Windows 7: Can I install a Corsair H100i on a new build? (starting from scratch)

Hi guys,
So I finally received all the goodies for a major overhaul of my rig.
New mobo, new CPU, new SSDs, new CPU cooler.
Of course I will be doing a fresh Windows 7 install.
My qwuestion, after reading several threads elsewhere, is: can I install my new H100i from the start? Will BIOS see it that there is a CPU cooler fan connected even though Corsair Link would not be installed when I first fire up the rig?
Or should I install the stock cooler first, install windows and all its updates and then install Corsair Link and the H100i?
I'm at a loss here. I've read so many conflicting reports!
Any help and advice would be very much appreciated.
Cheers,



J

If it has a 4pin connector for the fans, and a molex for power for the pump, it will be detected.

It has a 3 pin connector for the fans (but you can plug 3 pin to PWM no problem, right?)and sata power for the pump, but the fans are connected through the pump assembly, not directly to the mobo.
That's why I'm uncertain.
Thanks for your answer

From what I understand, many people start out new builds with that cooler and I don't see any reason why it would be a problem. The BIOS is quite a bit smarter now than they used to be. I wouldn't waste any time on the stock cooler if you are planning on a closed loop system.

Thanks Kelly, that's what I thought, but, since the H100i is rather new, there isn't much information out there. Most of it is regarding problems with the original firmware and what not.
I just don't want to install the thing and not be able to POST, and then have to remove it to start all over.
I just thought that I could plug any fan to the CPU header to fool BIOS, right? While I plug the H100i to any other fan header. The instructions say it can be plugged to any available fan header.

I'd think the lead coming off of the pump would go to the CPU fan header and other fans would go to any other fan header. And yes, you can plug a 3 pin fan into a PWM header, just line up the connector correctly.......it should only go one way.

The bios don't know or care what brand or type of cooler you use. If you don't want to get a warning on boot then just plug what ever cooler you use into the cpu fan connection on the motherboard. As long are you have something plugged into the cpu fan connection you will not get a warning. I have tried many things plugged into that connection and monitored its speed and temps to get my system to get it to the way I want it to be. I have my Corsair pump plugged into the motherboard cpu fan connector. The pump runs a 1430 rpm.

Thank you Layback Bear.
Cheers,
J

Far as I know the Bios has nothing to do with the cooler unless you are looking to control fan speed which the H100 should have speed control but other then that it should take care of itself

As to my knowledge your pc should be able to boot fine with Corsair H100i cooler .

I really like this feature which is based on temperature of the coloring can change or maybe we can also simply select a color of preference to you liking with the LINK software. Also one can monitor system temperatures and adjust fan speeds .