MANUAL | QUICK START GUIDE

CORSAIR COMMANDER DUO

LIGHTING AND FAN CONTROLLER – ARGB AND iCUE LINK HYBRID

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR COMMANDER DUO

A. 2x 4-Pin PWM Fan Headers	E. SATA Power Connector
B. 2x 3-Pin ARGB Headers	F. 2x iCUE LINK Ports
C. 2x Temperature Sensor Headers	G. ARGB to LINK Mode Toggle Switch
D. USB Type-C Port

PACKAGE CONTENTS

1x COMMANDER DUO

1x USB Cable

2x Temperature Sensors

2x iCUE LINK Bridge Connectors

2x Double-sided Tape

PREREQUISITES

*Sold separately

iCUE LINK System Hub
(not needed for ARGB mode)

iCUE Version 5 or Higher

Microsoft Windows 11 or Higher

ARGB MODE VS LINK MODE

The COMMANDER DUO supports standard PWM fan speed and standard ARGB device (fans and strips) control through its default USB connection with iCUE (ARGB MODE).

If you have an iCUE LINK System Hub you can use the COMMANDER DUO in LINK MODE. This will allow you to remove the USB cable and SATA power cable and use the power and data from the iCUE LINK System Hub to control the standard PWM fan speed and standard ARGB devices connected to the COMMANDER DUO.

ARGB MODE

In ARGB mode, you can daisy-chain up to 12 fans across two channels, with each channel supporting six fans on the COMMANDER DUO. Each channel's fans are managed as a group within the iCUE software.

LINK MODE

When using iCUE LINK devices, simply dock the System Hub to one side of the COMMANDER DUO and switch to LINK mode. This configuration allows the System Hub to take control over all connected devices via iCUE, and the COMMANDER DUO no longer requires SATA power.

INSTALLATION

1. CONNECT FAN CABLES AND TEMPERATURE SENSORS

NOTE: Each ARGB header supports up to 50 ARGB LEDs. Each fan header supports up to 6 fans.

NOTE: It is recommended to daisy-chain ARGB PWM fans with the same LED count in a group on each channel. iCUE will display the LED count of the device with the highest number of LEDs, and devices in the chain with fewer LEDs could experience unpredictable lighting effects. When connecting a daisy chained HydroX product or LS Series lighting strips via ARGB adapter, iCUE will display the total combined LED count of all devices in sequence.

Connect the 4-pin PWM fan cable to one of the 4-Pin PWM Fan Headers (A).
Connect the 3-pin ARGB cable to one of the 3-Pin ARGB Headers (B).

Fan and ARGB cable being connected to the COMMANDER DUO

TIP: PWM and ARGB can be connected using daisy-chaining; only the last connector in the chain needs to be plugged into the corresponding header.

Connect a temperature sensor (3) to one of the 2-pin Temperature Sensor Headers (C) (Optional).

(Left header: Channel 1, Right header: Channel 2)

Temperature sensor being connected to one of the ports on the COMMANDER DUO

TIP: The temperature sensors are designed to measure ambient temperatures, so for the most accurate results, they should not directly touch components. You may find it useful to mount the temperature sensors near air intake and exhaust points, and if your PC case has multiple compartments, you can try placing each of the sensors in its own compartment. Since the thermal sensors can easily be repositioned, you can try various locations and use what works best for you.

2. CONNECT OPTIONAL CORSAIR ACCESSORIES

Connect CORSAIR Hydro X components to one of the 3-Pin ARGB Headers (B).

ARGB Cable being connected to the COMMANDER DUO

3. ENABLE ARGB FAN CONTROLLER MODE

IMPORTANT: Please make sure to power off the device by unplugging the SATA power cable before changing the toggle switch to avoid any potential damage or malfunctions. You can power on the device after the switch has been flipped. Do not connect any ARGB fans or iCUE LINK devices while the device is powered on, as the device does not support hot swapping.

NOTE: This mode is incompatible with iCUE LINK devices. If you plan to control the device using the System Hub, skip ahead to STEP 5. ENABLE LINK MODE FOR iCUE LINK DEVICES.

Flip the Toggle Switch (G) on the left side of the controller to the left position to enable ARGB Fan Controller Mode.

4. CONNECT THE COMMANDER DUO TO THE USB HEADER AND POWER CONNECTION

Connect the USB Cable (2) into the USB Port (D) of the controller.
Connect the SATA power cable from the power supply to the SATA Power Connector (E) of the controller.

Connect the 9-pin USB 2.0 connector of the USB Cable (2) into a USB 2.0 header on the motherboard.

IMPORTANT: If you're only connecting ARGB fans and not using any iCUE LINK devices, you can skip Steps 5 through 7 and go straight to the Software Setup section.

5. ENABLE LINK MODE FOR iCUE LINK DEVICES

NOTE: An iCUE LINK System Hub (sold separately) is required for the iCUE LINK Mode. Ensure iCUE LINK System Hub is updated to the latest firmware.

NOTE: iCUE version 5 or higher is required to control the smart features.

Flip the Toggle Switch (G) on the left side of the controller to the right position to enable LINK Mode.

Use the iCUE LINK Bridge Connector (4) to link one of the COMMANDER DUO’s iCUE LINK Ports (F) to the iCUE LINK System Hub (6).

You can use the iCUE LINK port on either side of the System Hub (6) and COMMANDER DUO (1).

6. CONNECT iCUE LINK DEVICES

Connect iCUE LINK devices to a remaining iCUE LINK Port (F) on the COMMANDER DUO.

The COMMANDER DUO acts as an extension of the iCUE LINK System Hub (6).

NOTE: When using LINK Mode, you can keep your PWM fans, ARGB devices, or temperature sensors connected to the COMMANDER DUO. They will continue to function as expected.

7. LINK MODE DEVICE COUNT

NOTE: Each iCUE LINK port on the iCUE LINK System Hub supports up to 12 iCUE LINK devices, including the COMMANDER DUO itself. If only one channel (either Channel 1 or Channel 2) on the COMMANDER DUO is used, the COMMANDER DUO counts as one iCUE LINK device, allowing up to 11 additional devices to be connected. If both channels are used, it counts as two devices, leaving room for up to 10 additional iCUE LINK devices.

Combination	Device Count
FAN1 Only	1 Device
FAN2 Only	1 Device
FAN1 + FAN2	2 Devices
ARGB1 Only	1 Device
ARGB2 Only	1 Device
ARGB1 + ARGB2	2 Devices
FAN1 + ARGB1	1 Device
FAN2 + ARGB2	1 Device
FAN1 + FAN2 + ARGB1	2 Devices
FAN1 + FAN2 + ARGB2	2 Devices
FAN1 + FAN2 + ARGB1 + ARGB2	2 Devices
TEMP1	1 Device
TEMP2	1 Device
TEMP1 + TEMP2	2 Devices

After connecting all devices, refer to the CORSAIR System Hub Quick Start Guide for detailed installation instructions.

SOFTWARE SETUP

1. INSTALL iCUE

Download and install the latest version of iCUE from www.corsair.com/downloads

Once iCUE is installed, run the software. The COMMANDER DUO will appear in the iCUE interface. When using COMMANDER DUO in LINK Mode, iCUE will also display all the connected devices.

2. CHECK FOR UPDATES

If any of the connected devices need a firmware update, you will be prompted to perform an update via a notification in the top right corner. You can also click the settings (cog wheel icon in the top right corner) to check for software updates manually. To update the firmware, click “Device Settings” from the same menu.

iCUE home screen showing an update prompt

3. LIGHTING SETUP

The Lighting Setup page will display the devices connected to the COMMANDER DUO's ARGB headers. Each header (channel) will show only one device icon.

Select "Lighting Setup" in the main menu on the left.
Use the dropdown menu in the bottom panels to select the type of device you have connected.

iCUE setup screen - Lighting setup for COMMANDER DUO

4. LIGHTING EFFECTS

Choose which lighting effect will be displayed when the iCUE software is running:

Select "Lighting Effects" in the main menu on the left.
Select the desired lighting effect.
Click the "+" icon in the "Lighting Layers" panel to add additional lighting effects.

iCUE screen showing the Lighting Effects page for COMMANDER DUO

ARGB Mode

LINK Mode

Device Memory Mode

Choose which lighting effect will be displayed when iCUE software is not running - usually during computer the startup phase:

Select "Lighting Effects" in the main menu on the left.
Toggle the Device Memory Mode by clicking on the button.
Select the desired lighting effect by clicking on one of the available options in the "Lighting Type" panel and click on the save icon.

iCUE screen showing the Device Memory Mode option for COMMANDER DUO

ARGB Mode

LINK Mode

5. COOLING SETUP

NOTE: All fans connected to the same header are recognized as one group and do not support individual control.

Select your desired cooling presets for any fans connected to the COMMANDER DUO between Quiet, Balanced, Extreme, or create your own fan curve:

Select "Cooling" in the main menu on the left
Select the desired cooling preset for each device.
Click the "+" icon under "Cooling Presets" to create a custom fan curve.

iCUE screen showing the Cooling Effects page for COMMANDER DUO

ARGB Mode

LINK Mode

Device Memory Mode

Choose how your fan(s) will perform when the iCUE software is not running - usually during computer the startup phase:

Select "Cooling" in the main menu on the left.
Toggle the Device Memory Mode by clicking on the button.
Select one of the available presets in the “Cooling Presets” panel.
Once the desired setting is selected, click on the save icon.

iCUE screen showing the Cooling Effects page for COMMANDER DUO / Device Memory Mode Option

ARGB Mode

LINK Mode

6. ALERTS

You can configure automatic actions based on temperature thresholds. The interface displays available temperature inputs (Temp #1 and Temp #2) detected by the connected sensors.

Select "Alerts" in the main menu on the left.
Click the "+" icon in the “Alerts" panel on the bottom to create custom actions.
Use the toggle switches to enable one or more actions for that temperature condition.
Assign a specific temperature input (Temp #1 or #2) to this alert using the dropdown menu next to each sensor block.

iCUE screen showing the Alerts page for COMMANDER DUO

ARGB Mode

LINK Mode

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Can I use SATA power when the iCUE LINK System Hub is attached to power more devices?

No. The controller should operate in either ARGB Fan Controller Mode or LINK Mode (via the iCUE LINK System Hub), but not both. Connecting the USB cable, SATA power and iCUE LINK System Hub simultaneously may cause communication conflicts and unpredictable behavior.

What happens if I exceed the LED limit on an ARGB header?

Each 3-pin ARGB header supports up to 50 LEDs. Exceeding this limit may lead to reduced brightness, incorrect lighting patterns, or software instability. Always check your LED count before connecting.

Can I daisy-chain multiple ARGB devices on a single header?

Yes, but keep in mind the total LED count must not exceed 50 per header. Many ARGB fans and strips allow daisy-chaining, but you must verify the LED count of each device.

Are temperature sensors necessary for operation?

No. The temperature sensors are optional. However, they are recommended if you want to monitor specific zones in your system.

What are smart features in CORSAIR iCUE software?

Smart features in CORSAIR iCUE allow you to monitor your system, customize lighting and cooling, create automated profiles, and control compatible devices intelligently based on real-time conditions.

POWER RATING

COMMANDER DUO
Output Rating: 12V 1.5A (per Fan port), 5V 1.8A (per ARGB port), 12V 7A (iCUE LINK)

WARRANTY

The CORSAIR COMMANDER DUO has a 3-year warranty.

LEGAL

© 2025 CORSAIR MEMORY, Inc. All rights reserved. CORSAIR and the sails logo are registered trademarks of CORSAIR in the United States and/or other countries. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Product may vary slightly from those pictured.