Modding current Fong Kai Power Supply...

[caenus]

I was thinking of purchasing a new QUIETER power supply but realized it will probably cost a lot more than I want to spend. I currently have a Fong Kai 250w AMD approved power supply in my case (non-fong kai, it looks like those alienware cases). Anyway, I read another post where someone recommended changing the power supply fan to try and fix a power supply. How difficult would it be to do this. Do I just need soldering skills, which I have, or do I need to knwo more? I've read its a good idea to unplug your computer then hit the power switch to 'clear' the capacitors in the power supply. I would like to switch the fan to possibly a panaflo 80mm fan. Any ideas, comments, "your an idiot" remarks will be appreciated.

 

[caenus]

BUMP

 

[Big Lar]

The only reason I know of to switch the fan in the Power Supply, would be if; 1= the existing fan dies,2= you want more airflow thru the supply, or 3= You want a quieter supply. As far as how to change it... just take the four screws out of the back of the supply, pop the fan out,being carefull not to touch capacitors of course, redo the wires from old to new, pop back in,making sure wires are properly connected and sealed, and screw fan screws back in.... done deal.

 

[caenus]

Ok that is what I figured I'd have to do, but I'm more interested in safety procedures. Yes I know dont have the power supply plugged in and that i should 'clear' the caps, anything else? If I'm still alive on Mon I'll post on how it went.

 

[pbox]

That is an excellent idea. I should do it too. I guess you need soldering or you might want to just cut the wires and use a screw-on connector (I forget the proper term). Alternatively you can solder a fan connector in there and that way you can change the fan easily later if need arises. Also you might want to get one with RPM signal (although those are hard to come by in 80mm sizes). You can connect that RPM signal to one of the MB headers so you can monitor the PS fan! Just an idea.

Also those Panaflow are outrageously expensive and really hard to come by. I got an 80mm from http://www.directron.com/ it is (BTW, I am in no way affiliated with them, other than being a happy customer)

Silencer 8x8cm Ball Bearing Case Fan, Made by PC Power & Cooling Inc $12.95

It is excellent and really really quiet. But it does not have RPM signal. It comes with a connector that is the same as the harddrive connectors.

Let us know what you have decided and how it worked out.

Peter

 

[pbox]

All right I am an MS EE, so here it how it goes. First you want to unplug the 110V. Try to switch the comp on by the power button. Then unlug everything from the everything inside the case. Now you can short the 5V to the ground (red, black wires). Best if you use a resistor, that way you will not be able to blow anything in the PS (transient current might be too big otherwise). (1KOhm-10KOhm would do). Then short the 12V too (yellow,black). I would not bother with the rest of the voltages, probably it is creted from the 5V, and they do not have high wattage anyway. If you have done these there is no chance that you will be shocked. Happy upgrade. (Actually downgrade, the noise that is)

Peter

 

[caenus]

Right now I've got a couple of 80mm fans. One is Antec which puts out about 34cfm at 30db and I have one from 3dcool which puts out close to 43cfm at 33db. Panaflo fans aren't too bad in price, you just need to know where to get them. Caseetc.com, 2cooltek.com, millisec.com, teamawe.com are all great places to get panaflo connectors. 80mm Panaflo H1a (40cfm, 36db) and L1a (24cfm, 21db) are only $10 at caseetc.com

I like that idea setting up a fan connector inside the PS so that I can change the fan whenever much easier. I will look into it.

I like that idea about running the rpm wire to the mobo, but I dont think I'm that insane My 3dcool.com 80mm fan is a 3pin fan with the yellow rpm wire.

 

[Jhhnn]

If that Fong Kai psu doesn't already have it, snip out the stamped fan grille and replace it with a wire grille while you're in there. Should improve airflow without any noise penalty.

It's probably an "Enhance" brand psu, what fong kai usually uses. Not bad at all.