Computer Fans
- Thread starter Acan Lord
- Start date
GrantMeThePower
New member
I think some people are using small PC power supplies and others have fans that are wired to regular plugs.
I just did this actually what you need is an AC to DC adapter. You can either get a 12V adapter which will run the fan at full speed. Like this one:
http://www.radioshack.com/product/i...kw=AC+adapter&kw=ac+adapter&parentPage=search
Or a variable on that will let you set the fan speed like this one:
http://www.radioshack.com/product/i...kw=AC+adapter&kw=ac+adapter&parentPage=search
Wiring is pretty straight forward, just cut off the end that comes on the adapter and strip the wires and put them together with something like a wire nut. I went with the 12V only adapter and wished I hadn't . . . now I can't make the fan quieter.
http://www.radioshack.com/product/i...kw=AC+adapter&kw=ac+adapter&parentPage=search
Or a variable on that will let you set the fan speed like this one:
http://www.radioshack.com/product/i...kw=AC+adapter&kw=ac+adapter&parentPage=search
Wiring is pretty straight forward, just cut off the end that comes on the adapter and strip the wires and put them together with something like a wire nut. I went with the 12V only adapter and wished I hadn't . . . now I can't make the fan quieter.
AZDesertRat
In Memoriam
With DC computer fans its really easy. Use the variable voltage DC power supply as sprinj76 suggested. The fans will have a 4 pin connector on them but if you look closely only 3 wires go to the fan, red, black and yellow. Cut the plug off the fan, ignore the yellow wire as it is not used and strip the red and black wires back 1/2" or so. Cut the DC plug off the power supply and strip those two wires back 1/2" also. Twist the two wires on the fan to the two wires on the supply and you have power. A neater way to do this is with crimp connectors or wire nuts and either electrical tape or shrink tube. I twist them first and plug it in so I can check the rotation of the fan is the direction I want.
With the variable voltage you can control fan speed, 12v will give you full speed while 10.5 or 9v will be quieter and move a little less air. I run mine slower in winter months when heat is not so much an issue. You can get the DC variable voltage power supplies at Wal Mart for less than $10 or I got mine at Harbor Freight for less than $4 and they have been running for like 5 years now. For fans I really like Vantec Stealth 120mm fans, 53 CFM at 28 dBa for about $12 at newegg.com . Dual sealed ball bearings and low speed so they run quiet and last forever.
With the variable voltage you can control fan speed, 12v will give you full speed while 10.5 or 9v will be quieter and move a little less air. I run mine slower in winter months when heat is not so much an issue. You can get the DC variable voltage power supplies at Wal Mart for less than $10 or I got mine at Harbor Freight for less than $4 and they have been running for like 5 years now. For fans I really like Vantec Stealth 120mm fans, 53 CFM at 28 dBa for about $12 at newegg.com . Dual sealed ball bearings and low speed so they run quiet and last forever.
AZDesertRat
In Memoriam
Yes you can run multiple fans off of one adapter, I have run 3 Stealths on one 250mA adapter no problem. The key is match the adapter to the fans. Adapters are usually 250, 500 or 1000 mA. Always run the wires from each fan back to the adapter or wire in parallel and don't daisy chain or series the wires. They will work either way but when you daisy chain you cut the voltage and speed in half every fan you add. If you stick with parallel you get full voltage to each fan
I have found from personal experience that AC fans are louder than DC fans plus you canot control the speed, its full speed or nothing.
I have found from personal experience that AC fans are louder than DC fans plus you canot control the speed, its full speed or nothing.
AZDesertRat
In Memoriam
Yes. I tried a couple of Antec fans a few years ago but found them to be louder than the Vantecs. I also found 3" fans to be louder than 4" fans in most situations since they are running at higher RPMs. I would give it a try though!
AZDesertRat
In Memoriam
Hook to the red and black wires and it should run. Some fans will not run in reverse so switch the two wires around and it should run.
AZDesertRat
In Memoriam
Whats the DC voltage and mA rating? If its less than 6v DC it may not turn the fan.
