Connecting 5V ARGB to a 12V Fan Setup: Need Help
Asked by
TechSavvy101
I'm building a new PC with an ASUS TUF Gaming X870E Gaming Plus Wifi motherboard and some beQuiet Light Wing fans. These fans have a separate connector for ARGB lighting, but they state '12V' on them. My motherboard only has 5V slots available. I'm confused about whether the 12V rating is for the fan operation and if the ARGB can indeed be connected to one of the 5V slots on the motherboard. Can I plug the ARGB connector for these 12V fans into a 5V port on my motherboard? Thanks in advance and happy holidays!
Answers
The 12V is indeed for the fan motor, while the ARGB lighting should be separate and will typically use a 5V connection. If your ARGB connector is a standard 3-pin, you can connect it to the 5V slot without any issues!
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Just to be clear, your fans will require 12V for operation, but the ARGB lighting on them will use 5V. It's safe to connect the ARGB to the 5V header.
TechSavvy101: Thanks a lot for the reassurance!
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You should definitely not try to connect a 5V ARGB into a 12V port. They require different voltage. If you're missing the correct 5V port on your motherboard, consider getting a controller. It typically connects through USB or SATA and can use an extra USB header on the motherboard. It’s a reliable workaround if needed. Good luck with your build!
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TechSavvy101: Thanks for clarifying! Yes, the ARGB is a 3-pin.