The Corsair HX1200 (2017 edition) produces a very loud fan and generates random vibrations.
The Corsair HX1200 (2017 edition) produces a very loud fan and generates random vibrations.
I've encountered a problem with the fan in my Corsair PSU—it's the loudest part of my system. Recently, it began making a strong buzzing and vibration noise. The whole case started shaking, which amplified the sound even more. From what I've found online, these Corsair fans tend to be unreliable and often fail soon after installation. The PSU I bought second-hand has no return policy, so I'm stuck without an RMA. I need guidance on how to proceed. The fan in my PSU is a NR135P model, 135mm and two-pin. I want a quieter alternative, but I'm not sure what to choose. Most online options have three or four pins, and the size matches yours. Cutting and soldering might be fine, but I'd prefer to avoid that if possible. I've worked with PSUs before, so I'm confident in my ability to handle it. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. I'm based in the EU.
There appear to be 135MM 2pin cooling fans. They aren't from well-known manufacturers, so I can't guarantee their quality but they might be worth considering. You may still need to trim the wires and rewire if the connector isn't suitable. If possible, I'd look into a 140mm 3pin PC fan to check for compatibility. These models typically include ground, 12V, and tach signals. The tach signal isn't necessary for operation—it just sends the fan speed data back to your motherboard. You could modify your existing fan by connecting only the 12V and ground lines, assuming the power supply is designed for a 12V fan.
Select a solid 140mm fan from brands like Noctua, Arctic or BeQuiet. Secure it using some DIY cable ties or a bracket because the holes are close together. Use the existing 2-pin connector from your previous fan and adapt its connections to the new model. For a plug-and-play setup, you might need to search eBay for replacement NR135P fans, though opting for a premium 140mm model will likely offer better performance and durability.
You can connect the 2-pin adapter to the 3/4 pin fans, which works best with 3-pin fans. Exercise extreme caution when handling a power supply like this—it’s extremely dangerous if not done properly. It’s common for users to install loud components such as the HX1200 in 140mm Noctua units, so ensure you wire the positive and negative terminals correctly. Once that’s done, it should be finished.
I've reviewed the PSU discussions and discovered a few additional fan modification threads. You might have some 140mm fans on hand, so testing their fit would be reasonable. A 120mm model could also be suitable. With access to a 3D printer, custom brackets could improve compatibility. I'll start with the 140mm and share my results soon.
Edit: An adapter like this might work well.