Block off fan opening?

[Towermax]

I want to block off a 120mm fan opening on the side of a case to reduce the noise. I have excellent ventilation, and don't need the side fan.

I can think of several ways to do this (for example, cut a piece of self-stick linoleum tile to fit). However, I wonder if there is any kind of 120mm plate that I can just screw into place. I've looked at several specialty/customizing shops, but haven't seen anything.

Does anyone know if something like this exists, and if so, where to buy it?

 

[PottedMeat]

i cut a piece of lexan and mounted it with screws & nuts

i think it cost me $3 at home depot

 

[Towermax]

i cut a piece of lexan and mounted it with screws & nuts

i think it cost me $3 at home depot

Right--that's another option that would work. Thanks.

 

[Blain]

I wouldn't bother with some kind of plate.
I'd use clear packing tape attached to the inside of the opening.

 

[aigomorla]

card board... with double sided mounting tape..
(gives u an excuse to go online shopping for the free shipping box to butcher up)

Reason i say that is because cardboard is a fairly good sound insulator.
Its also very light so mounting tape would work.

You can cut the board out to almost the entire side panel size and mount it that way to get even more sound insulating features from card board.

Did i also mention how cheap it is?

 

[Towermax]

OK, I think I'll go with the self-stick linoleum tile on the inside of the panel. It'll cover the hole and dampen the noise and panel vibrations. Probably put one on the opposite panel, as well.

Plus the sticky side is black, so it matches the black case.

 

[Carson Dyle]

Yes, they exist.

http://www.caselabs-store.com/fan-hole-cover-plate-120mm/

You'll also get better airflow by covering unused fan openings. One of the things I love about Fractal Design's quiet cases is that they include foam covers for the top and side fan grates.

 

[Soulkeeper]

I do this a lot myself.
Mostly to keep dust out and have a controlled positive pressure case.

Electrical tape works surprisingly well
Masking tape and any kind of paper don't work too well.

^ electrical tape on the back, before spray painting
for the side vent I cut a square peice of metal out of an old i486 case and painted it.
bolts right into the fan holes.

 

[Red Squirrel]

I usually use clear packing tape.

I do this a lot to cheap rackmount cases that don't seem to have the front to back air movement approach and have side or top fans. Block that stuff off! Of course ensure you have proper ventilation and that all parts of the system are getting cool air and that there are no "dead zones".

 

[Towermax]

Yes, they exist.

http://www.caselabs-store.com/fan-hole-cover-plate-120mm/

You'll also get better airflow by covering unused fan openings. One of the things I love about Fractal Design's quiet cases is that they include foam covers for the top and side fan grates.

Thanks for the link--that's what I was looking for. And yes, in addition to noise reduction, I wanted to eliminate this opening that interferes with my airflow plan.

 

[Towermax]

I do this a lot myself.
Mostly to keep dust out and have a controlled positive pressure case.

Electrical tape works surprisingly well
Masking tape and any kind of paper don't work too well.

I've also used duct tape in the past, and it held up very well.

 

[webmaster1]

Hello,
Well yeah you better remover that damaged fan plate and fix new and better plates in it...