Running case fan with 5V?

[theplanb]

Yes, 5V.. not 7V. I read somewhere that you can run a case fan with just 5 volatage and it does not require any moe like 7volts do.. Of course, the fan may not run at all at that voltage.
But I'm getting this sunon KD1208PTS3 which is rated at 0.12AMP, 1.4W and 2300RPM.
I don't know what these figures mean, but they are pretty low compared to other 80mm fans, so I assume they don't mind.. lower voltage that much?
So... how do I get 5V...

 

[GiZzO]

In many ways its safer too run 5 volts cause too get 7 volts alota quality PS (mostly Powerman and PCP&C) didn't like it cause your tripping the PS to get that combine voltage of 7v and shuts off.

5 volts is easy just, red as your + terminal, and black as your - terminal, instead of yellow to + and black - for 12v. Some fans espically low voltage ones don't start up all the time at 5v, so cycle it a couple times to make sure.

GiZzO's Fan Database Page

 

[FlowerMan]

I say go for 7V. 5V doesnt produce nearly as much airflow as 7V does. Then you got the problem of the fan possibly not starting at all anyways...

www.7volts.com for more details.

 

[hmagoo]

I use a 6 volt connector that came with my Silverado HSF. It uses resistors to reduce the voltage. I have never tested the actual voltage to see what it is giving the fans though. I have had it connected to a Nidec Gamma 28 blower, an 80mm Enermax Thermal sensing Case Fan, a 92mm Ultra-BB clear fan, a 60mmx10mm fan. They all start and run fine.

Couldn't you try out by connecting a fan to the pins on your video card , or northbridge fan connectors? I've had to connect two-pin cables to three-pin connections and it works fine.

 

[theplanb]

hmm?
You mean videocard or northbridge fans use less than 12V?

 

[FlowerMan]

If they use the dedicated 2-pin plugs that are soldering into the PCB... they are usually 5V fans.

 

[theplanb]

ooh. So I can just plug the first 2 pin of the 3 pin female connector into 2 pin male connector?

 

[hmagoo]

just match up red with red and black with black. Or look on the PCB for + and -

I don't know how I know about the 5Volt thing now that I think about it. But I must have gotten the impression somewhere for my brain to say that. I probably read it on one of the PCBs.

 

[anandfan]

This sounds risky to me. Even if the fan works now, over time the bearings will wear and dust accumulate. If the fan doesn't spin, it will still draw five volts and sit there heating up. Without the fan spinning to circulate air, I'd be concerned about fire. If you want a quieter/lower CFM fan, just buy one!