to 3 pin, or 3 to 4 pin (perhaps there are both)… You'll want to do some research on this though, be cause you don't want to purchase the wrong converter kit. Also, while a 4 pin cable can fit / sit onto a 3 pin output, a 3 pin cable can not be placed onto a 4 pin output because of the blocked off part on the 3 pin cable. The other thing is because 4 pin is 12v, you wouldn't want to connect a 5v device to that 12v output. But in your case, if there are no 4 pin connections on your MB, this isn't much of an issue for you. So from what I'm understanding, if your MB only has a 3 pin connection (or two), and no 4 pin, then you'll either want to use a 3 pin 5v ARGB device for simplicity, or look into a 3 pin to 4 pin RGB adapter / converter hub, or cable.

[@Janis5555]

@EndUserGamer thanks for answering. No it's the other way around. I do have 2 4 pin connections on my mb but only 3 pin devices. I tried some products and have been researching lately. Sadly the only solution I found is via an rgb or fan controller which simply is to much clutter and cables for my preferences. Hoped there would be a straight adapter with wattage regulations or smth. Well anyways thanks for the answer. I was thinking of getting a new mb anyway so I guess I'll go with that.

[@EndUserGamer]

@@Janis5555 Ah ok. Well just in case, this article may have useful information. cpugpunerds.com/how-connect-3-pin-rgb-4-pin-header/ Also, when searching for a MB, use the motherboard manual (online PDF) to check the ARGB connection(s) available to save yourself any potential headaches. Best of luck!

[@therealdonchelios]

Pc's are so ridiculously convoluted, to nobody's benefit. The motherboard or chip makers should take a leaf from apple and make all the connectors uniform. It's a joke how many different connectors there are and how many considerations are needed when building a pc. It's probably easier to assemble a car engine.