Is there any way to increase the RPM's on a fan by increasing voltage?

[Chintan]

Hi,

I wanted to know if there was any way to increase the RPM's for case fans by increasing the voltage.

I am using an Abit BE6-2 motherboard, and I have 5 Sunon 80mm fans in my case. Those fans don't seem to be moving a lot of air, so I wanted to try increasing the voltage on them, but didn't know how and didn't know what the effects would be.

I hope somebody can help me out. Thanks for the help everyone

 

[Mikewarrior2]

You can increase the voltage, but its a bit tricky. It requires drawing power from one of hte ATX wires(i forgot whic one it is, but I know a couple provide 15+volts, and i think 1 does 18 volts, not sure about that, though).

You find hte wire that does 15 volts, and string another wire from that to the red wire on all of your fans. I'm not sure its a good idea drawing power from the ATX connector, though.



mike

 

[lenjack]

you should have no problem drawing power from the ATX connector. Connect to +12 and to -5...This will give you 17 volts. The problem is that the fans may die very quickly at 17 volts.

 

[Mark R]

There is also the problem that the -5 V supply is very weak. Even 1 fan is likely to overload it.

And, of course, 17 V is usually too much for fans.

If you're electronically inclined, it's a relatively simple job to build a voltage regulator that can supply 14-15 V from the 12 V supply. There are now chips that will do it, just add a couple of extra components.

 

[resinboy]

Also, do NOT let the magic smoke out!!!

 

[Jhhnn]

First, be sure that the fans are connected to 12v (yellow) rather than 5v (red) at the molex connectors, and black to black for ground. Analyze fan placement, try to use the least restrictive options, use 2 or 3 to blow out up high or in the back, and 2 or 3 to blow in down low, in the front or side. Airflow isn't so much an issue of how it feels, but of how it works. If processor temps are below 40C, and case temps 30C or less, You are in shape. (cooler is better, ofcourse) You can also modify the fan cages and open up the hidden intakes. Always take everything out of the case before cutting or grinding on it, those little metal shavings are bad, bad things.

 

[fast_eddie]

The best thing is to get some higher speed (assuming yours are Med or Slow speed models) 80MM fans, or get bigger 92mm or 120mm fans and 'cut the case' to make then fit! Bigger is better!