I've been thinking of lots a different ways to reduce the noise of my PSU without getting it too hot. I have a Cheiftec Midi Tower case, with no case fans at the moment. There is a clearence of 2" (5cm) from the top of the PSU and the top of the case. Here are my ideas: Install a second 20db fan strapped to the back of the PSU, maybe cutting away some of the rear grill to allow better airflow. Then 7v the original fan. or Install a 120mm fan (7volted if it was too loud) ontop of the PSU and cut a hole both in the PSU and the top of the case. or Install the 120mm fan in the top centre of the case (I don't know if being at the rear would look weird not...) and take off the casing of the PSU (ugleh ). Then I don't know whether I should have another fan or just 7volt the original fan and maybe have it blow inwards. There are a few problems with the second Idea which is the one I'd rather do (provided it doesn't look too wierd). One is that I might have to flip the PSU upside down. I opened it up a while ago but I don't remember is the PCB is attached to the top plate or the bottom. Also I would probably have to lift the PSU up an inch so that fan lined up with the hole in the top of the case and the hole in the top of the PSU. The problem with this though is that the outlet space for the PSU in the back of the case would no longer line up and I don't know if there would be enough room left for the power switch or cable . What do you guys think I should do? Got any other ideas?
Do you mean serial-fans (stacked)? Airflow doesn't tend to increase in this scenario, and so probably wouldn't help at all. Sounds like an idea. How about a short stretch of ducting to connect to the outside rather than raising the PSU? As you say, depending on the orientation of the PCB, you may need to upturn the PSU. This may require mods to the back-plate too (some are assymetrical). I wouldn't like to run with the PSU cover off, mains voltage hurts
Or if you are feeling completely insane toady, you could watercool your PSU. Serously, read the article. It's very interesting (and no, it's NOT my website)
Hehe, I've seen that site. Looks pretty sweet. I don't think my PSU contains any heatsinks at all. Are those 'moflexes' really what provides all that heat? What do they actually do? Anyway I hadn't thought of using a duct. But what chould I make it from? Anyway I'll open up the PSU again tonight to see if there are any other potential problems and if I have to I'll see if the PSU works upside down.
Impressive That guy has way too much free time - cutting 13mm Copper plate with a battery-drill and hacksaw As for ducts, you could buy a blow-hole duct (try KustomPCs ) plus a fan-grill on the case or edge-moulding just to finish it off properly. Alternatively, tumble-dryer hose should work, or any suitably sized hose/pipe.
So, you'd have two 80mm fans side by side in the rear of the PSU....am I right? This would look quite cool, especially with a 120mm LED fan! BUT you'd definitely need to attach a good quality filter above the fan. Otherwise lots of dust will end up inside the PSU when its off or if the fan sucks air in. Dust makes fans noisier and also insides warmer. You can make good homemade filters from a pair of lady's stockings if you can't afford big 120mm filters. Very cheep too, so long as the girlfriend/wife doesn't notice a pair missing. Your third idea sounds very dangerous, I would not attempt it!
