If you haven’t heard about iCUE LINK yet, here's a quick rundown: This is the CORSAIR ecosystem designed to simplify the building experience, whether you’re a seasoned DIY veteran or a beginner builder. The core functionality of iCUE LINK allows you to connect parts directly to each other, rather than connecting every individual component back to a hub. By reducing the number of cables there is much less clutter and complexity. By using the iCUE LINK system moving or replacing parts will have little to no impact on the cable management, making it easy to add or swap parts. Let’s look at some of the ways that you might start off with iCUE LINK then expand it later on.
A smaller system with less fans and a smaller radiator can still benefit from iCUE LINK. When building in a smaller system, space is at a premium. The reduced clutter from using LINK parts not only helps clean things up in an already small space, but also makes the building process itself easier. With less cables you have to worry less about how everything is going to get power and data, and more about the function and aesthetics.
Moving up to a mid-tier system usually means adding more fans. With the iCUE LINK system, it is incredibly simple. Since every iCUE LINK device has two ports that both send and receive everything you need, you can chain off existing devices you already have without having to worry too much about which way data and power are flowing. With a full 360mm radiator and 3 front fans you can fully saturate the 7 device limit from one port. In doing this you can turn what used to be over a dozen cables from 6 fans and a pump into one cable to a small hub in the back of your case. This is more than enough cooling for any modern system without particularly hot components, mods, or overclocking. But even if you aren’t going for that kind of cooling, the cleanliness and simplicity is much appreciated.
If you are looking at a high-end build, you are probably experienced enough that the benefits of iCUE LINK are obvious. Builds at this level may have 9 or more fans, 1 maybe even 2 pumps, and a whole lot of RGB. While a single chain may not be able to handle all that power, the single hub can support up to 14 devices, cover the vast majority of builds out there.
In the end game you’re looking at full custom PCs. CORSAIR’s custom made fan cube has light strips along sides and 48 fans, completely covering the exterior of the PC in our iconic RGB goodness. All these fans are plugged into 8 iCUE LINK hubs that deliver both power and data into all the fans. This massive build pushes the limits of iCUE LINK while keeping the cable management clean as well. For more info on this one-of-a-kind build check out our short form content on TikTok, YouTube, or Instagram.
Hopefully, seeing how iCUE LINK can simplify your build at every level can give you some inspiration on how a LINK system can be repurposed in the future if you don’t want to upgrade or swap parts down the line. Check out all the iCUE LINK compatible devices at our website and be sure to follow our socials when we expand the ecosystem soon.
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