1. Introduction
The Thermalright Fan and ARGB HUB×8 is designed to centralize control and power distribution for up to eight PC fans and ARGB (Addressable RGB) devices. This hub provides stable power via a SATA connection and allows for synchronization of fan speed and ARGB lighting effects when connected to a compatible motherboard. It is an essential component for managing multiple cooling and lighting elements within a computer chassis.
Image 1.1: Overview of the Thermalright Fan and ARGB HUB×8, showcasing its compact black design with the Thermalright logo and multiple fan/ARGB ports.
2. Product Features
- Stable Power Output: Direct SATA power supply ensures stable output even under high load conditions for connected fans and ARGB devices.
- ARGB and PWM Support: Supports both 3-pin 5V ARGB lighting devices (such as ARGB fans and light strips) and PWM fans, allowing for synchronized lighting effects and fan speed control via the motherboard.
- Convenient Installation: Equipped with strong double-sided adhesive stickers for secure and flexible mounting within the PC chassis.
- Fan Speed Recognition: Features a dedicated red interface for PWM speed recognition, allowing the motherboard to read the speed of a single fan connected to this specific port.
- Compact Design: The hub features a compact form factor with a Thermalright engraved logo, ensuring stable functionality and easy integration.
3. Package Contents
Verify that all items are present in the package:
- Thermalright Fan and ARGB HUB×8 Unit
- PWM Signal Cable
- ARGB Signal Cable
- Double-sided Adhesive Stickers
- Instruction Manual (this document)
Image 3.1: Contents of the Thermalright Fan and ARGB HUB×8 package, including the hub unit, connecting cables, and adhesive stickers.
4. Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Model | HUB×8 |
| Dimensions (L×W×H) | Approximately 141mm × 64mm × 16mm |
| Fan Ports | 8 (4-pin PWM compatible) |
| ARGB Ports | 8 (3-pin 5V ARGB compatible) |
| Power Input | SATA Power Connector |
| Voltage | 12 Volts (DC) |
| Color | Black |
| Item Weight | 5 ounces |
Image 4.1: Diagram illustrating the dimensions of the Thermalright Fan and ARGB HUB×8.
5. Installation Guide
Follow these steps to install the Thermalright Fan and ARGB HUB×8 in your PC chassis:
- Mount the Hub: Use the provided double-sided adhesive stickers to securely attach the hub to a suitable, flat surface within your PC chassis. Ensure the location allows for easy cable routing to your fans, ARGB devices, and motherboard.
- Connect SATA Power: Connect the SATA power cable from your power supply unit (PSU) directly to the SATA power input port on the hub. This provides stable power to all connected fans and ARGB devices.
- Connect PWM Signal Cable: Connect the PWM signal cable from the hub to a 4-pin PWM fan header on your motherboard. This allows the motherboard to control the speed of the connected fans.
- Connect ARGB Signal Cable: Connect the ARGB signal cable from the hub to a 3-pin 5V ARGB header on your motherboard. This enables synchronization of ARGB lighting effects with your motherboard's software.
- Connect Fans: Connect your 4-pin PWM fans to the fan ports on the hub. Note that only the fan connected to the designated red port will have its speed recognized by the motherboard due to IC reading principles.
- Connect ARGB Devices: Connect your 3-pin 5V ARGB devices (e.g., ARGB fans, ARGB light strips) to the ARGB ports on the hub.
Image 5.1: Illustration showing the SATA power connection, motherboard connections (4-pin PWM and 5V 3-pin ARGB), and the hub mounted inside a PC case using double-sided stickers.
Image 5.2: The hub with multiple fan and ARGB cables connected, demonstrating its capability for neat cable management within a PC build.
6. Operation
Once installed and connected, the Thermalright Fan and ARGB HUB×8 operates by distributing power and signals:
- Fan Speed Control: The hub relays PWM signals from your motherboard to all connected fans, allowing for synchronized fan speed adjustments through your motherboard's BIOS or software. Remember that only the fan connected to the red port will report its speed back to the motherboard.
- ARGB Lighting Control: The hub relays 5V ARGB signals from your motherboard to all connected ARGB devices. This enables you to control and synchronize lighting effects across all connected devices using your motherboard's ARGB control software (e.g., ASUS Aura Sync, MSI Mystic Light Sync, Gigabyte RGB Fusion, ASRock Polychrome Sync).
Image 6.1: Close-up view highlighting the red fan socket, which is designated for fan speed signal monitoring by the motherboard.
7. Important Considerations
- Compatibility: This hub supports 3-pin 5V ARGB interfaces. It does not support 12V 4-pin RGB interfaces. Connecting to the wrong interface may cause damage to the hub or connected devices.
- Fan Speed/Color Adjustment: This hub itself does not adjust fan speed or ARGB lighting colors. It acts as a passthrough for signals from your motherboard. All adjustments must be made through your motherboard's BIOS or dedicated software.
- Motherboard Connections: Ensure the power interface of this product is connected to a 4-pin PWM interface on the motherboard, and the light interface is connected to a 5V 3-pin ARGB interface on the motherboard. Incorrect connections can lead to malfunction or damage.
- Fan Speed Recognition Limitation: Due to the design of motherboard ICs, only the fan connected to the red port on the hub will have its speed individually recognized and reported to the motherboard. Other fans will follow the PWM signal but their individual speeds will not be reported.
8. Troubleshooting
If you encounter issues with your Thermalright Fan and ARGB HUB×8, consider the following:
- Fans Not Spinning or ARGB Not Lighting Up:
- Check if the SATA power cable is securely connected to both the hub and the PSU.
- Verify that the hub's PWM signal cable is correctly connected to a 4-pin PWM header on the motherboard.
- Ensure the hub's ARGB signal cable is correctly connected to a 3-pin 5V ARGB header on the motherboard.
- Confirm that individual fans and ARGB devices are properly connected to the hub's ports.
- Check your motherboard's BIOS settings or software to ensure fan control and ARGB lighting are enabled and configured correctly.
- Incorrect ARGB Colors or Effects:
- Ensure you are using 3-pin 5V ARGB devices. This hub is not compatible with 4-pin 12V RGB.
- Verify the ARGB signal cable is connected to a 5V ARGB header, not a 12V RGB header.
- Use your motherboard's ARGB control software to select and apply desired lighting effects.
- Fan Speed Not Reported by Motherboard:
- Only the fan connected to the red port on the hub will report its speed. Ensure your primary monitoring fan is connected to this port.
- Check motherboard BIOS settings for fan monitoring.
- Hub Not Functioning:
- Double-check all power and signal connections.
- Ensure your PSU is providing adequate power.
- If issues persist, disconnect all devices and reconnect them one by one to identify a potentially faulty component.
9. Maintenance
To ensure the longevity and optimal performance of your Thermalright Fan and ARGB HUB×8:
- Keep Clean: Periodically clean the hub and its connections from dust accumulation using compressed air or a soft, dry cloth. Ensure the PC is powered off and unplugged before cleaning.
- Avoid Moisture: Keep the hub away from liquids and excessive humidity.
- Secure Mounting: Ensure the hub remains securely mounted within the chassis to prevent accidental disconnections or damage from movement.
- Cable Management: Maintain tidy cable routing to prevent strain on connectors and improve airflow within the chassis.
10. Warranty and Support
Thermalright products are manufactured to high-quality standards. For specific warranty information, please refer to the warranty card included with your product or visit the official Thermalright website. For technical support or inquiries, please contact Thermalright customer service through their official channels.