RGB setup on your PC is becoming increasingly popular with desktop users. A straightforward way to give your computer an RGB setup is with an RGB fan. And due to its popularity, Corsair’s RGB fan is the choice for most users.
Like any other RGB fans, the Corsair RGB fans will only automatically light up once connected to the computer’s motherboard. However, if you are having issues with the fan when setting it up or, the RGB on your fan randomly stopped working, there may be several reasons for this.
It could be a damaged wire or an insufficient power supply that is causing issues with Corsair’s RGB fan. No matter the reason, below we have discussed a few ways you can fix the problem.
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Why Are My Corsair Fans Not Lighting Up?
Before we jump into the methods to fix the issue, let us first discuss what might stop the RGB from turning on. First, if you are using ARGB system fans, you must ensure that your motherboard supports them.
- Damaged Wire
- Insufficient power supply from PSU
- Faulty RGB fans
- The connector from the RGB fan not connected to the correct fan header on the motherboard
How to Fix if your Corsair Fans are not lighting Up?
Now that you know some common reasons Corsair fans stop lighting up, let us look at how we can fix the issue. If your Corsair fan has randomly stopped working, try reseating the RGB fan’s connector.
Sometimes, the header and the connector may not be in contact with each other even though it seems connected. Therefore, before we start with the fixes, turn off the system, access the motherboard, remove the cable that connects the RGB fan to the motherboard and connect it right away.
Check if the Motherboard supports RGB
If you are connecting the Corsair RGB fan for the first time, you need to make sure that the motherboard supports RGB. Depending on the type of RGB you have, the motherboard may or may not support it.
If you have an ARGB (Addressable RGB) fan, you need to connect it to two headers on your motherboard. The first header powers the fan, and the second header powers the RGB on the fan. You can refer to the RGB fan’s user manual to determine the power and the RGB connector.
- Connect the first header, the one that powers the fan, to SYS_FAN.
- Connect the second header, the one that powers RGB, to the 3-pin 5V header on your motherboard. This header will be named ADD_HEADER/JRAINBOW.
However, depending on your motherboard, the header’s name might be different. Therefore make sure that you use the motherboard’s user manual.
If you have a static RGB fan, most motherboards will likely support it, as you do not need to connect it to the motherboard. The cable from the static RGB fan goes into the controller hub. And this hub connects the motherboard, your RGB fan, and the power supply.
Use a different RGB Header
Your motherboard contains multiple ARGB 3-pin 5V headers. Wear and tear or damaged components may be why your Corsair RGB fan is not lighting up. So, if you find your corsair fan not working, you can try switching between these ARGB headers.
- Turn off your PC and remove the wall outlet to which the PC’s PSU connects.
- Remove all the screws that hold the side panel to access the motherboard.
- Remove one of the cables that connect the RGB fan to the ARGB header on your motherboard.
- Search your motherboard for another header named ADD_HEADER/JRAINBOW and connect the RGB connector to this header.
- Restart your PC and check if the RGB on your Corsair fans lights up.
Change RGB controller
If you are using Corsair’s static RGB fan, you are likely connecting the RGB to a controller. The controller acts as a hub and then connects the RGB to the motherboard and the power supply.
However, if this controller is faulty or damaged, the entire lights on your RGB fan fail to function. If that’s the case, you need to change this controller.
Reset BIOS
BIOS, or the Basic Input Output System, has access to and controls the entire hardware component connected to the motherboard. In the case of system fans, you can use BIOS to control fan speed or control its RGB.
If you have recently changed RGB settings in the BIOS and can’t revert the changes, we recommend that you reset the BIOS. Resetting the BIOS reverts all your BIOS configurations to a default one.
This includes RGB settings as well. To reset BIOS,
- Repeatedly press the BIOS key to enter the BIOS. This key is usually the Delete key or one of the function keys.
- Once in the BIOS, search for settings named Reset to default, Reset factory settings, Load optimal defaults or Reset BIOS.
- Once you have reset BIOS to factory default, restart your PC and check if the RGB on your corsair fans lights up.
Check the PSU
When the PSU does not supply enough power to the motherboard, components connected to the motherboard will suffer or may not function at all. The same goes for the system or CPU fans, and its RGB may not work at all.
However, a PSU has issues supplying enough power to the motherboard for multiple reasons. This could be a loose cable, insufficient power from the PSU, or maybe the PSU is fairly older.
To fix any issues with the PSU, first, reseat the 24-pin power cable that supplies power to the entire board. A loose cable could be the reason your RGB is not functioning. If this does not work, ensure that the PSU you use is enough for your computer.
You can use Corsair’s official website to check if your computer is getting enough power supply from the PSU.
Check for Physical Damages
Physical damage to the wire or the LED on your RGB fan itself could cause the RGB to stop working. Check the wire that connects the RGB fan to the motherboard and the power supply.
If you cannot see visible damage to the cable, it could be internal damage. In this case, you will need to replace the entire fan to check if you have a damaged RGB fan.
