Adapter to convert a 120mm PC fan into a desk fan

Hawk Tuah

Hawk Tuah

Hawk Tuah

Soldato
Joined
18 Oct 2002
Posts
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Location
Sandwich, Kent
Hi all,

Is there anything on the market that can convert a standard (or even better, RGB) PC case fan into a standalone desk fan?

It seems like something that should be incredibly simple and easy to create (in fact, I already made one a few years back to mount an old Delta screamer, although it was more of a proof of concept out of a block of wood than a nice design).

I'm sure my old boss (~15 years ago) had something similar, although I've never been able to find anything like it since.
 
USB to 3/4-Pin PWM 5V USB Sleeved Fan Power Adapter Cable

So the caveat is 5v startup and max operation.

Noctua sell some fans with USB option as well.

There also seems to be an adapter that can boost to 12v:


CRJ Full Speed 12V Voltage Step-Up USB to 3-Pin and 4-Pin PC Fan Sleeved Power Adapter Cable

Though having re-read your post, the adapter you're talking about is the actual structure to hold the fan... oops.
 
The only one I'm aware of (that's still coming up ahead with no set time of release), is the Noctua Personal Fan that uses a housing for their A12x25 fans (so it comes as a package). This housing has been changed to a different design since initial preview, but I believe there was a 3D model of the original version available that a person with a 3D printer can make themselves. It should fit any 120mm fan into it if you have the printer.
 
Yes, it's more the physical structure to hold a 120mm fan, in an attractive way that appears to be the missing link.

/Spoiler - here was my very crude attempt :p

DeskFan.jpg
 
It can be done easy enough, but it's pretty pointless in my experiences...

PC fans are designed for quite tightly focussed airflow, inside a case which by its nature will further channel the airflow over a very small area like a motherboard.
Outside a case, it works OK-ish for blowing a little bit of air across a bench workspace, like a soldering station where you need just enough airflow to shift the vapours and fumes.

Using it as a desk fan is great if you want to cool down just one hand or one side of your chest, but does nothing to cool the room or even your body.
You really need a larger fan with a wider airflow spread if you want effective cooling in that situation. At best, it might take a very fine edge off the heat, but any PC fan <200mm with enough power to move enough air will likely deafen you long before it cools you.
 
I’ve got a 200mm noctua I use with a noctua pwm controller for a gentle, quiet breeze. I just stuck a couple of aluminium strips on the mounts to prop it up, and put a fan plug on a spare 12v dc adapter. It’s great for the hot summer nights when I just want a bit of air to help sleep better without the noise of a desk fan.
 
neur0maniak said:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Air_multiplier
Try 3D printing something like this, stick a fan in the base/shaft.
Click to expand...
I used to have one of those fans. Novel and interesting, but not as quiet as you'd think. The small fan in the base unit has to be spining faster than a big bladed fan would to achieve adequate airflow, even with the air multiplyer effect.

Plus, it's waaaay to big for a desk fan.
 
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