Fan Power Outside Case

[joemo13]

I'm just speccing up a computer for someone, the only problem is that the computer fits in a very small cabinet and there is no ventilation. I was going to just drill a couple of 120mm holes in the cabinet but I've just had an idea to use fans to intake and extract air, is there any neat/safe way to get a power connector out of a case to power an external fan?

 

[Phenomenologica]

If there's a fan power connector at the back of the motherboard you could probably run the cable out one of the ventilation holes or an empty expansion slot.

 

[Foxtrot]

Take the back off the cabinet or something? Or cut a sizable hole into it.

 

[wilko49]

If the fans are 5V, you can use a USB cable. Or, use a fan extender (or if the fans are powered by molex, a molex extender). If you have a spare backplate slot, you could run the cables through that, or cut up a backplate and add rubber grommets to ensure the cables will never get frayed on the sides. This might do the trick:
http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=WC-271-OK&groupid=962&catid=1534&subcat=

 

[Tealc]

Run a molex through a watercooling grommet hole, if it fits through the hole.

Failing that grab one of these and use some extensions

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=CB-030-AK&groupid=1929&catid=153&subcat=

Or get one of these, remove one end and attach to two wires on each of the red and black wires on your fan.

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=CB-051-AK&groupid=1929&catid=153&subcat=

Loads of possibilities really.

You could even power the fans off a 9-12v power supply if you have one handy. An old modem/router power supply would be perfect. Just needs a bit of custom wiring.

 

[joemo13]

Run a molex through a watercooling grommet hole,

I hadn't thought of that it will do perfectly thanks! I just wondered if there was a pci slot that had a molex/fan connection.

 

[EniGmA1981]

I've got the switches for my tri-cool fans poking out of the watercooling grommet holes