Fan on/off switch mod

Samfau2 · 4 Jan 2009 at 22:33

How easy would it be to create something like this. Each switch would be connected to two 120mm 4pin molex fans (pass-through connectors) and be a simple on/off switch mounted to the side of the case.

If anyone knows of something that I could buy cheaply to do this without have to do any wiring/soldering that would be preferable and save me the hassle.

Otherwise, any guides or advice on how to do this would be good

I sometimes like to leave my pc on overnight when downloading or defragging etc and would like it to be as quiet as possible, with only the component fans and top 200mm fan left on overnight (case is antec 900)

95thrifles · 4 Jan 2009 at 22:36

You could use a fan controller, theres loads to look at in the shop

GhostlyPea · 4 Jan 2009 at 22:38

Just get some quiet fans and a fan controller, whack them right down over night. My old Akasa Ambers and my current Sharkoon Silent Eagles are pretty much inaudible turned all the way down. Certainly quieter than the PSU and vital fans so thus I can't notice them.

If you really want to be able to turn them off then I would guess the best thing to do would be to mod a fan controller and switch the knobs for switches or something.

- Pea0n

PhillyDee · 4 Jan 2009 at 23:05

All you need is a simple SPST switch wired to the +12v supply of the fan. I would recommend a fan controller though, because if your diy skills are not up to it, it may look a bit crap.

Samfau2 · 4 Jan 2009 at 23:06

yeah i was originally going to get one, but id like them completely off along with the LED's, i.e. they have no power going into them at all. Another problem is that i have no free drive bays so nowhere to put a fan controller anyways

PhillyDee said:
All you need is a simple SPST switch wired to the +12v supply of the fan. I would recommend a fan controller though, because if your diy skills are not up to it, it may look a bit crap.

Im not worried about that, i think ill manage, just two small holes in the side panel and two plain black rocker switches. Nice and simple. I just need some advice/ a guide on the wiring etc

PhillyDee · 4 Jan 2009 at 23:23

It depends on the switch, an SPST (single pole, single throw) means there is only 2 terminals. JR96E Is an example which requires a round hole. It looks as though it uses spade terminals that you just crimp on. It is as simple as breaking the 12v (Usually yellow) wire and inserting the switch inbetween.

12v----------//------------ Switch goes there.
0v ------------------------

12v is yellow
5v is red
0v is black

Samfau2 · 4 Jan 2009 at 23:27

cheers, that sounds like a plan.

Btw, there shouldn't be any problems with turning a fan(s) on/off while the system is running should there?

Swi1ch · 5 Jan 2009 at 03:54

Samfau2 said:
cheers, that sounds like a plan.

Btw, there shouldn't be any problems with turning a fan(s) on/off while the system is running should there?

Assuming your graphics card fan and CPU fan are running you should be fine. I ran a system that burned HOT for like 2 and a half years with no case fans at all before it finally died (Plus they were crap parts etc). If it's just idling and you have that big 200mm exhaust on should be no problems.