iCUE
Also called icue, corsair icue, corsair utility engine
Corsair RGB, fan, and memory profile host. The process is iCUE.exe. It is not Razer Synapse.
What you need to know
iCUE is Corsair's host for RGB, fans, and memory. Synapse is Razer.
iCUE.exe owns Corsair lighting and many fan hubs. Synapse will not see that hardware. OpenRGB can fight iCUE on the same device.
- What is it?
- Corsair lighting, fans, and memory host
- Still current?
- Yes, see Current status
- Official download?
- Use the vendor link in this article
What is iCUE?
iCUE controls Corsair lighting, many Commander and AIO fan curves, and supported DDR profiles. Razer Synapse will not see that hardware.
If you have never used it
If the part says Corsair, this is the app for RGB, many AIO pumps, Commander hubs, and some DRAM profiles. Get it from corsair.com/icue. Synapse is the Razer app. FanControl can still own headers iCUE does not see.
What is it used for?
Corsair keyboards, mice, cases, and RAM. Synapse Chroma profiles do not apply.
Commander and similar kits. FanControl is the open-curve alternative for other headers.
Supported Corsair DIMMs. This is not CPU-Z.
Who is it for?
- PCs with Corsair lighting, fans, or DRAM
- People who also run Synapse for a Razer mouse
- Users comparing iCUE curves with FanControl
Current status
iCUE (2018) is a current corsair lighting, fans, and memory host from Corsair. The vendor still points Windows users at https://www.corsair.com/icue.
How old is it?
Corsair Utility Engine was the older name. iCUE (2018) became the single host. A CUE 2 screenshot is history. Synapse was never this product.
Versions
Major channels first. Exact build numbers are not all verified here.
System requirements
Values follow the publisher's public guidance. Workload still changes the real need.
Minimum
| Operating system | A current supported Windows 10 or Windows 11 release, per the vendor |
|---|---|
| RAM | Enough for Windows plus this app. Heavy projects want more. |
Resource profile
- CPU demand
- Follows what you open inside the app
- RAM demand
- Follows documents, tabs, or libraries
Installed processes
These executables belong to this product when it is installed.
| iCUE.exe | Main Windows executable |
|---|
Startup components
iCUE usually starts with Windows so fans and lighting apply at sign-in. Turn that off in iCUE if you want a manual start.
File locations
| Typical install | C:\Program Files\Corsair\corsair iCUE5 Software\ |
|---|
Common problems
Opened Synapse for Corsair RAM
Synapse will not own Corsair DRAM. iCUE is this article.
Fans already owned by FanControl
Two curve hosts on one header fight. Pick one.
Getting unstuck
Install from corsair.com/icue
Help.corsair.com links the current installer. Skip forum "iCUE full" packs.
Update firmware inside iCUE
Commander and AIO kits often need a firmware step before you replace a hub.
Quit OpenRGB and Synapse if a device vanishes
Shared USB lighting fails when two hosts poll it. Test iCUE alone.
Alternatives
Synapse is Razer. SteelSeries GG is SteelSeries. FanControl is an open fan-curve app. OpenRGB is vendor-neutral lighting.
Official help and downloads
Start with the vendor. Random exe sites are not a support channel.
| Download | www.corsair.com/icue Official installer or vendor page |
|---|---|
| Help | help.corsair.com/ Vendor support |
| Official site | www.corsair.com/icue Start here, not a random exe host |
Related hardware
iCUE expects Corsair USB hubs, AIOs, DRAM, and peripherals. It is not a GPU driver installer.
Technical details
Technical details
Vendor version numbers change. This article does not pin a build.
Sources and verification
Reviewed by Feex editorial. Last verified August 2026 Status: Feex Reviewed. How we research.
- iCUE official site · Vendor product page
- iCUE help · Vendor support
- Foxhole process map · First-party samples on Windows PCs. Not a lab benchmark.
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