Ventilation - Desk Enclosure

[3k9Tech]

This may be off-topic, but it seemed appropriate.

I've got a new Athlon XP workstation in construction right now, and I'm planning on locating it in an enclosure in my desk (ie. the pedastal support on one side has an enclosure meant for a computer). One problem, my current workstation can warm up the inside of this enclosure even if the door is partway open, so I can only imagine what my new system will do in there (especially with the door closed).

What I'm wanting to do is to cut some holes in appropriate locations in this system space and mount larger case fans to move air through. What I need is power to the fans (thermostatic control would be REAL nice), and a switching mechanism. I'm also wanting this setup to remain quiet. Suggestions?

For reference, here is a link that should show you something similar to my desk.

Yeah, I know I could just set the system out on the floor, but I'd rather not. I'm trying to keep my study looking relatively neat.

Thanks

 

[teddymines]

Perhaps you could drill holes in the bottom of the compartment to allow cooler air to flow upward as it heats. As for exhaust, could you drill some holes inside the enclosure that either exit to the back or under the desktop surface? I am thinking of a hole saw and possibly a fan or two to assist the airflow. If you go with fans, having them powered externally (not from the computer's PSU) would make more sense. Rather than a thermostat, maybe you could plug the fan into an outlet that is connected to a wall switch.

Wow, the possibilities are endless!

 

[3k9Tech]

Yeah, as for drilling (hole-saw) the holes in the cabinet, I'm prepared for that. What I don't have is a good way to connect the fans to a power source (need appropriate 5/12 volt power. I also do not want to use a pc power supply - too much noise and heat for the power needed for a few fans.

 

[Beau]

I've had a similar problem. My solution was quit simple. I used a hole saw to cut 2 120mm holes in the side of my desk, one at the front top corner and one in the rear-bottom corner. I then mounted 1 pair of 120 Panoflo's blowing opposite directions. To power them, I just went to radio shack and bought the parts to make a 12v PS (basically just a few resistors on an extensino cord). The fans are comming from the same power source off a common block that is switched on the side of the desk. It created a windtunnel that really works well. Quiet too. Finished it off with some nice fan grilles on the outside of the ports.

 

[Beau]

double post... sorry

 

[3k9Tech]

<< I've had a similar problem. My solution was quit simple. I used a hole saw to cut 2 120mm holes in the side of my desk, one at the front top corner and one in the rear-bottom corner. I then mounted 1 pair of 120 Panoflo's blowing opposite directions. To power them, I just went to radio shack and bought the parts to make a 12v PS (basically just a few resistors on an extensino cord). The fans are comming from the same power source off a common block that is switched on the side of the desk. It created a windtunnel that really works well. Quiet too. Finished it off with some nice fan grilles on the outside of the ports. >>



Beau

Thanks for the suggestion. I'll have to make the trek down to the RS tonight. Hopefully, the folks there will have a clue. I may be asking you for a few more details later.

 

[KouklatheCat]

That is a sweet desk. Like Beau said cut a couple 120mm holes with a holesaw (Available at home depot). Put a couple of Panaflo 120mm FB12G12H fans inside the desk. Hook the fans up to a rheostat or 7/12 volt fanbus.

 

[3k9Tech]

Well, I stopped by the Radio Shack this evening. Started poking around at some of the stuff needed to build my own 12v PS. After a bit, I realized that I've never messed with the electronics on that level, and given a few other things I'm doing right now, I don't want to start into a project like that, so I looked around a bit and found ready built/packaged 12v 1.75 Amp PS ready to go. The 1.75amp supply should be enough since I doubt I'll be exceeding 4 120mm fans (the radio shack variety were 0.32 amp) which should put me at about 1.25 amps.

The panaflo fans were the way I was intending to go. I'd heard way too many positive comments about that line.

I also like the fanbus idea. Mounted in the right place, it'll make a pretty cool yet subtle setup.

Any other ideas will be greatly appreciated. Nothing's purchased or installed yet.

Thanks all

 

[KouklatheCat]

How bout an old AT power supply, like from an old Penitum or 486 machine. You can probably get one of those cheap somewhere and incorporate the "plug" into the desk. Make it like how the power cord goes into your monitor or computer so you can unplug and remove the cord for if you need to move the desk.

 

[Beau]

The only problem I had with using a old computer PS is that it was bulky.

 

[fast_eddie]

Why not consider using 120volt/AC fans?