What counts as an iCUE LINK device?

What counts as an iCUE LINK device? To answer this, we’ll first explain what iCUE LINK is, and then we can get a bit more technical.

iCUE LINK is our PC building ecosystem, designed specifically to make the whole process of putting together a PC easier and reduce cable clutter at the same time. It results in nicer looking builds, easier control of the components, and less laborious upgrades.

This is possible because of the unique connectors that allow the different iCUE LINK devices to connect to each other while still being individually controllable. Power and data are then provided from the PC via the iCUE LINK System Hub.

The System Hub can accept a total of 24 iCUE LINK devices, 12 on each channel, but what does this mean? What actually counts as an iCUE LINK device? It’s a good question, so we’ll break it down for you.

So, with a single iCUE LINK System Hub, you can connect a total of 24 Devices, 12 per channel. Here’s the breakdown:

• Each QX120 or QX140 fan counts as a device.
• The Pump of an iCUE LINK AIO counts as a device, but the radiator itself does not.
• iCUE LINK LCD screens (More details below).
• The ICUE LINK XD5 Pump/Reservoir Combo counts as a device.
• The iCUE LINK XG7 water block counts as a device.
• The iCUE LINK XG3 water block counts as a device.

So for example, an AIO with three QX fans and an LCD screen would count as five iCUE LINK devices, leaving the System Hub with capacity for 19 more devices.

When planning a new iCUE LINK build, refer to this list to make sure you don't accidentally exceed the capacity of your System Hub. However, if you do have more than 24 devices to connect, then you're not out of luck. You can use more than a single System Hub at the same time. We explain more later.

Yes, even though it connects to a USB header via a USB Type-C connector, therefore physically bypassing the iCUE LINK System Hub, an LCD screen does count as an iCUE LINK device. This means that it will take up one of the 24 possible devices that a single System Hub can control.

However, the LCD upgrade kit and the LCD AIOs include a USB header splitter, so you won’t need to use up an additional header on the motherboard.

It’s true that some particularly meaty system may end up with more than 24 iCUE LINK devices. For example, a particularly intrepid PC builder with aspirations of greatness might build a system in our CORSAIR 1000D Super Tower case. In this case, they might use up to 18 fans, already far exceeding the capacity of a single iCUE LINK System Hub.

Well, luckily for them, there is no limit to the amount of iCUE LINK System Hubs that can be used simultaneously. You just need to make sure that you have enough power and USB headers to connect them all. We’re excited to see how the PC building community can do with this new technology.