I'm making my own USB fan

[Arcadio]

I already did it. I will plug it in the USB port on the cable box since I don't want to risk damaging the PS3. BTW, what's the risk of doing something like this? can the usb port get damgaed? overloaded? fire?

It's an antec 120mm case fan.

 

[BassBomb]

A single 120mm fan won't really help cool all your things

You can get those intec cooling add ons for the ps3

 

[thegisguy]

I've been thinking of doing something like that to vent the cabinet that houses all my home theater stuff. My question is how many 120mm could I have in series on a single USB?

 

[aigomorla]

usb fans arent that great.

Why? because the power you draw from the USB line is 5V. I dont think USB supplies 12V.

And if thats the case, id rather just connect it to a USB powered hub and power it that way instead of the PS3.

And those suckers run hot.
Im thinkn of watercooling one soon.

But there not that loud. So its still in debate.

 

[Zepper]

USB ports put out only 5 Volts at up to 0.5 Amp, a standard Antec 120mm fan requires 12V for full speed and may not even start at only 5V - the current should not be a problem but it's always good to be sure.
. There are some 12V fans that will start at as low as 5V, but most aren't guaranteed to start at less than 6 or 7V - the "working voltage" range is the spec to look for. There are 5V fans out there. Moral: Know what you have and what is required before building hardware.

IIRC, buyextras.com has a fair selection of 5V fans as do several other of the other fan suppliers that are popular with ATers.

.bh.

 

[aigomorla]

Originally posted by: Zepper
USB ports put out only 5 Volts at up to 0.5 Amp, a standard Antec 120mm fan requires 12V for full speed and may not even start at only 5V - the current should not be a problem but it's always good to be sure.
. There are some 12V fans that will start at as low as 5V, but most aren't guaranteed to start at less than 6 or 7V - the "working voltage" range is the spec to look for. There are 5V fans out there. Moral: Know what you have and what is required before building hardware.

.bh.

thanks for the clearification zep!

yeah i knew 12V wasnt possible on USB. wasnt 100% sure.

 

[Zepper]

Hey Aigo,

I guess I was writing my reply to the OP while you posted your original reply. In either case, the OP gets what he needs. I generally try to bring +12V out of a piece of equipment if I need to run a fan - if that's not possible, I'll use a cheap 12V (or variable voltage) wall wart.

I also added some more info to my earlier post.

.bh.

 

[WoodButcher]

Originally posted by: Zepper
I generally try to bring +12V out of a piece of equipment if I need to run a fan - if that's not possible, I'll use a cheap 12V (or variable voltage) wall wart.
.bh.

+1

How many transformers do you have laying around collecting dust? Answering machines, telephones, printers, speakers, RC car chargers, you name it, I toss more than I can count in a year. Read the labels and find the voltage your after, cell phone chargers are generally too low but there are groups of appliances we use that provide between 6 and 13v

 

[Arcadio]

Originally posted by: BassBomb
A single 120mm fan won't really help cool all your things

You can get those intec cooling add ons for the ps3

It will help me remove the hot air from behind the ps3. I have a PS3, xbox 360 and cable box all in the same cabinet, with about 1 or 2 inches of space between the devices and the sides of the cabinet.