Need a device to power external DC fans

[daba]

Hello,

I'm looking for some sort of minimalistic device to power DC fans (4-pin molex or 3-pin) without use of my computer's power supply. Right now I'm using a external hard drive enclosure to power some fans, but I'd rather have something more suited to this purpose.

I borrowed my friend's <a target=_blank class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=1871517&CatId=470]
">Sabrent USB to IDE converter</a>, but it only works for hard drives. It seems to be missing one of the rails (in between the 12V and the ground).

Anyone know of a solution, preferabbly one that they know will work? Needs to be 4-pin molex or 3-pin.

 

[jackschmittusa]

Old AT psu?

 

[daba]

No thanks.

 

[GalvanizedYankee]

Maybe a PCI slot cover with a 4 & 3 pin port, about $5 iirc. It would use a Molex connector
inside the case for it's feed.

...Galvanized

 

[MrDudeMan]

i can make a wall-wart style power supply to push the fans for you. how many fans are you running, what size are they, and how much power do they dissipate?

 

[phisrow]

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=116019&item=4446885132

That one might well work.

 

[GalvanizedYankee]

Check out the power units at http://www.allelectronics.com/


...Galvanized

 

[WackyDan]

I bought a 12v capable wall wart from Radio Shack. I can set it from 3v to 12v, I have it on a couple of 120mm fans set to 6v to keep their noise down. Cheap, and it works.

 

[daba]

Hmm, can you explain more how you did this?

 

[MrDudeMan]

Originally posted by: daba
Hmm, can you explain more how you did this?

if you go this route, all you have to do is solder the wires of the fans to the output wires of the wall wart. edit: in parallel, not in series.