6 Best Alternatives to the Thermalright ARGB Fan HUB Controller (2026)
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You can explore several thermalright argb fan hub controller alternatives if your PC build requires different cabling options in 2026. The original Thermalright 3-Pin 5V ARGB Fan Hub excels at expanding a single motherboard lighting header to ten 3-pin 5V ARGB devices. It uses direct SATA power to maintain stable signal output under load, and its compact 90 by 46 by 16 millimeter plastic body mounts with double-sided adhesive tape. However, the original unit does not split 4-pin PWM fan speed signals, does not bundle its required SATA power cable, and cannot adjust lighting colors on its own.
You might want a different model if you need integrated PWM speed headers, magnetic mounting, or individual daisy-chain fans that eliminate a central splitter entirely. Different brands also offer distinct port layouts, larger dimensions, and unified dual-fan frames to streamline your cable runs. The 6 alternatives on this list were chosen because their specs overlap with the original hub, featuring 3-pin 5V ARGB connectors, SATA power inputs, and compact designs. Reviewing these specifications helps you select the best hardware match for your case fans and motherboard connections.
Comparing Thermalright ARGB Hub Alternatives
Cooler Master MasterFan MF140 Halo Duo-Ring ARGB Fan
Cooler Master MasterFan MF140 Halo is a dedicated 140mm cooling fan with duo-ring lighting powered by 24 LEDs, delivering PWM speeds up to 1,800 RPM. The Thermalright unit is solely a ten-port splitter box with no integrated fan blades or cooling capabilities. Choosing Cooler Master gives you active airflow and illumination within a single 5.51-inch frame. You give up multi-device port expansion, as it cannot power or route signals to additional chassis accessories. Pick this fan if your setup requires an individual 140mm intake or exhaust fan rather than a central wiring block for existing lighting cables.
Shaking Tank 9-Port ARGB and PWM Fan Hub
Shaking Tank 9-Port Hub routes both 4-pin PWM motor power and 3-pin ARGB signals across nine channels using SATA power. In contrast, the Thermalright hub distributes only 5V ARGB lighting signals and provides no fan speed routing. Shaking Tank also uses magnetic mounting, making repositioning inside steel enclosures simpler than Thermalright's adhesive tape installation. You give up one lighting port, dropping from ten headers to nine, and accept a longer 5.71-inch footprint over Thermalright's 3.54-inch body. Select this hub if your build requires combined lighting synchronization and fan speed control in a single SATA-powered module.
Empowered PC Lotus 120mm ARGB Fans 3-Pack
Empowered PC Lotus provides three 120mm static-pressure fans equipped with built-in daisy-chain cables for direct cooler and radiator mounting. The Thermalright hub is a standalone 3.54-inch plastic distribution module that requires separate fan hardware and individual wire runs. The Lotus triple pack eliminates external splitter boxes by letting you link both fan motor power and ARGB lines sequentially to motherboard headers. You give up the ability to centralize wiring for up to ten independent accessories. Choose this three-pack if you want high-pressure radiator cooling with integrated daisy-chain headers instead of securing a separate lighting hub.
Jonsbo 240mm Reverse ARGB Dual Fan Frame
Jonsbo ZA 240BR combines two reverse-blade 120mm intake fans into a single unified 240mm housing using unified PWM and ARGB connections. The Thermalright hub offers ten lighting outputs for individual components, but it supplies no cooling airflow or motor power. Jonsbo eliminates intermediate cabling between adjacent fans, streamlining intake placement along side or front mounts. You give up broader lighting expansion, as it powers only its dual-fan assembly rather than ten standalone devices. Pick this unified frame if you need two reverse intake fans and want to eliminate extra fan splitters and loose hub wiring.
Ocypus 10-Port ARGB and PWM Fan Hub
Ocypus Delta EH10 BK supports ten channels of both 4-pin PWM fan speed and 3-pin ARGB lighting, supported by dedicated circuit protection and a magnetic mount. The Thermalright hub provides ten lighting connections, but it lacks fan motor power support and relies on double-sided tape for chassis placement. Ocypus matches Thermalright's ten-device lighting capacity while adding full cooling control, though its 2.3-inch width is slightly wider than Thermalright's 1.81-inch footprint. You give up nothing in total port count. Choose the Ocypus hub if you need coordinated speed management and lighting synchronization for ten fans within a protected enclosure.
Jonsbo 120mm Reverse Blade ARGB Fan
Jonsbo ZB120 WR is an individual 120mm reverse-blade fan featuring interlocking joints and daisy-chain connectors for modular installations. The Thermalright hub functions strictly as a centralized ten-port lighting distributor without fan blades or speed regulation. Jonsbo lets you interlock fans physically and link their PWM and 3-pin 5V ARGB signals directly, maintaining clean intake airflow. You give up the high-volume ten-device routing capacity provided by a dedicated hub. Select this fan if you are assembling a clean intake setup with modular fan links and wish to avoid mounting a separate ARGB hub inside your computer case.
Quick picks
Our 7 picks
Thermalright 3-Pin 5V ARGB Fan Hub
Best for: expanding 5V 3-pin ARGB motherboard headers
- Lighting
- ARGB
- Connector Type
- 3-Pin
- Dimensions
- 3.54 × 1.81 × 0.63 inches
This Thermalright ARGB fan hub synchronizes lighting signals across up to ten 5V 3-pin ARGB devices using your motherboard's header. It measures 90 by 46 by 16 millimeters and mounts with included double-sided adhesive tape. The unit draws power directly from a SATA connection to handle high lighting loads without overloading your motherboard headers. It fits your build if you need to expand ARGB lighting ports without standalone controller buttons.
Pros
- Supports up to ten 3-pin 5V ARGB devices
- Direct SATA power input for stable lighting output
- Compact 90 x 46 x 16 mm footprint
- Includes double-sided adhesive tape for chassis mounting
Cons
- Does not support 12V 4-pin RGB hardware
- Requires a separate SATA cable that is not included
- Lacks standalone color controls or onboard buttons
Good fit if
- You need to run multiple 5V 3-pin ARGB components from a single motherboard header.
- You have an available SATA power connector inside your chassis.
- You want a slim hub that mounts via adhesive backing.
Skip if
- You use legacy 12V 4-pin RGB components instead of 5V 3-pin ARGB.
- You lack an extra SATA power cable in your PC setup.
- You want onboard lighting adjustment buttons without motherboard software.
Verdict: Thermalright 5V 3-Pin ARGB Fan Hub expands your 5V lighting capacity to ten devices via direct SATA power. It relies entirely on your motherboard for signal control and requires your own SATA power cable.
Cooler Master MasterFan MF140 Halo Duo-Ring ARGB Fan
Best for: individual 140mm dual-ring ARGB fan setups
- Fan Size
- 140mm
- Max Fan Speed
- 1,800 rpm
- Lighting Type
- 5V 3-Pin ARGB
- Dimensions
- 5.51 × 5.51 × 0.98 inches
- Weight
- 7.05 ounces
View on Amazon: Cooler Master MasterFan MF140 Halo Duo-Ring ARGB Fan
This is a 140mm case fan featuring duo-ring addressable RGB lighting with 24 individual LEDs and a 4-position 3-pin 5V connector. It offers dynamic PWM speed regulation from 650 RPM to 1,800 RPM and uses sound-absorbing rubber pads with hybrid static pressure blades. If you need a standalone illuminated fan instead of a multi-port distribution hub, this unit provides direct cooling and dual-ring lighting for standard 5V ARGB motherboards.
Pros
- 24 individually controlled duo-ring ARGB LEDs
- PWM speed control range from 650 to 1,800 RPM
- Sound-absorbing rubber pads for noise reduction
- Hybrid static pressure blade design
Cons
- Individual fan rather than a multi-port hub controller
- Incompatible with 12V 4-pin RGB headers
- ARGB controller and Gigabyte adapter sold separately
Good fit if
- You want a 140mm fan with 24 individually controlled ARGB LEDs.
- You need dynamic PWM speed control between 650 and 1,800 RPM.
- You have a motherboard or controller with a standard 5V 3-pin ARGB header.
Skip if
- You need a multi-port hub to power several fans simultaneously.
- You only have standard 12V 4-pin RGB headers on your motherboard.
- You use a Gigabyte 3-position 3-pin header without a separate adapter.
Verdict: Cooler Master MF140 Halo 140mm ARGB Fan delivers dual-ring illumination with 24 LEDs and PWM control up to 1,800 RPM. It suits builds needing direct 140mm cooling rather than a centralized multi-port splitter hub.
Shaking Tank 9-Port ARGB and PWM Fan Hub
Best for: high-capacity ARGB fan cable management
- Lighting
- ARGB
- Connector Type
- 3-Pin
- Dimensions
- 5.71 × 1.97 × 0.59 inches
- Weight
- 3.81 ounces
This Shaking Tank splitter is a 2-in-1 distribution board designed to centralize your cooling setup. It combines nine 5V 3-pin addressable RGB headers with nine 4-pin PWM fan ports on a single board powered via SATA. You can mount it directly to steel chassis surfaces using its built-in magnetic backplane or the included adhesive Velcro. It suits you if you need to run extensive case lighting and fan arrays from one motherboard header.
Pros
- Provides nine 4-pin PWM and nine 5V 3-pin ARGB connections
- Dedicated SATA power connection maintains stable output under load
- Magnetic backplane and adhesive Velcro allow flexible mounting inside cases
- Compatible with ASUS Aura, GIGABYTE Fusion, MSI Mystic Light, and ASRock Polychrome
Cons
- Does not support 12V 4-pin RGB hardware
- No speed control for 3-pin fans, running them at maximum RPM
- System can only monitor the RPM reading from the Fan 1 header
Good fit if
- You need to synchronize up to nine 5V ARGB fans through a single motherboard header.
- You prefer magnetic mounting to simplify placement inside a steel PC chassis.
- You want dedicated SATA power delivery for multi-fan cooling configurations.
Skip if
- You use legacy 12V 4-pin non-addressable RGB components.
- You require individual speed monitoring for every connected fan rather than just Fan 1.
- You plan to control speeds on 3-pin non-PWM fans.
Verdict: Shaking Tank 9-Port ARGB and PWM Fan Hub consolidates power, lighting, and PWM signaling for up to nine case fans into a single SATA-powered splitter. Its magnetic mounting and broad motherboard sync compatibility make it a practical cable management hub for standard 5V ARGB builds.
Empowered PC Lotus 120mm ARGB Fans 3-Pack
Best for: CPU cooler and radiator daisy-chain setups
- Fan Size
- 120mm
- Max Fan Speed
- 2000RPM
- Max Airflow
- 61.5CFM
- Static Pressure
- 2.98mm H2O
- Noise Level
- 34dBA
- Connector Type
- 4-pin PWM
The Empowered PC Lotus is a three-pack of 120mm PWM fans designed for CPU coolers, radiators, and cases. Instead of a standalone hub, these units daisy-chain together to run off single motherboard headers. You get a speed range of 600 to 2000 RPM, delivering up to 61.5 CFM airflow and 2.98 mm H2O static pressure. They suit builds needing high-pressure cooling and simplified cable management without external control boxes.
Pros
- Daisy-chainable wiring connects multiple fans to a single header
- High static pressure reaching up to 2.98 mm H2O
- Wide PWM control range from 600 to 2000 RPM
- Ten addressable RGB LEDs integrated into each hub
Cons
- Reaches up to 34 dBA at maximum operating speed
- Thickness measures 27mm instead of the standard 25mm
Good fit if
- You want to mount fans directly on a CPU cooler or radiator requiring high static pressure.
- You prefer daisy-chaining ARGB and PWM connections to avoid routing cables to a separate hub.
- You want 5V 3-pin ARGB and 4-pin PWM synchronization managed straight by your motherboard.
Skip if
- You specifically need a dedicated multi-port hardware hub to consolidate wiring for existing fans.
- You have tight clearance requiring fans thinner than 27mm.
Verdict: Empowered PC Lotus 120mm Daisy-Chain ARGB Fans replace standalone hubs by linking three high-pressure fans directly through built-in daisy-chain cables. They deliver strong static pressure and synchronized ARGB lighting straight from your motherboard headers.
Jonsbo 240mm Reverse ARGB Dual Fan Frame
Best for: clean dual-fan intake setups without extra hubs
- Fan Size
- 120mm
- Max Fan Speed
- 1800 RPM
- Noise Level
- 21.3-37.3 dB(A)
- Connector Type
- 4-Pin PWM
- Lighting Type
- 3-Pin ARGB
- Blade Direction
- Reverse
The Jonsbo 240mm Dual-Fan Reverse Frame consolidates two 120mm reverse-blade fans into one integrated chassis. Instead of routing multiple cables to a hub, you run a single PWM and 3-pin ARGB lead directly to your motherboard. Operating speeds range from 700 to 1800 RPM at 21.3 to 37.3 dB(A). It suits you if you want synchronized intake airflow and lighting without managing extra controller boxes.
Pros
- Single-frame design uses one unified cable connection for power and lighting
- 70 total ARGB LEDs with 52 perimeter and 18 hub diodes
- PWM operational range between 700 and 1800 RPM
- Reverse blade orientation designed for visible intake mounting
Cons
- 28mm frame thickness exceeds standard 25mm fan clearance
- High LED count requires an ARGB channel capable of powering 70 diodes
- Unified frame prevents mounting the two fans in separate locations
Good fit if
- You want reverse-blade intake fans with a single unified cable harness.
- You have clearance for a 28mm thick cooling unit in your chassis.
- You prefer connecting ARGB directly to a 5V 3-pin motherboard header.
Skip if
- You need a multi-port hub to connect several individual fans.
- You have strict 25mm clearance limits on your fan mounts.
- You need to place individual 120mm fans in different case areas.
Verdict: Jonsbo 240mm Dual-Fan Reverse Frame eliminates separate fan cabling by pairing two reverse-blade 120mm fans into a single unified chassis with standard PWM and ARGB connections. It is a streamlined alternative to adding an external hub when you only need to run two intake fans.
Ocypus 10-Port ARGB and PWM Fan Hub
Best for: high-capacity fan and lighting setups
- Lighting
- ARGB
- Connector Type
- 3-Pin
- Dimensions
- 3.8 × 2.3 × 0.62 inches
This hub gives you synchronized control for up to ten 4-pin PWM fans and ten 5V 3-pin ARGB lighting devices. A single SATA connection powers the unit, while magnetic mounting lets you secure the compact chassis directly to metal case panels. Each ARGB header features independent short-circuit protection. It suits builders managing high fan counts across large cases who need central cable distribution without motherboard header strain.
Pros
- Provides 10 PWM fan headers and 10 5V 3-pin ARGB ports
- Individual short-circuit and overload protection on each ARGB port
- Built-in magnetic mounting requires no tools
- Powered directly by a standard SATA power cable
Cons
- Incompatible with 12V 4-pin RGB headers
- Fan speed telemetry is read only from the FAN 1 port
Good fit if
- You run up to ten 5V 3-pin ARGB fans in your setup
- You prefer magnetic mounting inside your PC chassis
- You want isolated circuit protection on individual lighting ports
Skip if
- You use legacy 12V 4-pin RGB components
- You need independent RPM speed monitoring for every individual fan
Verdict: Ocypus 10-Port ARGB PWM Fan Hub coordinates cooling and lighting across ten channels with dedicated circuit protection. Its magnetic frame and SATA power input make it a clean solution for multi-fan enclosures.
Jonsbo 120mm Reverse Blade ARGB Fan
Best for: daisy-chained intake setups without separate hubs
- Fan Size
- 120mm
- Max Fan Speed
- 1800 RPM
- Connector Type
- 4-pin PWM
- Lighting Type
- 3-pin ARGB
- Blade Direction
- Reverse
- Dimensions
- 1.1 × 1.1 × 1.1 inches
If you want to simplify cable clutter without a dedicated hub, this 120mm reverse-blade fan offers an alternative approach. It uses interlocking joint connectors to daisy-chain fans with a single wire run to your motherboard. Key specs include a 28mm thickness, standard 4-pin PWM power, 3-pin 5V ARGB lighting, and built-in infinity mirrors. It suits your build if you prefer direct chainable connections over separate control boxes.
Pros
- Interlocking joint structure with single-cable motherboard connection
- Daisy-chainable 5V 3-pin ARGB male and female plugs
- Dual-zone axis and four-sided infinity mirror lighting
- Reverse blade orientation for unobstructed intake airflow
Cons
- Measures 28mm thick, exceeding standard 25mm fan clearance
- Does not include a standalone multi-port hub controller
Good fit if
- You want to link fans directly without mounting a separate hub module.
- You need a reverse-blade intake fan with 5V ARGB infinity mirror lighting.
- You have clearance for a 28mm thick fan frame.
Skip if
- You need a centralized hardware hub to connect many independent standard fans.
- You have strict 25mm clearance limits for fan mounts or radiators.
Verdict: Jonsbo 120mm White Reverse ARGB Fan replaces the need for a separate hub by linking fans directly through daisy-chain connections and interlocking joints. It provides reverse-flow intake lighting using standard 4-pin PWM and 3-pin 5V ARGB connections.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | Thermalright 3-Pin 5V ARGB Fan Hub | Cooler Master MasterFan MF140 Halo Duo-Ring ARGB Fan | Shaking Tank 9-Port ARGB and PWM Fan Hub | Empowered PC Lotus 120mm ARGB Fans 3-Pack | Jonsbo 240mm Reverse ARGB Dual Fan Frame | Ocypus 10-Port ARGB and PWM Fan Hub | Jonsbo 120mm Reverse Blade ARGB Fan |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fan Size | not specified | 140mm | not specified | 120mm | 120mm | not specified | 120mm |
| Max Fan Speed | not specified | 1,800 rpm | not specified | 2000RPM | 1800 RPM | not specified | 1800 RPM |
| Max Airflow | not specified | not specified | not specified | 61.5CFM | not specified | not specified | not specified |
| Static Pressure | not specified | not specified | not specified | 2.98mm H2O | not specified | not specified | not specified |
| Noise Level | not specified | not specified | not specified | 34dBA | 21.3-37.3 dB(A) | not specified | not specified |
| Connector Type | not specified | not specified | not specified | 4-pin PWM | 4-Pin PWM | not specified | 4-pin PWM |
| Lighting Type | not specified | 5V 3-Pin ARGB | not specified | 5V 3pin ARGB | 3-Pin ARGB | not specified | 3-pin ARGB |
| Blade Direction | not specified | not specified | not specified | not specified | Reverse | not specified | Reverse |
| Lighting | ARGB | ARGB | ARGB | ARGB | ARGB | ARGB | ARGB |
| Compatible Device | not specified | not specified | not specified | CPU Cooler | not specified | not specified | not specified |
| Dimensions | 3.54 × 1.81 × 0.63 inches | 5.51 × 5.51 × 0.98 inches | 5.71 × 1.97 × 0.59 inches | 4.72 × 1.06 × 4.72 inches | 6.14 × 1.65 × 11.8 inches | 3.8 × 2.3 × 0.62 inches | 1.1 × 1.1 × 1.1 inches |
| Weight | not specified | 7.05 ounces | 3.81 ounces | 2 pounds | not specified | not specified | not specified |
| Color | FAN-ARGB HUB | Black | not specified | not specified | Black | Delta EH10 BK | White |
| Model | FAN-ARGB HUB-Controller REV.A-D6 | MFL-B4DN-15NPA-R1 | / | AC-FAN-0151-CUK-001 | ZA 240BR | Delta EH10 BK | ZB120 WR |
| Size | not specified | 140mm MF140 Black | not specified | 3pk | 240mm(Reverse) | not specified | 120mm(Reverse) |
If you need a matching processor heatsink, examine fan specifications for the best thermalright CPU coolers with ARGB.
Frequently asked questions
Can you control both fan speeds and ARGB lighting with an alternative hub?
Yes, options like the Ocypus 10-Port hub and Shaking Tank 9-Port hub handle both PWM fan speeds and ARGB lighting. These units consolidate power and signaling for 4-pin PWM fans and 3-pin 5V ARGB connections into single SATA-powered boxes. You connect them to your motherboard headers to synchronize speeds and lighting across all connected fans simultaneously.
How do daisy-chain fans eliminate the need for an ARGB hub?
Daisy-chain fans link directly together using integrated pass-through cables or interlocking joints instead of plugging into a central splitter box. For example, the Empowered PC Lotus 120mm three-pack uses built-in chaining cables, while the Jonsbo 120mm reverse fan uses interlocking joints. You connect the final fan in the series directly to your motherboard headers, reducing cable clutter.
What mounting methods do multi-port ARGB fan hubs use?
Many third-party hubs use integrated magnetic frames to attach directly to the steel panels of your PC chassis. The Shaking Tank 9-Port and Ocypus 10-Port hubs feature magnetic mounting for placement behind your motherboard tray. This design holds the hub securely in place while letting you reposition it easily during cable routing without dealing with adhesive tape.
Why choose a unified dual-fan frame instead of an ARGB splitter hub?
A unified dual-fan frame combines two fans into a single physical structure with shared cabling. The Jonsbo 240mm reverse dual-fan frame merges two 120mm fans into one housing that uses standard PWM and ARGB connections. This setup lets you fill two adjacent fan mounts without needing an extra multi-port splitter hub to manage individual power and lighting leads.
Do ARGB hubs supply power to connected fans and lighting strips?
Yes, multi-port hubs use dedicated SATA power connections from your power supply unit to run connected hardware safely. Devices like the Thermalright 5V 3-Pin hub, Shaking Tank 9-Port hub, and Ocypus 10-Port hub draw electrical power from SATA lines. This design prevents overloading your motherboard headers while drawing control signals for lighting and speed adjustments directly from the board.
Can reverse-blade ARGB fans plug into standard motherboard lighting headers?
Yes, reverse-blade models like the Jonsbo 120mm fan use standard 3-pin 5V ARGB connectors. You can plug them directly into your motherboard header or link them through compatible daisy-chain connections. These fans provide intake airflow while keeping the decorative side of the fan blades visible, maintaining synchronized lighting control through your motherboard software.