CLX Fan Installation, Connections, and RGB Guide

Fans are an important part of keeping your CLX system cool and properly ventilated. Whether you need to replace a fan, add additional fans, troubleshoot a fan that is not working, or adjust your RGB lighting, this guide will walk you through the basics.

Installing Fans and Understanding Airflow

Installing a case fan is relatively simple. Secure the fan using the four mounting holes in the corners, then connect the fan cables.

Fan Screws

There are two common types of fan screws:

• Short screws: Used for standard case-fan installation. These screws are designed to thread directly into the plastic mounting holes on the fan and may require some force when installing a fan for the first time.
• Long screws: Used when mounting fans directly to an all-in-one (AIO) liquid-cooling radiator.

If your system has an AIO liquid cooler, the radiator will typically be connected to the CPU cooling block by two large tubes and mounted at the front or top of the case.

Important: Do not use long fan screws to mount a radiator to the case. Using screws that are too long can damage the radiator.

Fan Orientation and Airflow

Fans can be installed in different orientations, but it is important to understand which direction the air will travel.

Air generally flows toward the side of the fan with the support brackets and rear grill. The side with the brackets supporting the fan motor is the exhaust side.

For a quick visual explanation of fan orientation, see this short video from Linus Tech Tips:

Linus Tech Tips: Fan Orientation

When planning your airflow, you generally want cool air entering through the front or bottom of the case and warm air exhausting through the rear or top.

Installing a Standard Case Fan

Once you have determined where you want to install the fan:

1. Remove the appropriate case panel if necessary.
2. Position the fan on the inside of the case.
3. Align the four mounting holes on the fan with the fan rails or mounting holes on the case.
4. Insert the short fan screws from the outside of the case and tighten them into the fan.
5. Connect the fan cables.

For a visual demonstration of fan installation, see this short video from GamerTechToronto:

GamerTechToronto: Fan Installation

Installing a Fan on an AIO Radiator

When installing a fan directly onto an AIO radiator:

1. Position the fan against the radiator in the desired airflow direction.
2. Align the fan's mounting holes with the radiator's mounting holes.
3. Use the long fan screws to secure the fan to the radiator.
4. Make sure the screws are the correct length before tightening them.

If you are also mounting the radiator to the case, use the appropriate radiator mounting screws for the case/radiator assembly. Do not use long fan screws to mount the radiator directly to the case, as they can damage the radiator.

If you are having trouble installing or mounting a fan to an AIO radiator, please contact our support team for assistance.

Fan Cables

There are several types of fan cables used in CLX systems. The three main types you may encounter are:

• Fan power cables
• RGB cables
• Combination fan/RGB cables

Fan Power Cables

Fan power cables typically use either a 3-pin or 4-pin connector.

These cables may connect directly to a motherboard fan header or to a fan splitter, hub, or extension cable located elsewhere in the system.

Both 3-pin and 4-pin fan connectors can connect to a standard 4-pin motherboard fan header. The connector and header have a keyed design that helps ensure they are aligned correctly.

When connecting a fan:

1. Locate the guide on the fan connector.
2. Align it with the guide on the fan header.
3. Gently press the connector onto the header until it is fully seated.

RGB Cables

RGB cables can connect to another RGB device or directly to the motherboard, depending on the fan and system configuration.

A common addressable RGB connector is a 3-pin connector with one missing pin, creating a 3-pin/2-1 configuration. This prevents the connector from being installed in the wrong orientation.

These connectors typically do not have a locking mechanism, so make sure they are fully seated. They can become disconnected if nearby cables are moved or pulled.

Important: Do not force an RGB connector onto a header. Make sure the connector type and orientation match before connecting it.

Combination Fan/RGB Cables

Some fans use a combination cable that carries both fan power and RGB control through a single connection.

These cables typically connect to a dedicated fan/RGB controller or hub rather than directly to the motherboard.

Depending on the system and controller, the fans may be controlled using:

• A button on the computer case
• A remote control included with the system
• Software provided by the motherboard or fan manufacturer

Fan Not Spinning or Lighting Up

If one or more fans are not spinning, lighting up, or both, the first step is to check the fan connections.

Check the Fan Connections

1. Shut down the computer completely.
2. Turn off the power supply and disconnect the power cable.
3. Remove the rear side panel, which is the panel opposite the glass side panel.
4. Check the fan cables and connections.

On most tower systems, the rear cable-management area is located behind the right side panel when looking at the front of the computer.

If your system has a dedicated fan/RGB controller, it may look like:

• A small circuit board with multiple cables connected to it
• A small plastic hub or controller with several cables connected

Make sure all fan and controller connections are fully seated.

If you find a loose connection, disconnect and reconnect it securely, then test the system again.

If Your System Does Not Have a Dedicated Controller

Some systems do not use a dedicated fan controller. Instead, the fans may connect through motherboard headers, splitters, hubs, or extension cables.

Look for small plastic connectors or hubs in the rear cable-management area and make sure all cables are securely connected.

If all connections appear secure and the fan still does not work, please contact our support team.

If possible, include a clear picture of the fan connections when contacting support. You can also text the picture to (833) 451-0225 so our team can help identify the cables and connections you are looking at.

Controlling Fan RGB Lighting

Depending on your CLX system and the components installed, there may be several ways to control the RGB lighting.

Case RGB Button

Many cases have a dedicated button for controlling the RGB lighting. This button is usually located near the power button and may be labeled with:

• M
• A fan/light icon
• Another RGB-related symbol

On some cases, the Reset button is configured to control the RGB lighting instead.

Pressing the button may cycle through different lighting effects and colors.

RGB Remote

Some CLX systems include an RGB remote control in the accessory box.

If your system came with a remote, you can use it to change the fan colors and lighting effects.

Motherboard RGB Software

If your system does not have an RGB case button or remote, the RGB lighting may be controlled through your motherboard's RGB software.

The required software depends on the motherboard and the specific fans or RGB controller installed in the system.

If you are unsure which software your system requires, please contact our support team. Our support team can help identify the correct software for your specific configuration.