1. Introduction
The Thermalright TL- ARGB AND FAN HUB X12 IR is a versatile control hub designed to manage both PWM fan speeds and Addressable RGB (ARGB) lighting effects for your PC system. It supports synchronization with your motherboard's PWM and ARGB signals, and also features a wireless remote control for convenient lighting adjustments. This hub is capable of connecting up to 12 fans, providing a centralized solution for complex cooling and lighting setups.
2. Package Contents
- Thermalright TL- ARGB AND FAN HUB X12 IR
- Wireless Remote Control
- Soft Magnetic Adhesive (pre-attached or included separately)
- Connection Cables (SATA power, PWM signal, ARGB signal)
3. Product Overview
The TL- ARGB AND FAN HUB X12 IR features a compact design with multiple ports for fan and ARGB connections, along with a dedicated SATA power input for stable operation. An integrated IR receiver allows for wireless control via the included remote.
The hub is designed for efficient cable management and can connect up to 12 fans for both PWM speed control and ARGB lighting synchronization. It receives power directly via a SATA power cable, ensuring stable output even under high load conditions.
For mounting, the hub includes a soft magnetic adhesive on its back, allowing it to be easily adsorbed and fixed inside your PC chassis.
4. Setup Instructions
Follow these steps to properly install and connect your Thermalright TL- ARGB AND FAN HUB X12 IR:
Power Connection: Connect the provided SATA power cable from your power supply unit (PSU) to the SATA power input port on the hub. This ensures stable power delivery to all connected fans and ARGB devices.
Figure 4.1: Connecting the SATA power cable to the hub. Fan Connections: Connect your 4-pin PWM fans to the 'CPU_FAN' and 'FAN-02' through 'FAN-06' ports on the hub. The 'CPU_FAN' port is specifically designed to read fan speed and allow motherboard PWM control. Note that the hub itself does not adjust fan speed; it passes through the PWM signal from the motherboard.
Figure 4.2: Close-up of the CPU_FAN port, which supports fan speed reading and motherboard PWM control. ARGB Connections: Connect your 3-pin +5V ARGB lighting devices to the designated ARGB ports on the hub. Ensure correct orientation to avoid damage.
Motherboard Synchronization (Optional): For motherboard software control of fan speed and ARGB lighting, connect the hub's PWM signal cable to a 4-pin PWM header on your motherboard and the hub's ARGB signal cable to a 3-pin +5V ARGB header on your motherboard. This allows your motherboard's software to manage the connected devices.
Figure 4.3: Diagram illustrating the connection of 4-pin PWM and 3-pin 5V ARGB cables to the motherboard for synchronization. Mounting: Use the soft magnetic adhesive on the back of the hub to securely mount it inside your PC case. Choose a location that allows for good cable routing and remote control signal reception.
5. Operating Instructions
The hub can be controlled via the included wireless remote control or through your motherboard's software if connected for synchronization.
5.1 Wireless Remote Control
The wireless remote control allows you to manage ARGB lighting effects without needing to open your PC case or use software. The remote can even penetrate the chassis for control.
- Power Button (Red): Turns lights on/off.
- R/M Button: Switches between motherboard control and built-in hub modes.
- Play/Pause Button: Initiates automatic loop playback of built-in modes.
- Speed +/- Buttons: Adjusts the speed of dynamic lighting effects (no function for fan speed).
- Mode +/- Buttons: Cycles through different built-in lighting modes.
- Light Brightness +/- Buttons: Adjusts the brightness of the ARGB lighting.
- RGB Color Buttons: Selects static RGB colors.
- Preset Color Buttons: Selects various preset colors and lighting patterns.
Important Note:
- The remote control primarily manages ARGB lighting effects.
- The hub itself does not support direct fan speed adjustment. Fan speed is controlled by the motherboard's PWM signal when connected to the motherboard's CPU_FAN header.
5.2 Motherboard Software Control
If the hub is connected to your motherboard's ARGB and PWM headers, you can use your motherboard's proprietary software (e.g., ASUS Aura Sync, MSI Mystic Light, Gigabyte RGB Fusion, ASRock Polychrome Sync) to control the lighting effects and monitor fan speeds. Ensure the remote control is set to motherboard sync mode (R/M button) for this functionality.
6. Specifications
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Model Number | Thermalright TL- ARGB AND FAN HUB X12 IR |
| Type | Fan & ARGB Hub |
| Rated Current | 1A (maximum per connector) |
| Product Size | 108mm x 50mm x 21mm |
| Wire Length | 500mm |
| Product Color | Black |
| Main Functions | PWM fan synchronization, ARGB lighting synchronization |
| Interface | 4 PIN PWM, 3 PIN +5V ARGB |
| RGB Support | A-RGB |
| Certification | CE, RoHS |
| Warranty | One year |
7. Maintenance
To ensure optimal performance and longevity of your hub:
- Keep the hub free from dust and debris. Use compressed air or a soft brush for cleaning.
- Ensure all cable connections are secure and free from strain.
- Avoid exposing the hub to extreme temperatures or humidity.
8. Troubleshooting
If you encounter issues with your Thermalright TL- ARGB AND FAN HUB X12 IR, consider the following:
- No Power/Lights: Check the SATA power connection to ensure it is securely plugged into both the hub and the PSU.
- Fans Not Spinning/Incorrect Speed: Verify that the 4-pin PWM cables from the fans are correctly connected to the hub. If using motherboard control, ensure the hub's PWM signal cable is connected to the motherboard and that fan control settings in BIOS/UEFI or software are configured correctly. Remember, the hub itself does not adjust fan speed.
- ARGB Lights Not Working/Incorrect Colors: Confirm that the 3-pin +5V ARGB cables are correctly connected to the hub and that the ARGB signal cable from the hub is connected to the motherboard (if using motherboard sync). Check the remote control battery and ensure it's not obstructed. Try cycling through modes with the remote.
- Remote Control Not Responding: Ensure there are no obstructions between the remote and the hub's IR receiver. Check the remote's battery and replace if necessary.
- Interference with Motherboard Sync: If using motherboard software for control, ensure the remote control is set to motherboard sync mode (R/M button). If issues persist, try disconnecting the hub from the motherboard ARGB header and using only the remote control to isolate the problem.
9. User Tips
- Cable Management: Plan your cable routing before installation to ensure a clean and organized build. The hub's compact size and modularity aid in this.
- Test Connections: Before fully closing your PC case, power on your system and test all fan and ARGB connections to ensure they are working as expected.
- Motherboard Compatibility: While the hub supports standard 3-pin +5V ARGB and 4-pin PWM, always verify your motherboard's headers and software compatibility for the best experience.
- Remote Control Placement: Position the hub in a location within your case where the IR receiver has a clear line of sight or minimal obstruction for reliable remote control operation.
10. Warranty and Support
The Thermalright TL- ARGB AND FAN HUB X12 IR comes with a one-year warranty from the date of purchase. For technical support, warranty claims, or further assistance, please contact Thermalright customer service through their official website or the retailer where the product was purchased. Please retain your proof of purchase for warranty validation.
