Fan hubs and lighting kits are for PC builders who run more fans than their motherboard has headers for, or who want matching lighting across a processor cooler and case. The category covers PWM fan hubs, splitters, RGB and ARGB controllers and lighting kits. No products are listed here at the moment.
How to choose a fan hub or lighting kit
Fan connector type. Most modern fans use a 4-pin PWM connector, which allows speed control, while older 3-pin fans are regulated by voltage. A hub that supports PWM will usually also run 3-pin fans, but check that it can handle both before mixing them.
Number of ports and total load. Count every fan you plan to connect, including radiator fans, and leave a spare port or two for later. Hubs are normally fed by a SATA or Molex connector, so the total current draw of all fans should stay within what the hub and its power lead are rated for.
Lighting standard. Addressable ARGB uses a 5V, 3-pin connector, while older RGB uses a 12V, 4-pin connector. They are not interchangeable, and connecting them the wrong way round can damage LEDs. Confirm which header your motherboard offers before buying a controller or kit.
Control method. Some controllers pass signals from the motherboard, so lighting is set in the motherboard software. Others come with a remote or a button and work on their own. A standalone controller is useful if your board has no lighting header or you prefer not to run extra software.
Mounting and cable length. Hubs are often fixed with adhesive pads, magnets or screws. Measure the distance from the hub to the fans and to the motherboard header, especially in a larger case where short leads will not reach.
Brands and compatibility
- Cooler manufacturers: hubs and controllers supplied with a cooler or fan set are designed for those fans, so connectors and lighting standards match without adapters.
- Motherboard makers: their lighting software normally controls only products that use a standard ARGB or RGB header, so a generic kit can often be synced from the board.
- Case and accessory makers: they commonly offer standalone hubs and controllers with a remote, which suit builds where the motherboard has few headers.
No individual brands are listed in this category at the moment.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a fan hub if my motherboard has enough fan headers?
No, a hub is only needed when you have more fans than headers. If every fan can plug straight into the motherboard, you keep full control through the BIOS or software. A hub is useful when you add radiator or case fans beyond what the board supports.
Can I connect ARGB lighting to an RGB header?
No, not directly. ARGB uses a 5V, 3-pin connector and RGB uses a 12V, 4-pin connector, and the voltages differ. Using the wrong header can damage the lights, so match the connector to the header on your board or use a controller made for your lighting type.
Does a PWM fan hub control fan speed?
Yes, if it is a PWM hub connected to a motherboard fan header. The hub passes the speed signal from that header to every connected fan, so they all follow the same curve. Some hubs are only splitters and run fans at a fixed speed, so check the description.
How do I power a fan hub?
Most fan hubs take power from a SATA or Molex lead from the power supply, and a separate cable carries the speed signal to the motherboard. Check the hub's rating against the combined draw of your fans. Most standard case fans use little current, but high-speed fans use more.
