Running pc fans without using a PC power supply

[Versionconflict]

I've got a friend whose currently in the middle of a build. However it's not your usual gaming rig or what have you - he's putting together a 5ft marine tank primarily for corals.

He plans to put a couple of PC fans in the the Base of this structure to drag moisture (and maybe a little heat) out of the enclosed area underneath it.

Obviiously these fans will need a 12v supply and putting in a a whole pc power supply would be overkill.........

Anyone any ideas what would be suitable and how it should be wired up. Part numbers and diagrams gratefully received!!!!

[listy]

im sure if you goolge cb radio power suppply that will do it

Maplin > psu

[peterb]

massive overkill!

Fans are low current devicres!

Try something from this range.

Maplin > Regulated Power Supplies

[DDY]

The 12v power bricks peterb linked on Maplin are very under powered and over priced, you could only run one or two fans with most of those adapters. Look on eBay for similar items, I got a 4.2A 12v power brick for £5 on eBay, it was from a reliable make too, 4.2A could run about 15 fans.

Or you could use 230v AC fans instead.

[smargh]

230v AC, or just use the power bricks that come with USB to IDE/SATA converters for the option of 12v or 5v. Presumably the 5v line wouldn't damage anything if left unused (??? IANAEEE).

[peterb]

The 12v power bricks peterb linked on Maplin are very under powered and over priced, you could only run one or two fans with most of those adapters. Look on eBay for similar items, I got a 4.2A 12v power brick for £5 on eBay, it was from a reliable make too, 4.2A could run about 15 fans.

Or you could use 230v AC fans instead.

They are overpriced or not (but it is a convenient store) but it was posted more as an example, rather than the bench type CB radio psu!.

However, as for underpowered, I have just measured the current consumption of an old coolermaster 80mm fan - startup current was about 130mA, the running current was 100mA. As the OP said he needed to run a couple of fans - a 400mA PSU would be more than adequate. A 4.2A PSU would run 40 fans - but I don't think he was planning ahovercraft!!

Given that this is for use in a fish tank, and he is going DIY, I wouldn't recommend 230V fans.

[peterb]

Duplicate

[DDY]

Can't comment on whether they are overpriced or not (but it is a convenient store,.

However, I have just measured the current consumption of an old coolermaster 80mm fan - startup current was about 130mA, the running current was 100mA. As the OP said he needed to run a couple of fans - a 400mA PSU would be more than adequate. A 4.2A PSU would run 40 fans - but I don't think he was planning ahovercraft!!

Given that this is for use in a marine tank, and he is going DIY, I wouldn't recommend 230V fans.

Yes, you're right. I somehow assumed the OP wanted 120mm fans, which average at around 0.3A. They're still over priced though.