Fan and RGB cables are internal PC cables for extending, splitting and adapting the connections of case fans and lighting, with over 40 products from brands such as KOLINK, ALPHACOOL, AKASA and INLINE.
They suit builders who need extra length, more fan connections or neater wiring inside a case or water-cooling loop.
How to choose fan and RGB cables
Connector type. Fan cables use a 3-pin connector (voltage control) or a 4-pin PWM connector (speed control by signal). A 4-pin plug fits a 3-pin header, but you only get PWM control on a 4-pin header, so match the cable to the fans you actually run.
RGB standard. Addressable ARGB lighting uses a 5V 3-pin connector, while older standard RGB uses a 12V 4-pin connector. The two are not interchangeable, and plugging a 12V device into a 5V header can damage the LEDs. Check the markings on both the motherboard header and the lighting product before ordering.
Length and routing. Measure the distance from the motherboard header to the fan or strip, following the path the cable will take behind the tray. An extension that is slightly too long is easier to hide than one that is too short, but excess length needs tidying with cable ties.
Splitters and hubs. A splitter lets several fans share one header, which is useful when a board has few connections. Add up the power draw of all fans first, because a single motherboard header has a current limit that many high-speed or pump-style loads can exceed.
Sleeving and finish. Sleeved cables look tidier in a case with a glass side panel and are often stiffer to route. Plain cables are more flexible and easier to bend around tight corners, so choose according to how visible the cable will be.
Fan and RGB cable brands we carry
- ALPHACOOL: a German maker of water-cooling components, so its cables and adapters are designed to work alongside custom loop parts such as pumps and radiators.
- EK Water Blocks: a Slovenian specialist in custom liquid cooling, with accessories made for loop builds.
- AKASA: known for CPU coolers, fans and small PC accessories, including adapters and extension cables.
- INLINE: a supplier of computer cables and connectivity accessories, covering many internal and external connection types.
- Thermaltake and Phanteks: case and cooling manufacturers that each run their own lighting and fan-control systems, so their cables are intended for those ecosystems.
Also in our range: KOLINK.
Fan and RGB cables FAQ
Can I plug an ARGB device into a standard RGB header?
No, you should not. ARGB uses a 5V 3-pin connector and standard RGB uses a 12V 4-pin connector, and the wrong voltage can damage the LEDs. Connect each device only to a header of the same type.
What is the difference between a 3-pin and a 4-pin fan cable?
A 3-pin cable controls fan speed by changing the voltage, while a 4-pin PWM cable uses a separate control signal. The 4-pin type usually gives finer and quieter speed control. Both connectors physically fit the same header in most cases.
Do I need a fan splitter?
You need one if you have more fans than motherboard headers. A splitter lets several fans share one header and run at the same speed. Check that the combined current of the fans stays within the header's rating.
Can I extend a fan or RGB cable?
Yes, extension cables exist for both fans and lighting. Choose one with the same connector type and pin count as the original, and keep the run as short as practical so the cable stays easy to route.
