wiring PC cooling fans and power supply

[jacksonpt]

My office just bought a bunch of new computers, so before they threw the old ones away, I took 6 cooling fans. I read a bunch of past posts, and from what I could understand, there are 2 types of power supplies, AT and ATX. I need an AT power supply, correct? I called a local computer/elecrical supply store, and they have an AT power supply for $55. Once I get that, how do I wire the fans to it? Each fan has one red, one black, and one white wire coming from the center of the fan. The wire end in a "plug" that originally plugged into a 3-pin jack on the motherboard.
How do I wire the fans to the power supply. I need to run a minimum of 4 of the fans, all 6 would be preferable.
Thanks.

 

[shanev]

youll need to get a 2 pin to 4 pin molex adapter at a computer store . This will allow you to plug your 3 pin fans into a standard 4 pin power from the AT power supply.

You should be able to find a cheaper one than $55 though.

 

[jacksonpt]

Originally posted by DvSKiN
I figured it would look neater, or just be easier to hide for ya.

Neater and easier is definitely a good thing. Any details on this converter thing? Would I need 1 for each fan, or could all the fans go into the same converter? What is the converter called, so I can ask my computer/electrical supply store about it? Is this route more expensive than the AT power supply route?
Thanks.

 

[reefnut]

I just got a computer fan for my nano... The black and red wire are the two that needs to be hooked up to the power supply. The white one is for the computer so just leave it unconnected.
This is what I plan to do but is not me suggestion .
I'm going to get an old cell phone plug in or something like that and use it. Really the only thing needed is a 12v power supply (converter).
As far as running them all of of one. You will need to see how many amps each fan draws and what the converter is rated for...

 

[reefnut]

FYI, my old cell phones have 6v power supplies ... I did find one that was left over from something that was 12v and it's working very well.

 

[kpogue]

Look at the voltage rating, current type (ac/dc) and amp draw on the fan. Then go out to Radio Shack, buy a $5 power supply that matches the specs on the fan. Cut off the adaptor plug from the power supply, seperate the wires (+/-). Cut off the adaptor plug from the computer fan. Take the red and black wires and connect to the power supply. Make sure the fan is spinning in the correct direction, if it isn't, switch the wires around. Tape splices - done.

 

[eric4usa]

A computer power supply is overkill and way too inconvenient.
Go with the 12 power adapter from radio shack or wherever.
You'll still have to cut wires, but much easier and you won't constantly use 2-400watts of power

 

[737mech]

Does anyone know about the amp rating on these power adapters? They sell them 12v dc @ 300mA, 500mA, or 1000mA. The fans I have are 12v dc @ 0.10A each.
My question is which converter will be enough to power the 2 fans in wired in series?
Thanks in advance...

 

[jacksonpt]

I was just at radio shack last week looking at the converts. I told the guy that I had 6 cooling fans I wanted to run, all 12v/.10amp. He said that I could buy a 1.5amp converter ($20) and run all the fans off the one converter. I haven't tried it yet, but he seemed to know what he was talking about.

 

[737mech]

Just an update. I wired up 2 computer fans using a converter from R.S. and I am pleased with the results. My h20 temp is down 2 degrees. It's now 80. I live in Tx and it's been very hot lately. I was able to raise the house temp alittle without raising the tank temp. Hoping to save some $ on the elect bill

 

[cyslyde]

easier way... get the 12volt 500 Ma... should be plenty, and get the bare wire lead adaptaplug (it's free when you buy the adapter). match the portion on the plug to the and power supply that say tip, then the white stripped wire will be your + connect your red wire from the fan to that. (this will also make it easier if you ever need to switch out a fan or powersupply). Take the black wires and match them up, your fan will run fine now... dbl check your airflow direction and mount them into your hood be sure to use some heat shink tubing and silicon to protect your fishtank and wires... btw those will run you about $15 each adapter, and if they tell you that adapter is not included, point to the red circle on the adapter box that says your choice of one adaptaplug free (some stores employees can be less than helpful). If you want a quieter/longer life fan, lower the volatage to a 9v or 6v 300ma The fans will prolly run at lower voltages than that, but you might need to start the fan manually. they won't run as fast, but you should be able to run just as many fans, or more to make up for it. R.S. also carys a variety of fans from $5 - $20 depending on your needs, some are even 112 volt fans, just add a plug and your ready to go.
I work at a local R.S. if you got any problems, or need any help with the adapters feel free to contact me
btw that white wire on your fan goes to an rpm sensor on your computers mother board, if you were to use a PC power supply you would need a switch, and a cheater plug to make it think it was plugged into a computer. but you could really run as many fans as you wanted from it.

 

[donjasper]

Originally posted by kpogue
Look at the voltage rating, current type (ac/dc) and amp draw on the fan. Then go out to Radio Shack, buy a $5 power supply that matches the specs on the fan. Cut off the adaptor plug from the power supply, seperate the wires (+/-). Cut off the adaptor plug from the computer fan. Take the red and black wires and connect to the power supply. Make sure the fan is spinning in the correct direction, if it isn't, switch the wires around. Tape splices - done.
Ditto. Fans are almost certainly 12v.