HOW TO

Can I use iCUE LINK with "regular" CORSAIR fans in the same system?

Building PCs have never been easier, thanks to iCUE LINK, the cutting-edge smart component ecosystem from CORSAIR. With just one connector on each component, you can easily create a chain of devices that are powered and controlled by a single hub. This innovative system simplifies the whole building process and keeps everything neat and tidy.

A system with fewer cables and connections is much easier to build and can be managed by most first-time builders.

What if have non-iCUE LINK compatible components in my current build and want to add iCUE LINK-compatible components to it, such as iCUE LINK QX RGB Fans, is that going to be a problem?

No problem at all. You can seamlessly run components that are not compatible with iCUE LINK alongside iCUE LINK-compatible components.

Let’s look at an example:

link and old stuff diagram white background_import

1: USB connection to motherboard

2: iCUE LINK cable for controlling fan speeds, lighting, sensors and more

3: Regular PWM cable for controlling fan speeds

4: Regular RGB cable for controlling fan lighting

5: Controller power cables

This system is equipped with our new iCUE LINK AIO CPU cooler, as well as three extra iCUE LINK QX fans. There are also 3x CORSAIR QL fans in the system which are not iCUE LINK compatible. This is not an issue, as the controller that came with those fans just need to be connected via the USB port on the motherboard, and both the iCUE LINK System Hub and the iCUE COMMANDER CORE XT will show up in iCUE.

It is worth mentioning that while the older QL fans requires you to manually set up how many, and what type of fans you have, the iCUE LINK System Hub will automatically register everything connected to it.

Each controller will just need to be connected to its own separate USB port on your motherboard. If your motherboard does not have enough internal USB ports, you can use a internal USB hub such as the CORSAIR Internal 4-Port USB 2.0 Hub

Everything comes together thanks to CORSAIR’s iCUE software, allowing control over both non-iCUE LINK components and iCUE LINK component lighting, fan speeds, and more, all while creating the ultimate user experience.

To learn more about CORSAIR’s iCUE LINK Ecosystem, please visit official CORSAIR iCUE LINK page.

Can I connect my CORSAIR ML or QL fans directly to the LINK hub?

No, fans such as the ML-series and QL-series have two separate wires (one for fan speed control, and one for RBG control) and requires a compatible controller such as the commander core XT.

I have 6x QL case fans I just bought, if I get an iCUE LINK AIO CPU cooler, will I need to upgrade these to link fans?

You do not need to, you can easily continue to use your QL RGB fans alongside your new iCUE LINK components as shown in the diagram above.

Can I swap the fans on my existing cooler for iCUE LINK fans?

Yes, depending on your existing cooler, you might need to still use the controller that comes with it for powering the actual pump head, and you will need to use the iCUE LINK System Hub to control the iCUE LINK fans.