Potentiometer to hush my FOP32-1

[mamisano]

I was getting really tired of the noise my FOP32-1 makes while trying to go to sleep. I was going to install a smaller fan, but I decided to make a project out of it. Off to Radio Shack I went.
I picked up:
[*]1 Potentiometer (Rheostat)
[*]1 set of knobs
[*]1 set of 2 wire, male/female Molex connectors
[*]1 spool of 20ga Hook-up wire.

I installed the 'POT' in line with the 12v power lead of the FOP32-1. Now I can vary the Fan speed from 3800rpm (Quiet) to the original 5000rpm (Loud). I also noticed, when running Distributed.net on my Athlon 1.1(not OC), with the case closed, there is only a 1-2 degree (F) temperature difference between 3800 and 5000rpm.

Later

 

[Mikewarrior2]

you only see a 1-2F difference becaause of socket-a temp reading problems. The difference is likely more than that.

But other than that, cool. Should work great!



Mike

 

[mamisano]

Is there any way to hook up a Radio Shack or similar Thermistor to get more accurate readings?

 

[Mikewarrior2]

yes, but you may or may not get that much improvement. You could use a digital doc thin thermistor and have it touching cpu core edge.

What mb do you currently have?

It really isn't a big deal though, as long as your temps are in a reasonable region.


Mike

 

[mamisano]

I currently have an MSI K7T-Pro2A

 

[AMD4ME2]

hey... I have a FOP32-1 and mine only runs at 4300 should I be mad or is that normal? it does make 98% of the noise in the case though..

 

[mamisano]

I could make up a parts list, diagram, and instructions on how to install it. Total cost of parts was around $10.

Regards

 

[Mikewarrior2]

If your temps are 40-45C, even with the fan on "low speed", you probably don't have to worry about heat.


Mike

 

[vulejo]

hey i have the fop38 which draws a max of around 4W of power, does that mean i cannot use the 1.2W rheostat sold at radioshack website?

 

[vulejo]

wait, is rated power on the rheostat the max power it can handle, or the max power it 'reduces' ?

 

[mamisano]

Not sure, how many watts is the FOP32-1?

 

[Noriaki]

I'd watch out vulejo...make damn sure, that Black Label Delta Fan (the fan on the FOP38) has apperntly blown a few fan headers in it's lifetime...(there is a note about it on a site I buy from at any rate)

 

[NuovoTech]

BTW That RS rheostat is 25 ohm, rated at 3 watts...I use a lot of em. Should
handle a 4 watt fan in series, check 2 see how hot it gets.