Running fans off USB-SATA power converters

dulcificum · 10 Mar 2022 at 14:51

I want to run some 12V fans off USB. It's a pain to solder 5V-12V step up converters so I thought I could use a USB-SATA cable instead like this one:

Can I then use the cable which comes with the Noctua fan? controller https://www.overclockers.co.uk/noctua-na-fc1-fan-controller-fg-05l-nc.html

(The bottom one with SATA power to 4-pin fan)

I know SATA power has 12V pins which is what I assume this cable is connecting to the fan controller?

Then I can run any 12V fans off the fan controller all from 1 USB-A providing power? Will this work?

Tealc · 10 Mar 2022 at 21:57

I'm not sure if the USB would pass 12v.

Drumroll · 11 Mar 2022 at 13:17

Easier, if possible, to use one of those braided extensions Molex to 3 or 4 fans. You can even rearrange the pins to 12V, 7V and 5V for constant speed.

dulcificum · 11 Mar 2022 at 14:33

Tealc said:
I'm not sure if the USB would pass 12v.

I was hoping it must have a step up buck converter to run the 12V pins.

Drumroll said:
Easier, if possible, to use one of those braided extensions Molex to 3 or 4 fans. You can even rearrange the pins to 12V, 7V and 5V for constant speed.

Can you link to what you mean? I don't know how any molex power that runs off USB or mains.

RevBillyG · 11 Mar 2022 at 15:30

SSD's and 2.5" HDD's run off 5v only. That's why you can't use 3.5" HDD's and CD-ROMs from that adapter as they both need 12v which it cannot supply.

dulcificum · 11 Mar 2022 at 15:34

RevBillyG said:
SSD's and 2.5" HDD's run off 5v only. That's why you can't use 3.5" HDD's and CD-ROMs from that adapter as they both need 12v which it cannot supply.

Are there any USB to SATA adapter that will run full HDDs and DVD drives then? And presumably as they work off 12V they would work? The ones with two USB plugs?

RevBillyG · 12 Mar 2022 at 20:48

Don't think so. What are you actually trying to achieve?
Can't you run fan cables direct from your PSU?

dulcificum · 13 Mar 2022 at 00:06

RevBillyG said:
Don't think so. What are you actually trying to achieve?
Can't you run fan cables direct from your PSU?

This is for av cooling so no mobo or psu. Otherwise I wouldn't be going to all these lengths.

RevBillyG · 13 Mar 2022 at 20:07

How about this?
https://aliexpi.com/FaVi

If the link doesn't work search for this on Aliexpress:
Angitu Speed 12V/5v Voltage Step-Up USB to Dual 3-Pin 4-Pin PC Fan Sleeved Power Adapter Cable With Switch - 60 cm

dulcificum · 13 Mar 2022 at 22:12

RevBillyG said:
How about this?
https://aliexpi.com/FaVi

If the link doesn't work search for this on Aliexpress:
Angitu Speed 12V/5v Voltage Step-Up USB to Dual 3-Pin 4-Pin PC Fan Sleeved Power Adapter Cable With Switch - 60 cm

Oh thanks that's great. I found nothing on ebay/amazon so didn't bother to search Aliexpress.

In the end I used an old 12V AC adapter and a cable rather than going via USB-SATA but that will be much neater.

That's perfect, cheers