The ultimate beginner's guide to PC FANS

[tryptaphyte]

That fan looks awesome nick

"If you do decide to strap this jet engine in a desktop PC, be sure to apply a second sheet of Dynomat to save your ears."

That's my concern. There was a post a while back saying to use styrofoam and something like dynomat (there are cheaper derivatives out there not sure if they are as good or not). Which is what intend to do.

Sorry scrub can't help asking again. If I were to stack fans together in an array rather than in-line can i simply add the specs together so 5+5+10 mmh20 = 20 and 50+50+20 CFM = 130, with a 3 dB increase per fan so say i started at 30 i would finish at 39 db total. Very roughly, If that makes sense.

 

[ScrubNinja]

Well, yes and no. You could add them safely I think, but you're missing an important principle. You need to study those other threads because the core info is there. Nagging over, here is the essence:

So (I think, as a rough guide certainly) you could add the CFM but not the pressure in the setup you describe. The pressure would stay the same as far as I'm aware. Peace.

 

[Fuzz420]

Wow those delta fans are super beast, 190 cfm, impressive.

 

[Nick Mack]

Thanks for the info ScrubNinja, unfortunatetly those fans are out of stock and discontinued now I've come to buy one

I can't find anything even close to them in the UK, do you have any other brands to look out for or should I be looking at a bathroom fan or similar to pull through the can 2600 scrubber?

 

[ScrubNinja]

Well, my advice is don't feel restricted by country. I get fans cheaper from the states via ebay than from a computer store here, and I get 100 times the range of choices. Also, if there are any stocks left of a discontinued fan, ebay is where you're likely to find them.

There are plenty of other models to choose from. I have no idea why Delta make so many fans so close in specs, but they do, so it's no problem. Go here and fill out the custom conditions, and you will see plenty of choices. Plug them into ebay or google, buy, wait, install, grow, smoke.

Here's ye olde screenshot of just some of the higher end models



Fuzz, there'r models way over 190 although not many would run them at full speed.

 

[inthelight]

noise problem!

noise problem!

.

 

[ScrubNinja]

inthelight, see this

it is possible to get 7v from a pc psu as well as 12 and 5. instead of going red to black or yellow to black, try red to yellow it gives 7v cant remember which one ends up as negative, but you'll figure it out as a pc fan will only spin one way.

If that is too confusing just hook the fan's positive wire to yellow instead of red on this big pluggy looking thing

I would just get adjustable voltage power supply/s.

 

[inthelight]

.

 

[ScrubNinja]

Haha cheers. I was on my way to bed but I thought hmmmm, well it is an emergency!

 

[NeverGlidB4]

Not sure if I thanked you for this great and very helpful post.
Thanks a lot!!!
But you just gave me a load of 'work' to do!!!

 

[mrred]

how much carbon does it take for a fan to be light proof?

 

[Scottyboycx]

quick question..couldnt see answer in OP and reading 39 pages to see if the answer is there isnt possible atm

on some pc fans i have theres a 3rd wire on the plug normally white any idea what this is for?

 

[mrred]

for the rpm sensor i think could be different on some

 

[Scottyboycx]

thanks

 

[stj2006]

your guides are absolutly amazing m8, indispesable!!

 

[SmilinBob]

Can anyone tell me if any ac fan controller will work with any ac fan?

Would i be better off buying a controller with hi med low settings or a manual speed controller.

Does the controller you need depend on the type of fan you have?

Any help on this subject will be great.

 

[MeanBean]

Well there's this thing, it's called a Dial-a-temp, it works for my 4 and 6" fan. what size you looking to run? do you know the max amps?

The Dial-A-Temp offers easy control of fan speed and noise with plug-in versatility, no tools required. These are great for controlling woodstove blowers. Rated for light motor loads up to 3 amps, this control can increase the usefulness of all types of fans and blowers. This is a rugged flame-retardant thermoplastic casing outside; UL recognized components and solid state construction inside. Plug in your fan to the Dial-A-Temp then plug it into the wall (three prong plug). Adjust the knob for fan speed. Measures 3"H x 2"W.

 

[SmilinBob]

Thanks, that is exactly what I was looking for. Now my worry is will it work with my fan?

Here is some info that I found on my fan:

I don't know exactly which one it is.

Fan sticker info:
RODALE
AC Axial fan
120v
Model # RC-A12M15HWS
FP-108
Commonwealth
Made in Taiwan

It doesn't have a plug on it. Just two wires coming from it like a dc fan. Small wires like a dc fan too. Just judging from how loud it is I'd have to say it's either the first or second 110v/120v fan.

 

[MeanBean]

Well I know it will work but I am just wondering how low you will be able to turn it down.

 

[SmilinBob]

Do you think 110volts is the minimum operating voltage? I sent the tech support for rodaletech an email. Maybe they can shed some light for me.

If people can show me they've had success with other AC fans using some sort of speed control I'd probably feel confident enough to buy one.

Until then I don't know what to do.