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| Proper Replacement of a Power Supply fan |
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Guide: Mike "Neon
Cowboy" Lady
Here I will
show you how to: Tools and supplies
needed to perform this task.
Here is the power supply I’m going to use, a 400W Duro (generic) power supply. This PSU came bundled with a case I recently bought.
At this point your options are limitless. Here are some options, should you decide to add an additional fan. Photo one (right) you could easily cut a hole in the top cover and put a fan either on the inside of the cover or on top, depending of course on space limitations. In Photo 2 you’ll see the optimal /desired position of an addition fan. Adding a fan to this PSU would require cutting a hole in the top cover and taping the vent holes with duct tape. As I am only going to be replacing the stock fan in this PSU, I will cover cutting holes in cases and adding additional fans to a PSU in a modding article that is coming soon.
Here is the stock fan (left) and the replacement fan (right). Here is an example on how some companies skimp on using quality fans, in favor of saving money. The stock fan is a XIN-AN sleeve bearing .13a 30 cfm fan @ 28 db. For the replacement I choose a Top Motor .20a ball bearing 41 cfm fan @ 34 db. There are several suitable fans on the market today. Choosing the right one for your needs will make this project more enjoyable with the finished product.
Cut and strip the wire on the new fan and make sure to leave enough wire length in case of accidental mistakes, as well as for using a zip tie to hold the wires and give it a clean appearance. When making the wire connection, I normally just twist the wires together, tape the individual wire connections, and then tape the two together. Alternative ways would be to slip on a shrink tube over the wire then twist the wires together and lightly soldier the connections. After soldering, simply slide the shrink tube over the individual connections and apply heat. Make sure that the wires are neatly tied back to keep them from getting in the fan blades.
It is very important to cover any open holes not needed for the flow of air. This is optional but effective. For this I whip out my role of aluminum tape that can be found at you local hardware store. It’s meant for home heating and air conditioning duct work, so it does and excellent job for what I need and last a very long time is used carefully.
I cut off small strips
and start taping off excess air holes all along the housings edge.
This helps it in acting like a wind tunnel and more efficiently ensures
the desired air flow. Here is what it looks like when finished.
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