Need help with first build: MSI EZ120 ARGB fans running at full speed/loud noise

[IlyaAlex]

Good evening, I really need help from the community.

I purchased MSI components and built a computer, but a problem arose. Let me explain my situation.

My build:
• Case: MSI MAG PANO 100R PZ
• Motherboard: MSI Z890 Tomahawk WI-FI
• CPU: Intel Core Ultra 9 285K
• RAM: 2x16 Gb G.Skill DDR5
• Storage: MSI M480 PRO 1Tb + MSI M480 PRO 4Tb
• GPU: MSI RTX 5080 Gaming Trio OC
• PSU: MSI A1250GL
• Cooling: MSI MAG CORELIQUID E360
• Fans: MSI MPG EZ120 ARGB (replaced all stock fans) - I was inspired by this video:
Youtube video
The installation process:
My case and AIO liquid cooling came with standard fans (each with 2 wires for RGB and power). I decided to replace them all with MSI EZ120 ARGB fans.

1. I removed the standard fans from the case and installed the MSI EZ120 ARGBs instead:
* 1 rear fan (exhaust) - 1 wire coming from it.
* 3 side fans (intake) - 1 wire coming from the block of three.

2. Similarly, I attached a block of 3 MSI EZ120 ARGB fans to the AIO radiator (1 wire coming from these three as well).

3. I routed all 3 wires from the fans to the back of the PC into the proprietary MSI Hub that came with the MSI EZ120 triple pack.

4. Hub connections: I connected the hub to SATA power (1 wire). From the hub itself, 2 wires go to the motherboard: Micro-USB and JAF1 connector, which I plugged into the JAF2 port on the motherboard (the manual says this is allowed!).

5. Pump connections: Regarding the MSI E360 pump, I plugged the 2 wires from the pump directly into the motherboard headers: PUMP_SYS1 and JARGB.

The Problem:
Upon first boot, the PC opened BIOS successfully; it detects the CPU, RAM, and drives. All fans in the case light up and spin.
HOWEVER, they are all spinning like crazy and humming loudly, as if it's terribly hot and they are trying to dump heat at max speed! The noise is very strong. I don't know what to do about this.

My request:
Please don't judge strictly - this is my first build following instructions. I don't have "much experience" in building PCs, other than cleaning fans and changing thermal paste.

How can I solve this problem? Maybe I made a mistake with the wiring or BIOS settings? It's not easy for me to translate manuals perfectly as English is not my native language. If you would be so kind as to write in detail what I did wrong and how to fix it, I would be very happy.

Best regards.

 

[plutomate]

Look like the HUB has 3 pin fan connector, can you try set motherboard fan control type in BIOS from PWM mode to DC mode and see if it helps?

 

[IlyaAlex]

Look like the HUB has 3 pin fan connector, can you try set motherboard fan control type in BIOS from PWM mode to DC mode and see if it helps?

Hello, thank you for reply. In BIOS I set PWM model, with no luck, not reacting when I am changing values on graphic. Still 10 seconds after power on fans are working on maximum speed. Probably something wrong with cable or BIOS (but I have updated it through the MSI Center). I have downloaded MSI EZ120 ARGB instruction and uploaded screenshots of installation to Gemini 3 Pro - she recommends to use an alternative way to connect hub to motherboard. In instructions they say that we can use Hub-JAF 1 Cable OR Hub Fan ARGB Cable (into JARGB and SYS_FAN - I have free such ports in the bottom of my MB). Need to try, maybe this will help?

 

[plutomate]

i mean set it to DC mode not PWM.

 

[IlyaAlex]

i mean set it to DC mode not PWM.

Hello.
I have found the solution. I was switching off all fan groups from hub one by one - back EZ120 didn't produce noise; 3 EZ120 on radiator of E360 Liquid Cooling didn't produce too - the noise came from the side coolers working on blowing air into the case. Look at two screenshots - on the Youtube screenshot from building the similar PC, he placed EZ120 tripple fan on the side behind vertical montage guides which blocked visually 15-20% of each fan square, while fans are working, these metalic parts are separating the air flow into central and periphery and it was giving loud noise. I just placed tripple fan above these metal parts and now - no noise at all! Complete silence - when it starts, when I am launching rendering in 3ds Max and Corona render/ VRay. So for sure - the reason was in construction of the exact case. For "perfect" look as I understood are needed EZ120R (reverse) fans but i don't need it too much, I love how it looks and works. Anyway, thank you for attention to my case.