Power Supply Fan Controlled By Mobo?

[Ornery]

I am THRILLED with how quiet our newly acquired Pavilion a530e is, which uses the ASUS A7N8X-LA mobo. I'd like to upgrade our other PCs using the same combo of A7N8X-E Deluxe, CPU/HS/fan, and case fan (whatever brand that thing is). It's using an obscure power supply, but it's able to control the PS fan via the mobo, without connecting to a mobo fan connector:

ATX12V-250HPC

• This ATX12V power supply is a 250W, PS2 Form Factor, six output unit with remote on/off, and UL, CSA, CB, TUV, NEMKO and CE approvals. Does not require 3 pin connector for board control of power supply fan. Airflow drawn out of case into surroundings by 80mm ball-bearing fan. Aftermarket product suitable for HP part numbers 0950-2700, 0950-3971, 5183-6914 and HP/Compaq part numbers 5187-1098, 332863-001. Upgrade for Delta DPS-200PB-74 B, LITEON PS-5151-2H3, and Bestec ATX-250-12V.

Are there quality power supplies available that can function the same way with the A7N8X? If not, what will it take to accomplish this, short of pulling a new PS apart, and replacing its fan?

 

[Zepper]

I doubt that the PSU fan in the HP is controlled by the system with no connection to the mobo (I really doubt that it could be - there would need to be both a thermal sensor line and a fan power control line to the mobo for that to happen properly). In fact, I think that it is better to let the PSU do its own fan control as do most PSUs nowadays with its own thermal sensor (unless it is running too warm for your taste as mine was). I replaced the fan in mine and brought the fan lead out for manual control.
.bh.

 

[Ornery]

Ah yes, you're correct. I installed Asus probe, and it shows the PS fan NOT being monitored. Fine by me. Makes this project simpler! Guess I just need to know what the best bang for the buck, quiet PS is. HP gets the job done solidly with a 250Watt unit, that can be had for $18.00. How much more should it have to cost?

 

[Zepper]

Well you can get the Silverstone (made by Enhance - one of the Top 10 in my book) fanless 300W for $160... Oh, you want a reasonable price - try their Supersilent 360 for $35. or similar from Fortron (another of my Top-10) or the new Enlight (some models are considerable better than others in the Enlight line, which are generally made by Sirtec/HighPower) with the 120mm fan.
.bh.

:moon:

 

[Ornery]

Thanks for the tip, Bill. I am now spending my Sunday morning reading about freaking power supplies! Learning about such things as Power Factor Correction (PFC decoded) and SATA adapters. I don't want a garbage PS, that's going to cause problems down the road, but quiet is my primary concern. It would make no economic sense to buy a $25.00 PS, then pull it apart and add a $10.00 fan to it, if I can buy a $35.00 PS with a quiet fan already installed. Although, adding my own fan would allow for adjusting the speed and monitoring it.

I've already got fan speed controls on the power supply fans of two of our remaining three PCs. I'm not opposed to pulling them apart, but it seems there ought to be a reasonably priced, "turn key" solution out there! I'll keep the SST-360 in mind. It's got good reviews, and the price is fair enough. Wish I could be more certain about the dB level, though...