Question How do you swap fans on an AIO and control them

[athrowaway2242]

Hey all,

It seems that fans/controllers are a hot mess..

I have three AIO I am looking at for this build.

1: EK Nucleus CR360 https://pcpartpicker.com/product/LR...u-cooler-ek-nucleus-aio-cr360-lux-d-rgb-white
2: arctic freezer ii 360 https://pcpartpicker.com/product/cd...-a-rgb-4882-cfm-liquid-cpu-cooler-acfre00152a
3: lian li galahad trinity 360 https://pcpartpicker.com/product/HH...ty-sl-inf-613-cfm-liquid-cpu-cooler-ga2t36inw

I have heard lots of stories of the galahad dying and pump failure, so was leaning toward EK or arctic. my understanding is they each come with 3 fans. these are standard fans which if mounted normal would be exhaust, but i was planning to swap the fans for reverse blade fans to use as intake.

Now, i know RGB/LCD/fan controllers are not standardized, so based on the research ive done i think i can swap the 3 fans on the AIO for the 3 reverse blade LCD fans. then i could take the 3 arctic or EK fans and use them as top case exhaust fans. then I would use 3 lian li uni fans on the bottom of the case as intake, and one 140mm fan on the rear as exhaust

my question is, what parts/controllers/adapters are needed to make this all work so the computer can control the fans, and also the RGB things. is it even possible across brands? i figured the galahad is simplest solution but also high failure rate has me scared.

i think i need the adapter i linked in the build and the fans come with a controller - not sure if i need anything else for all this to work.
adapter

thank you!
~A

PCPartPicker Part List

CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D 4.2 GHz 8-Core Processor ($384.98 @ Newegg)
CPU Cooler: EK EK-Nucleus AIO CR360 Lux D-RGB 72 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler ($163.99 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: Gigabyte X670E AORUS PRO X ATX AM5 Motherboard ($279.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Trident Z5 Neo RGB 64 GB (2 x 32 GB) DDR5-6000 CL30 Memory ($219.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Samsung 990 Pro 4 TB M.2-2280 PCIe 4.0 X4 NVME Solid State Drive ($299.99 @ Amazon)
Video Card: Gigabyte AORUS MASTER GeForce RTX 4080 SUPER 16 GB Video Card ($1199.99 @ B&H)
Case: Lian Li O11D EVO RGB ATX Mid Tower Case ($149.97 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Corsair RM1000x (2021) 1000 W 80+ Gold Certified Fully Modular ATX Power Supply ($123.49 @ Amazon)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 11 Pro Retail - USB 64-bit ($198.99 @ Newegg)
Case Fan: Lian Li Uni Fan SL-Infinity 72.7 CFM 140 mm Fan ($34.98 @ Adorama)
Case Fan: Lian Li UNI FAN SL-INF Reverse Blade 63.6 CFM 120 mm Fan ($29.27 @ Amazon)
Case Fan: Lian Li UNI FAN SL-INF Reverse Blade 63.6 CFM 120 mm Fan ($29.27 @ Amazon)
Case Fan: Lian Li UNI FAN SL-INF Reverse Blade 63.6 CFM 120 mm Fan ($29.27 @ Amazon)
Case Fan: Lian Li UNI FAN TL LCD 120 Reverse Blade 83.4 CFM 120 mm Fans 3-Pack ($136.74 @ Amazon)
Monitor: Samsung Odyssey G9 G93SC 49.0" 5120 x 1440 240 Hz Curved Monitor ($999.99 @ Amazon)
Custom: AsiaHorse 12VHPWR Cable Extension Kit, 16AWG 16Pin PSU Cable Extension Kit Soft Braided Sleeved Cables for 24pin ATX /4+4pin EPS /12+4pin, 30CM Length with Cable Combs (White) ($29.99 @ Amazon)
Custom: Lian-Li Universal 4- Slots Vertical GPU kit (White, VG4-4-V2W) ($60.00)
Custom: fan wire adapter ($22.00)
Total: $4392.89
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2024-07-22 12:52 EDT-0400

 

[In2Photos]

IMO you are better off using like fans throughout your build. This allows you to use one controller and one piece of software to control them. As I mentioned in your build thread the Unifans can take 4x4 fans on one controller and only use 1 USB port.

Since you mention using the AIO fans as intake I guess you plan to install the AIO on the side of the case?

I would not go for the EK unit. EK recently had some really bad publicity for not paying their employees and suppliers. The Arctic coolers get really good reviews.

 

[athrowaway2242]

IMO you are better off using like fans throughout your build. This allows you to use one controller and one piece of software to control them. As I mentioned in your build thread the Unifans can take 4x4 fans on one controller and only use 1 USB port.

Since you mention using the AIO fans as intake I guess you plan to install the AIO on the side of the case?

I would not go for the EK unit. EK recently had some really bad publicity for not paying their employees and suppliers. The Arctic coolers get really good reviews.

Thanks - the issue is this, using like fans means using the lian li AIO, withn all lian Li fans, or using the arctic/EK AIO and replacing all the fans and having 3 wasted fans. Not a huge deal, but its an extra 100$ to do it that way. unfortunately the other brands dont have reverse LCD fans/white fans, so lian li is best bet for that. another concern is based on a video I saw online, there are possible size issues with the SL/AL fans and the arctic AIO fitting (though i think the TL LCDs fit nicely).

If I went with all lian Li fans, and either the 3 arctic fans, with the arctic AIO, would that work, would the controllers be compatible for the LCD/RGB, etc?

yes planning to side mount the AIO

 

[In2Photos]

Thanks - the issue is this, using like fans means using the lian li AIO, withn all lian Li fans, or using the arctic/EK AIO and replacing all the fans and having 3 wasted fans. Not a huge deal, but its an extra 100$ to do it that way. unfortunately the other brands dont have reverse LCD fans/white fans, so lian li is best bet for that. another concern is based on a video I saw online, there are possible size issues with the SL/AL fans and the arctic AIO fitting (though i think the TL LCDs fit nicely).

If I went with all lian Li fans, and either the 3 arctic fans, with the arctic AIO, would that work, would the controllers be compatible for the LCD/RGB, etc?

yes planning to side mount the AIO

You're spending $4000 on the build, what's another $100 to have the same fans? I did it too. I have 3 brand new Deep Cool fans sitting in the box they came in. I don't regret it one bit.

 

[athrowaway2242]

You're spending $4000 on the build, what's another $100 to have the same fans? I did it too. I have 3 brand new Deep Cool fans sitting in the box they came in. I don't regret it one bit.

When you put it that way...guess i should get another 3 pack of Lian Li fans - at least then Ill have a backup controller, right lol

Maybe someone will be in the market for 3 arctic or EK fans LOL

 

[athrowaway2242]

You're spending $4000 on the build, what's another $100 to have the same fans? I did it too. I have 3 brand new Deep Cool fans sitting in the box they came in. I don't regret it one bit.

So something like this?

3 EK fans - keep in the box, toss, sell, whatever
1x140mm SL INF rear exhaust
3x120 TL reverse fan - bottom intake
3x120 TL LCD reverse fan - AIO intake
3x120 SL INF fan - top exhaust

I think it fits on the EK better than the Arctic from what I found online.

This should come with two controllers, all are Lian Li, should be able to sync all the LCD/RGB and cool the processor well?

And with this configuration - I dont need the wire adapter, correct?

PCPartPicker Part List

CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D 4.2 GHz 8-Core Processor ($384.98 @ Newegg)
CPU Cooler: EK EK-Nucleus AIO CR360 Lux D-RGB 72 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler ($163.99 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: Gigabyte X670E AORUS PRO X ATX AM5 Motherboard ($279.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Trident Z5 Neo RGB 64 GB (2 x 32 GB) DDR5-6000 CL30 Memory ($219.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Samsung 990 Pro 4 TB M.2-2280 PCIe 4.0 X4 NVME Solid State Drive ($299.99 @ Amazon)
Video Card: Gigabyte AORUS MASTER GeForce RTX 4080 SUPER 16 GB Video Card ($1199.99 @ B&H)
Case: Lian Li O11D EVO RGB ATX Mid Tower Case ($149.97 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Corsair RM1000x (2021) 1000 W 80+ Gold Certified Fully Modular ATX Power Supply ($123.49 @ Amazon)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 11 Pro Retail - USB 64-bit ($198.99 @ Newegg)
Case Fan: Lian Li Uni Fan SL-Infinity 61.3 CFM 120 mm Fans 3-Pack ($66.84 @ Amazon)
Case Fan: Lian Li Uni Fan SL-Infinity 72.7 CFM 140 mm Fan ($34.98 @ Adorama)
Case Fan: Lian Li UNI FAN TL 120 Reverse Blade 83.4 CFM 120 mm Fans 3-Pack ($99.99 @ Adorama)
Case Fan: Lian Li UNI FAN TL LCD 120 Reverse Blade 83.4 CFM 120 mm Fans 3-Pack ($136.74 @ Amazon)
Monitor: Samsung Odyssey G9 G93SC 49.0" 5120 x 1440 240 Hz Curved Monitor ($999.99 @ Amazon)
Custom: AsiaHorse 12VHPWR Cable Extension Kit, 16AWG 16Pin PSU Cable Extension Kit Soft Braided Sleeved Cables for 24pin ATX /4+4pin EPS /12+4pin, 30CM Length with Cable Combs (White) ($29.99 @ Amazon)
Custom: Lian-Li Universal 4- Slots Vertical GPU kit (White, VG4-4-V2W) ($60.00)
Custom: fan wire adapter ($22.00)
Total: $4471.91
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2024-07-22 14:40 EDT-0400

 

[athrowaway2242]

Okay I am more confused - now I am reading online some people say you shouldnt swap AIO/radiator fans for case fans, something about the fan isnt enough pressure for cooling a radiator - is this true, can I not just use these TL LCD fans on the AIO will it significantly degrade the performance?

 

[In2Photos]

Okay I am more confused - now I am reading online some people say you shouldnt swap AIO/radiator fans for case fans, something about the fan isnt enough pressure for cooling a radiator - is this true, can I not just use these TL LCD fans on the AIO will it significantly degrade the performance?

There can be a difference, but it's not enough to matter unless you are really pushing things. The Lian Li fans have enough static pressure to use with radiators.

But you have added some complexity with the LCD fans. You can't mix and match fans in the same chain. So your rear fan may have to use a different group from your top fans. You'll also need to use a 6 pin PCIe power instead of SATA with the new LCD controller for power. You should have a spare since you are using 12VHPWR for your GPU though.

You may want to watch a few of this guys' videos. He does a great job explaining how to set them up.

 

[athrowaway2242]

There can be a difference, but it's not enough to matter unless you are really pushing things. The Lian Li fans have enough static pressure to use with radiators.

But you have added some complexity with the LCD fans. You can't mix and match fans in the same chain. So your rear fan may have to use a different group from your top fans. You'll also need to use a 6 pin PCIe power instead of SATA with the new LCD controller for power. You should have a spare since you are using 12VHPWR for your GPU though.

You may want to watch a few of this guys' videos. He does a great job explaining how to set them up.

When you say mix and match the rear fan is it the size, or the specific fan type?

Ex: if I switch to a 140mm TL fan, or a 120mm SL-INF, or a 120mm TL fan, would any of that solve the issue?

Thanks will check out video

 

[In2Photos]

When you say mix and match the rear fan is it the size, or the specific fan type?

Ex: if I switch to a 140mm TL fan, or a 120mm SL-INF, or a 120mm TL fan, would any of that solve the issue?

Thanks will check out video

Yes I think the new TL fans use a different connector. So TL fans only connect to TL. TL LCD only connect to TL LCD. You can still use it though since you would have 4 groups of fans (Top, rear, side, bottom). But the EVO case has RGB too and if I'm not mistaken I connected mine to the controller too.

 

[athrowaway2242]

Yes I think the new TL fans use a different connector. So TL fans only connect to TL. TL LCD only connect to TL LCD. You can still use it though since you would have 4 groups of fans (Top, rear, side, bottom). But the EVO case has RGB too and if I'm not mistaken I connected mine to the controller too.

Okay so if i stick to all TL fans - that will reduce at least a small amount of the headache. TL LCD to TL LCD, TL to TL, forget the SL.

Also, did some reading about the static pressure and watched a video. Looks like the fans that come stock on the galahad trinity are these

ST120 - High Static Presure Fan

Available separately from the GALAHAD AIO, ST120 is a PWM fan which operate between 800 and 1900 RPM, and deliver a maximum airflow of 69.17 CFM and air pressure of 2.6 mmH20, making them ideal fans for any AIOs capable of hosting 120mm fans. Integrated the fluid dynamic bearing, and extra...

lian-li.com

Compared to these

UNI FAN TL LCD - LIAN LI is a Leading Provider of PC Cases | Computer Cases

SLIDE IN DAISY-CHAIN STYLE 1.6” LCD SCREEN STABLE MOTOR ENLARGED INFINITY MIRROR DUAL ZONE LIGHTING EFFECTS L-CONNECT 3 SOFTWARE https://youtu.be/SvCrPiLggtk Plug TL LCD on controller port 2, 3, 4 only Download L-Connect 3 Loosen the Screws: Loosen the screws to ensure the connectivity of the...

lian-li.com

the LCD fans seem to have about the same or even more static pressure, so these should basically be comparable and be fine with the AIO right?

 

[In2Photos]

Okay so if i stick to all TL fans - that will reduce at least a small amount of the headache. TL LCD to TL LCD, TL to TL, forget the SL.

Also, did some reading about the static pressure and watched a video. Looks like the fans that come stock on the galahad trinity are these

ST120 - High Static Presure Fan

Available separately from the GALAHAD AIO, ST120 is a PWM fan which operate between 800 and 1900 RPM, and deliver a maximum airflow of 69.17 CFM and air pressure of 2.6 mmH20, making them ideal fans for any AIOs capable of hosting 120mm fans. Integrated the fluid dynamic bearing, and extra...

lian-li.com

Compared to these

UNI FAN TL LCD - LIAN LI is a Leading Provider of PC Cases | Computer Cases

SLIDE IN DAISY-CHAIN STYLE 1.6” LCD SCREEN STABLE MOTOR ENLARGED INFINITY MIRROR DUAL ZONE LIGHTING EFFECTS L-CONNECT 3 SOFTWARE https://youtu.be/SvCrPiLggtk Plug TL LCD on controller port 2, 3, 4 only Download L-Connect 3 Loosen the Screws: Loosen the screws to ensure the connectivity of the...

lian-li.com

the LCD fans seem to have about the same or even more static pressure, so these should basically be comparable and be fine with the AIO right?

Yes, they will be fine.

 

[athrowaway2242]

Yes, they will be fine.

Sorry i reread what you said - so to clarify

3 EK fans - keep in the box, toss, sell, whatever

How would the controllers/chains be oriented for this

A - exhaust chain top/rear- all the SL INF fans
1x140mm SL INF rear exhaust
3x120 SL INF fan - top exhaust

B - intake chain bottom - TL reverse fans
3x120 TL reverse fan - bottom intake

C - intake AIO chain - TL LCD fans
3x120 TL LCD reverse fan - AIO intake

Or am I missing something here? In this configuration it seems like I wouldnt need to change to all TL fans, but if I have this incorrect and it simplifies the chains/controllers I can switch to TL fans.

 

[In2Photos]

Sorry i reread what you said - so to clarify

3 EK fans - keep in the box, toss, sell, whatever

How would the controllers/chains be oriented for this

A - exhaust chain top/rear- all the SL INF fans
1x140mm SL INF rear exhaust
3x120 SL INF fan - top exhaust

B - intake chain bottom - TL reverse fans
3x120 TL reverse fan - bottom intake

C - intake AIO chain - TL LCD fans
3x120 TL LCD reverse fan - AIO intake

Or am I missing something here? In this configuration it seems like I wouldnt need to change to all TL fans, but if I have this incorrect and it simplifies the chains/controllers I can switch to TL fans.

Looks like I'm the one that misread. For some reason I thought you had a TL fan at the rear.

But I still don't think you can use the SL INF fans with the TL Controller. You would need 2 controllers still.

 

[athrowaway2242]

Looks like I'm the one that misread. For some reason I thought you had a TL fan at the rear.

But I still don't think you can use the SL INF fans with the TL Controller. You would need 2 controllers still.

OK gotcha so how does that work in terms of resources on the motherboard and power supply?

Do I have enough power cords and motherboard controllers for this configuration which I guess will require three different groups

If I make everything a TL fan, then would I just need to groups one for the LCD and one for the regular

 

[In2Photos]

OK gotcha so how does that work in terms of resources on the motherboard and power supply?

Do I have enough power cords and motherboard controllers for this configuration which I guess will require three different groups

If I make everything a TL fan, then would I just need to groups one for the LCD and one for the regular

If you use all TL and TL LCD fans you can use 2/3/4 groups. 1 group for the LCD, then as many groups as you want for the remaining 7 TL fans. The groups just allow you to control the RGB and fan speed independently. Most would probably group the bottom as one and the top/rear as one. But you could certainly group them all together. It may be harder to control the RGB that way if you want it to "move" around the case. If you use a static color it doesn't really matter.

This method uses 1 6 pin PCIe for power and 1 internal USB header for the fans. Your AIO may use a second USB header depending on which one you choose.

 

[athrowaway2242]

If you use all TL and TL LCD fans you can use 2/3/4 groups. 1 group for the LCD, then as many groups as you want for the remaining 7 TL fans. The groups just allow you to control the RGB and fan speed independently. Most would probably group the bottom as one and the top/rear as one. But you could certainly group them all together. It may be harder to control the RGB that way if you want it to "move" around the case. If you use a static color it doesn't really matter.

This method uses 1 6 pin PCIe for power and 1 internal USB header for the fans. Your AIO may use a second USB header depending on which one you choose.

I think part of the confusion is I don’t understand the terms

“Controller” “group” “header”
My understanding is something has to control the fans themselves. The AIO fans should be controlled by the cpu fan header and spool based on core temperature right? The RGB/LCD control is separate from that but would be its own group?
This would be controlled by the controller that comes with the TL LCD fans and take up one usb header for the RGB/LCD in addition to the COU fan controller?

The exhaust top and rear fans would be their own RGB/group and be on the controller from the SL pack or replaced with TL fans and a separate usb header?

The bottom intake fans would be their own group and require their own controller and usb header?

 

[In2Photos]

I think part of the confusion is I don’t understand the terms

“Controller” “group” “header”
My understanding is something has to control the fans themselves. The AIO fans should be controlled by the cpu fan header and spool based on core temperature right? The RGB/LCD control is separate from that but would be its own group?
This would be controlled by the controller that comes with the TL LCD fans and take up one usb header for the RGB/LCD in addition to the COU fan controller?

The exhaust top and rear fans would be their own RGB/group and be on the controller from the SL pack or replaced with TL fans and a separate usb header?

The bottom intake fans would be their own group and require their own controller and usb header?

The Controller is a box that comes with the TL LCD 3 pack of fans. It has 4 ports (for the groups of fans). The controller controls both the RGB and fan speed. In order for you to program/configure this controller you need to connect it to a USB header on the motherboard and use the Lian Li software. You don't need any fan headers on the motherboard for this. The Lian Li software allows you to use the CPU temp to vary the fan speed. The software allows for independent control of each group of fans. You can use the same settings for all of the groups or set them differently. One software for all the control. That's the beauty of using the same fans throughout the build.

 

[athrowaway2242]

The Controller is a box that comes with the TL LCD 3 pack of fans. It has 4 ports (for the groups of fans). The controller controls both the RGB and fan speed. In order for you to program/configure this controller you need to connect it to a USB header on the motherboard and use the Lian Li software. You don't need any fan headers on the motherboard for this. The Lian Li software allows you to use the CPU temp to vary the fan speed. The software allows for independent control of each group of fans. You can use the same settings for all of the groups or set them differently. One software for all the control. That's the beauty of using the same fans throughout the build.

Okay so this makes more sense. So this is how it would work?

1. USB header ->
   1. Controller ->
      1. Group A - TL LCD AIO Fans - set based on CPU temp and independent RGB and LCD controls
      2. Group B - TL bottom - intake fans - set RGB/temp
      3. Group C - SL top/rear - exhaust fans - set RGB/temp
      4. Or could split Group C into group D with the rear independent
2. PWM header and CPU_FAN - for the pump and possibly also the LCD Fans

Just trying to map out how it would all connect so that the fans and pump are based off CPU temp, the remaining fans have their groups, and the RGB and LCDs somehow work lol

 

[In2Photos]

Okay so this makes more sense. So this is how it would work?

1. USB header ->
   1. Controller ->
      1. Group A - TL LCD AIO Fans - set based on CPU temp and independent RGB and LCD controls
      2. Group B - TL bottom - intake fans - set RGB/temp
      3. Group C - SL top/rear - exhaust fans - set RGB/temp
      4. Or could split Group C into group D with the rear independent
2. PWM header and CPU_FAN - for the pump and possibly also the LCD Fans

Just trying to map out how it would all connect so that the fans and pump are based off CPU temp, the remaining fans have their groups, and the RGB and LCDs somehow work lol

For the AIO there is typically a header specifically for the pump. It will be next to the CPU_FAN header. Most pumps run at full speed and not vary with PWM. If the pump is somewhat noisy you could try using PWM to vary the speed. My DeepCool is completely silent so I let it run full speed. Otherwise, yes with how you set it up.

 

[athrowaway2242]

Awesome - thank you! super helpful!!

 

[athrowaway2242]

Okay - so I think I was confused originally, and now heres the situation

I have 3 TL LCD fans, 3 TL regular fans, and 4 SL fans

It seems now that I need to have two controllers because the SL fans do not connect with the TL controller. WHich would mean returning the SL fans and buying all TL fans...because I am out of ARGB headers on the motherboard (one for case, one for AIO, one for TL controller)


Although - my reading on this suggests that if using L connect software, that I do not in fact need the ARGB just a USB header to control the lighting. Is this true? if I just dont plug in the ARGB from the second controller, the RGB will still work with the USB connected?

Thank you!

Or it seems another option is to just get an ARGB header splitter?

 

[BoomerD]

FWIW, I have the Arctic Cooling Liquid FreezerII 280mm in my build. I swapped the fans for their ARGB versions. (should hve just bought the ARGB version…saved a bunch of $$$) I now have six AC 140mm ARGB fans in my case…3 for front intake, 2 on the top mount cooler in exhaust mode, one on the rear of the case in exhaust mode. All are powered by the be quiet! fan controller and the leds are daisy chained to the motherboard. (the controller is only for RGB, not ARGB.)