passive powersupply, or making an existing psu passive?

SupermotoMX

SupermotoMX

SupermotoMX

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having just replaced the stock cooler on my htpc, now all i can hear is the darned power supply im wondering whats the cheapest and safest way to power it passively

i see it as i have a couple of options

1, buy a fanless 400w psu @ £70+
2, pico psu and deal with the brick and massive hole in the case [£100<]
3, hack apart my trusty old corsair cx 430w i have had for a long time and disconnect the fan.*free
4, replace corsair fan with noctua?

the only reason i suggest point 3 is because the fan spins 24/7 and the air is ALWAYS cold, i have put a thermometer behind it and it only reads 1-3c above ambient.

my power needs are very low

25w 5350
3w max intel network dual nic
8w max pcie tv tuner
xonar dx 7.1 sound card [unknown wattage]
1x SSD
usb: 1x remote reciever, occasional wired 360 controller [when using steam streaming]

average 'idle' draw is about 22-28w total [idle being watching / recording tv, what it does 99% of the time]
load i have never got it to go over 38w running benchmarks
startup wattage peak is 42w
 
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Option 4, you will have to make sure the PSU is fully discharged as the capacitors can store a lot of power for ages after powering off. The fan use may even have a custom header that is different to a standard looking 3/4pin case fan.

Option 2, meh.

Option 3, maybe, but fanless PSUs usually have larger heatsinks and more open case so the case airflow does a good enough job.

option 1, best idea, or a PSU such as a EVGA GS550W which has a semi passive fan mode, so off at low use.
 
there is a DIY somewhere on how to drain a powersupply using 12v and 5v bulbs but obviously leaving it a few days is best case

in terms of a more open case, drilling a lot of holes in the corsair case may well work? airflow isnt fantastic in my htpc
 
You might have to solder on new fan wires unless the PSU board has a fan connector.

http://forums.overclockers.co.uk/showthread.php?t=18261286

Getting a new PSU will definitely be the quickest and easiest way. You don't have to go passive just find ones that quiet. For £70+ you could get a high wattage one where the fan won't even kick in until a higher load is reached.
 
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