PHANTEKS NexLinq Controller Hub Instructions

PHANTEKS NexLinq Controller Hub

Specifications

Product Overview

This manual provides installation and setup guidance for a Phanteks EX5 series PC chassis, including supported models, component clearance limits, included hardware, and step-by-step mainboard, GPU, storage, and CPU liquid cooler (EX5-PLUS/EX5-MAX) installation.

Supported Models

Legend

• Remove: Detach or uninstall the component.
• Install: Mount or attach the component.
• Loosen: Back off screws or fasteners without fully removing them.

Warning: Phanteks will not take responsibility for any damages incurred due to incorrect installation or usage of this product.

Scope of Delivery

• SSD / GPU / Mainboard Screws: M3 x18
• Mainboard Stand-off: x1
• HDD Screws: 6-32 UNC x4
• Stand-off Removal Tool: x1
• PSU / GPU Bracket Screws: 6-32 UNC x6
• Zip Tie: x6
• GPU Bracket Short GPU (241-308 mm): x1
• S25-120 Fan: Pre-installed x1
• GPU Bracket Long GPU (275-358 mm): x1
• EX5 Chassis: x1
• ARGB Mainboard Adapter (60 mm)*: x1
• Dust Filter: Optional x1

CPU Liquid Cooling Accessories

• Intel Spacer (115X / 1200 / 1700 / 1851): x4
• AMD Stand-off (AM4 / AM5): x4
• Thumb Nuts: x4
• Tube Clips: x2
• CPU Liquid Cooler SE Pump Module: x1 (EX5-PLUS)
• Intel Backplate (115X / 1200 / 1700 / 1851): x1
• Intel Bracket (115X / 1200 / 1700 / 1851): x1
• AMD Bracket (AM4 / AM5): x1
• CPU Liquid Cooler LCD/D-RGB Module: x1 (EX5-MAX)
• USB to Type-C Cable (600 mm): x1

Phanteks will not take responsibility for any damages incurred due to incorrect installation or usage of this product.

Clearance & Compatibility

Fan Support

Radiator Support

Component Clearance

Follow your motherboard manual for instructions on ARGB control.

EX5-PLUS and EX5-Max support a custom radiator only.

Front I/O Ports

1. Power Button
2. Reset Button
3. USB 3.0
4. Type-C USB 3.2 Gen2x2
5. Microphone / Headphone Combo

Prepare Installation

1. Mainboard Glass Panel
   REMOVE: Thumb Screw 2x
2. GPU Cover
   REMOVE: Thumb Screw 2x
3. ATX Mainboard Cover
   REMOVE: Detach ATX Cover
4. Side Panel
   REMOVE: Detach Side Panel
5. Side Fan Bracket
   LOOSEN: Captive Thumb Screw 1x

Mainboard Installation

Mainboard Mount
INSTALL: Mainboard Screws 9x (Compatible with ATX and mATX form factors)

EX5 CPU Liquid Cooler Installation

1. Remove Top Panel
   REMOVE: Case Screw 1x and Cover Screw 1x
2. Remove Covers
   REMOVE: Cover Screw 2x
3. Remove Radiator Bracket
   REMOVE: Bracket Screw 4x
4. Install Radiator
   INSTALL: Bracket Screw 4x
5. Route Liquid Cooler Tubing
   RECOMMENDATION: To ensure proper installation, push the tubing all the way to the rear so the tubes are neatly aligned above each other.
6. Install Covers
   INSTALL: Cover Screw 2x

Follow the CPU Liquid Cooling Manual for Further Instructions

EX5-Plus & EX5-Max Mounting Hardware Installation

Intel Socket Installation (115X / 1200 / 1700 / 1851)

1. Remove temporary protective materials before installation.
2. INSTALL: Intel Standoff 4x

AMD Socket Installation (AM4 / AM5)

1. REMOVE: AMD Bracket Screws 4x
2. INSTALL: AMD Standoff 4x

PRO TIP (EX5-MAX): Depending on the bracket orientation, the LCD display will sit horizontally or vertically upon final installation.

Secure the Bracket & CPU Module

1. INSTALL: Intel Bracket or AMD Bracket depending on platform.
2. INSTALL: Thumb Nut 4x to secure the CPU module block.

Pump Cover and Cable Installation

Option A: EX5-PLUS

1. Connect CPU Module Cables
   Connect the cables to the Mainboard PWM Header, the ARGB Mainboard Adapter/Controller, or Daisy-chain with other ARGB products using a 3-pin or 4-pin header.
2. Adjust Tube Orientation (Optional)
   Adjust using a Flathead Screwdriver depending on the direction of your tubing.

Option B: EX5-MAX

1. Connect CPU Module Cables
   Connect to the Mainboard Pump Header (3-pin or 4-pin header).
2. Install USB Cable
3. INSTALL: Connect the USB-C end to the pump and the 9-PIN USB end to the motherboard header.
4. Install LCD Module
   Mount the LCD Module onto the pump head.
5. Secure LCD Module
   Ensure the LCD module is fully secured in place.
6. LCD Position
   Supports 7 different rotational positions for preferred viewing angles.
7. NexLinq Software
   For the LCD6-HD display, download the NexLinq software at www.phanteks.com/nexlinq to customize system monitoring widgets and advanced lighting controls.

Hardware Installation

GPU Support Bracket

Configuration A (For GPUs between 241-308 mm)

• INSTALL: GPU Screw M3 2x
• INSTALL: GPU Bracket Screw 6-32 UNC 2x

PRO TIP: Route the GPU power cable above the graphics card to prevent it from interfering with the cooling fans.

Configuration B (For GPUs between 275-358 mm)

• INSTALL: GPU Screw M3 2x
• INSTALL: GPU Bracket Screw 6-32 UNC 1x

Power Supply Installation

INSTALL: Power Supply Screws 6-32 UNC 4x

Storage Drive Brackets

2.5″ SSD Installation

INSTALL: SSD Screws M3 4x onto the SSD Bracket.

3.5″ HDD Installation

1. REMOVE: Bracket Screw 1x to release the bracket.
2. INSTALL: HDD Screws 6-32 UNC 4x to secure the drive.

Cable Connections

ARGB Cable Setup

Connect ARGB Cable

System Integration: Connect to a controller or the included Motherboard Adapter to sync lighting.

Optional Mainboard Adapter

Sync lighting to the mainboard

Daisy Chain: Expand lighting setups using the integrated male/female pass-through connectors.

Case Cables
Connect the following front panel cables to your motherboard headers: Front Panel I/O, HD Audio, USB 3.0, USB 3.2 Type-C, and Fan 4-Pin PWM.

Safety Information

To achieve maximum safety, please follow these guidelines:

1. Place the product on a clean and stable surface that allows adequate air ventilation.
2. Don’t use or place the product and any of its components near water, moisture, or other wet surfaces; or place the product near any heat, open flame, or other hot surfaces such as radiators, stoves, fireplaces, and candles.
3. Use caution when operating the desktop PC to avoid electrical shock or damage, such as unplugging the power supply during thunderstorms, ensuring that your hands are dry before using (and handling) the desktop PC, keeping it away from any source of liquid and/or heat source, and using all other reasonable precautions needed under the circumstances.
4. When connecting external devices to your desktop PC, carefully plan how the wires will be placed. Protect any connected cables from being trod on or pinched, particularly at plugs, convenience receptacles, or the point where they exit.
5. Take extra caution when handeling/removing/reattaching glass components. Once removed, place the glass component on a stable surface first before proceeding.
6. When unplugging any connected devices and/or cables, always pull the cable or device’s plug or connector. Don’t forcefully tug on its cord.
7. Don’t place any heavy items on top of the product.
8. Make sure that the desktop PC is off, unplugged from the outlet, and that all connected devices are powered off and unplugged (if any) before installing or uninstalling any internal component to and/or from the desktop PC or product.

Disposal and Regulatory Information

The WEEE symbol indicates that this product must not be disposed of with normal household waste. Through the correct disposal of this product, you will help protect the environment. For more information on the disposal of this product, please contact your local municipality, your waste disposal service, or the shop where you purchased the product.

Company Contacts

Phanteks Group Inc., 11F., No. 150, Jian 1st Rd., Zhonghe Dist. New Taipei City 235

• EU Importer: Axpertec Int. B.V. Sydneystraat 33, 3047 BP Rotterdam, The Netherlands
• US Importer: Axpertec Inc. 20465 E Walnut Dr. N, City of Industry, CA 91789 USA

Troubleshooting

• Tube/tubing alignment during EX5 CPU liquid cooler installation: If tubing alignment looks uneven, follow the installation recommendation to push the tubing all the way to the rear so the tubes are neatly aligned above each other.
• EX5-PLUS/EX5-MAX pump block installation details: If pump block installation steps are unclear, follow the dedicated CPU Liquid Cooling manual for the detailed pump block installation procedure.
• EX5-MAX LCD orientation: If the LCD display orientation is not as desired, note that, depending on bracket orientation,n the LCD will sit horizontally or vertically upon final installation; adjust during mounting accordingly.

www.phanteks.com