can i make my PSU fan quieter?

[ChonChon]

first off: is it possible?

secondly: is it not "un-recommended?"

[cw823]

I have taken the fan out of several power supplies and replaced it with a Panaflo (more CFM, but quieter). Pretty simple to do.

[ChonChon]

is that the only way? replacing it?

is the PSU fan a reg fan? couldnt i do a 7v mod to it or not?

and if i DO put a 7v modded fan inside, could i use the fan taken out for a case fan?

thanks.

[eobard]

Something I've done with most of my PSU's is put 3-5 diodes inline with the positive wire going to the fan. I went this route because I didn't have any spare fans to swap out with but had quite a few diodes lying around from old, dead walkmans and such (I usually strip something for components before tossing it). Just make sure you put some heat shrink tubing on after you're done, don't cheap out and just wrap with electrical tape (and definitely do not leave it bare!) Inside a PSU is one place you can't afford to do that. If you need a source for diodes (and shrink tubing) go to Active Surplus (http://www.activesurplus.com/), their website sux but it's the best place in T.O. to get surplus materials. Might want to pick up some fans and sinks while you're there. This (http://www.ocforums.com/showthread.php?t=372967) should answer any questions you have about using diodes to drop voltage (it covers other ways too, good to have choices).

[ChonChon]

if i just took a regular 7v modded fan and put it in the PSU and connect the power within it, wouldnt it work?

unless the connector isnt the same and i would have to feed it thru the outside of the PSU and use a molex and ur talking about keeping the original power source covered w/something...

[eobard]

PSU connectors are not universal. Most I've seen have a 2 pin mini connector kind of like a motherboard fan header, some are hard wired right to the circuit board and therefore require some soldering regardless of how you want to quiet them down. I have never seen a PSU fan connected using a 4 pin molex connector. Not saying they don't exist, just that I've yet to see one.

[ChonChon]

so basically...if i take one out, i need to cover the connector with something. and THAT is where the diodes come in> :S

[GigaForce310]

The only problem with the 7v mod is that it might not provide enough airflow to keep the components cool. The diode trick would work very well and it's also fairly easy to change speed. Silicone diodes drop about .7 volts each when forward biased. (allowing current flow)

Replacing the fan with a quieter fan for the airflow might still be a decent option.

I do agree with the heatshrink tubing. I use that stuff all the time and it works great.

[eobard]

so basically...if i take one out, i need to cover the connector with something. and THAT is where the diodes come in> :S
If I understand what you're saying then no, if you take the one out and use another that is plugged into a molex outside the PSU you'd use the heat shrink tubing to cover the wire ends. This assumes you need to cut wires to remove the fan, if it just unplugs inside the PSU case then no heat shrink tubing is needed.

[johan851]

It's sorta been mentioned, but I'll reiterate: be sure you know what you're doing. Overheating your PSU is a pretty bad situation.

[eobard]

It's sorta been mentioned, but I'll reiterate: be sure you know what you're doing. Overheating your PSU is a pretty bad situation.
Good point that should be stated bluntly. If your PSU dies from excess heat it could take your whole system with it.

[ChonChon]

hmm...

ok. well i did find ONE PSU with a 2-pin connector (that i dont need). is there a way to utilise this in a case in any way?