What size fan can my computer handle?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Jack
  • Start date Start date
J

Jack

My computer currently has a 80mm exhaust fan. I'd like to get a bigger
and quieter fan, but I am unsure what size fan my computer can handle.
I've already contacted the computer's manufacturer and they did not
know.

There are 4 empty screw holes where a bigger fan would fit into. The
distance between and including these screw holes is about 87.5mm. I
know the computer cannot handle a 120mm fan as I mistakenly bought a
fan that size and it is too big to fit into those empty screw holes.

I feel like Goldilocks. I need a fan that fits just right. How do you
determine the size of the biggest fan the computer can handle if I
know the distance between and including the the screws?
 
Jack said:
My computer currently has a 80mm exhaust fan. I'd like to get a bigger
and quieter fan, but I am unsure what size fan my computer can handle.
I've already contacted the computer's manufacturer and they did not
know.

There are 4 empty screw holes where a bigger fan would fit into. The
distance between and including these screw holes is about 87.5mm. I
know the computer cannot handle a 120mm fan as I mistakenly bought a
fan that size and it is too big to fit into those empty screw holes.

I feel like Goldilocks. I need a fan that fits just right. How do you
determine the size of the biggest fan the computer can handle if I
know the distance between and including the the screws?

most likely 92mm
 
My computer currently has a 80mm exhaust fan. I'd like to get a bigger
and quieter fan, but I am unsure what size fan my computer can handle.
I've already contacted the computer's manufacturer and they did not
know.

There are 4 empty screw holes where a bigger fan would fit into. The
distance between and including these screw holes is about 87.5mm. I
know the computer cannot handle a 120mm fan as I mistakenly bought a
fan that size and it is too big to fit into those empty screw holes.

I feel like Goldilocks. I need a fan that fits just right. How do you
determine the size of the biggest fan the computer can handle if I
know the distance between and including the the screws?

Easy, drill new holes. People do it all the time when they install
fans on the removeable side cover. Drill holes cut surface area needed
add a fan and fan grill and thats it.
-J
 
thanks!

Additional question: the current fan doesn't make much noise. The
noise that it does make doesn't come from the rotation of the fan but
rather it seems like it comes from the fan's motor. Is there anyway to
quiet a fan motor?
 
Jack said:
thanks!

Additional question: the current fan doesn't make much noise. The
noise that it does make doesn't come from the rotation of the fan but
rather it seems like it comes from the fan's motor. Is there anyway to
quiet a fan motor?

Most people buy quieter fans. They will cost more but that is the
price for the additional silencing. When shopping for fans, get the
high-capacity ones with the lower dBA rating.
 
Jack said:
thanks!

Additional question: the current fan doesn't make much noise. The
noise that it does make doesn't come from the rotation of the fan but
rather it seems like it comes from the fan's motor. Is there anyway to
quiet a fan motor?

Not really, and in any case it's not worth the effort. Replace it.

Just for your info, fan sizes are standardized in PC cases. There's
80mm, 92mm and 120mm. Fan sizes can be easily determined
simply by measuring the fan opening (not the distance between
screw holes).
 
Jack said:
My computer currently has a 80mm exhaust fan. I'd like to get a bigger
and quieter fan, but I am unsure what size fan my computer can handle.
I've already contacted the computer's manufacturer and they did not
know.

There are 4 empty screw holes where a bigger fan would fit into. The
distance between and including these screw holes is about 87.5mm. I
know the computer cannot handle a 120mm fan as I mistakenly bought a
fan that size and it is too big to fit into those empty screw holes.

I feel like Goldilocks. I need a fan that fits just right. How do you
determine the size of the biggest fan the computer can handle if I
know the distance between and including the the screws?

how big of a hole saw do you have and how willing are you to use it?


--
sbb78247

resident redneck alt.os.windows-vista
alt.os.windows-xp

you aint from around here are ya boy!
 
My computer currently has a 80mm exhaust fan. I'd like to get a bigger
and quieter fan, but I am unsure what size fan my computer can handle.
I've already contacted the computer's manufacturer and they did not
know.

There are 4 empty screw holes where a bigger fan would fit into. The
distance between and including these screw holes is about 87.5mm. I
know the computer cannot handle a 120mm fan as I mistakenly bought a
fan that size and it is too big to fit into those empty screw holes.

I feel like Goldilocks. I need a fan that fits just right. How do you
determine the size of the biggest fan the computer can handle if I
know the distance between and including the the screws?

You can always retrofit the 120mm fan either by drilling new holes or
make a bracket. The trick is to mount the fan securely so it does not
vibrate. The fan should have at least 70% of the airway unobstructed.
 
You can always retrofit the 120mm fan either by drilling new holes or
make a bracket. The trick is to mount the fan securely so it does not
vibrate. The fan should have at least 70% of the airway unobstructed.

Jack, what brand of fan did you buy?
I am using a Vantec Stealth 120mm. It cost me $19.00cdn at Tiger
Direct. Is really quiet and moves air like mad. I also shelled out
$6.00 for a fan grill and mounted it and the fan on the removeable
side panel, that way there was no vibration to the system when I cut
and drilled the holes. You could do the same, or use 2 x 80mm with the
same installation. The fan rpms and the air moved (cfm) usually
dictate the db ratios.
-J
 
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