What is the most effective method to supply power to fans inside a blank case?
What is the most effective method to supply power to fans inside a blank case?
I'm constructing a sound-testing enclosure using a ThermalTake Core V1 case for evaluating noise output from DC and PWM fans ranging from 80 to 200mm. The box will contain only these components and no additional equipment. There’s no spare power supply or alternative means to energize the fans.
The available options are the Akasa FC.Trio Fan Controller and the Bitspower X-Station Power-Extension II Male Version (BP-XSP2M-UV). Both operate on DC power. The latter offers ten Molex ports, twelve DC fan headers, and two 5vGND12v 4-pin connectors. I’m unsure how to integrate them effectively; connecting the Akasa directly to my PC doesn’t provide sufficient power flexibility for low RPM recordings, making it difficult to capture minimum dbA levels.
What’s needed is a solution that enables the lowest possible fan speeds (including stoppage), safeguards fans from damage, and allows precise speed control. There are several standalone choices available, but I need clarity on which would be most suitable for inclusion inside the test box or case—ensuring it remains silent.
If you have any clarifying questions about this setup, feel free to ask.
you could simply use a standard 12v DC power supply, connect it to an external fan controller, and that would suffice
Discussing your 5v fans and needing a suitable external fan controller, especially when the Akasa FC.Trio lacks sufficient RPM capabilities.