Wiring Computer fans
- Thread starter Steve H
- Start date
nunofs
Non-member
Each fan uses 140mA, so for 4 fans you'll need at least a 420mA adapter... but buy at least 500 or 600mA because the rated power is not always very reliable. So you're looking for a AC-to-DC 12V 500 or 600mA adapter, should be easy to find... at RadioShack they have this model (500mA) : http://www.radioshack.com/product.a...name=CTLG_009_001_001_001&product_id=273-1773
Might be better buying this one instead (1000mA) just in case you want to plug in more fans (or moonlights, etc) : http://www.radioshack.com/product.a...name=CTLG_009_001_001_001&product_id=273-1776
The wiring is pretty simple too, just cut off whatever plug comes with the adapter, and connect all the "+" wires together (3 fans and adapter) with a wire nut, do the same for all the "-" wires and you're all set.
Nuno
Might be better buying this one instead (1000mA) just in case you want to plug in more fans (or moonlights, etc) : http://www.radioshack.com/product.a...name=CTLG_009_001_001_001&product_id=273-1776
The wiring is pretty simple too, just cut off whatever plug comes with the adapter, and connect all the "+" wires together (3 fans and adapter) with a wire nut, do the same for all the "-" wires and you're all set.
Nuno
NateHanson
Non-member
Nope, the fans will only draw the current that they need.
I'd add to Nuno's that with such tiny wires I like to use crimp connectors rather than wire nuts. I'm sure either would work though, if you find the right size.
Nate
I'd add to Nuno's that with such tiny wires I like to use crimp connectors rather than wire nuts. I'm sure either would work though, if you find the right size.
Nate
PenMan
Non-member
The wall mount supplies that you are getting at Radio Shack are still mostly unregulated linear power supplies. (the heavy black bricks that plug directly into the wall). A 12V @ 1A supply is probably about 18V at no load and 15V at the 420 mA. Depending on the fan, this should not be a probelm, but the will be spinning faster.
California has banned linear supply sales after next July. They are only about 45% effiecent is use, and still have a very wasteful draw at no load.
California has banned linear supply sales after next July. They are only about 45% effiecent is use, and still have a very wasteful draw at no load.
mano1192
Desert reefin!
um are you not plugging the fan into the motherboard.... this will alow you to set the rpm on the fans and yuo can also monitor the fans and set alarms incase they fail. This can be one through the bios (depending on your mobo) or you can use programs such as motherboard monitor or fanspeed. You can also get a program like everest to monitor all your temps and run test on your system. If you get good fans they come with speed dials that allow for adjustment of the rpms- I just got one for 15 and it pumps 75cfm into the case down a duct directly ontop of the cpu heatsink & fan! Thing is sick but very load almost 30db at 4800 rpm, but when i turn it down to 1300rpm its silent.
