How does Antec's SmartFan PSU technology work?

[striker21]

Does anyone know how the SmartFan technology in Antec's power supplies works? (e.g., the PP-303X). I wonder if the exhaust fan is a variable-speed model with the thermal control built into it, or if they use normal 80mm fans and control the speed by controlling the input power to the fan (presumably via some extra logic in the PSU somewhere)?

 

[NeoMadHatter]

you, i've been wondering the same thing. i think it does. but it could be a marketing ploy.

 

[striker21]

Well, it seems like lots of people have replaced the original fans in the PP-303X, PP-403X, and PP-412X with other fixed-speed fans like Panaflo L1A's. I wonder if anyone that's done this has noticed any variation in fan speed with the new fan. If not, I guess it's safe to say that thermal-control logic must be integrated in the fan itself...

 

[sygyzy]

If it's anything like the Enermax models then there is is a thermistor hanging out and can be placed anywhere. I just let it hang loose. Then depending on the temperature, the fan speeds up or slows down.

 

[millsy]

I beleive it is related to a electronics board in the psu not related to the fan itself.
Inside you will see 2 wires comming from the fan that go into seperate boards.
When I replaced my fan (due to loudness) I replaced with a standard quite fan and connected straight to Motherboard. I also tryed a higher rated fan and connected straight to the 4pin psu connector.

This is what I followed:

ocmodshop