How to run case fan at half speed ?

[K G G]

I have a build in case fan - in the side panel - that I would like to run for additional cooling. Standard 80 mm fan with two wires, no default speed control.

However I only want to run it at half speed, since it is a tad loud. I do not want to replace it for various reasons.

What is the easiest way to do this?

[stevejr]

Is that the only fan whose noise you would like to quieten down? I have a Sunbeam fan controller that I have my cpu fan,NB fan,and front fan connected to and I keep all of them turned down to where the only noise is the quiet "whoosh" of air.

Another way is to solder the proper size resistor into the hot wire....how are your soldering skills? Dropping the volts to around 7 or 8 volts would effectively silence the fan...as long as the fan is capable of being turned down that much.

[K G G]

Soldering would be an option - what kind of resistor would you reco ?

BTW - all other fans are fine. I have a Nexus Vantec from my old case, but don't want to use it here

[stevejr]

K G G...I don't know what resistor to use....sorry...been way too long since I messed with circuits...maybe one of the electronic gurus here can tell you.

[Ridgerunr]

Be simpler to go to an electronics parts store and buy a pot(potentiometer). They have a dial where you can control the voltage input which will control the fan rpm's. They're pretty inexpensive and easy to install. Just solder into the +volt line...

[stevejr]

Yea...good idea...that crossed my mind earlier...forgot to mention it...I got sidetracked on the controller idea... I worked all day today...my mind is beat..!!

[Abhoth]

Or, you could buy this little guy... a number of Zalman fans come with it, or buy it alone as a solution for yourself... http://www.coolerguys.com/840556026174.html

[SuperSparks]

Most 80mm fans draw around 0.2 Amps, which equals 2.4 watts at 12 volts, so if using a resistor or potentiometer or rheostat make sure that it can handle that. I'd recommend getting at least a 5 Watt one.

[K G G]

Excellent help people!
Thanks.

[K G G]

I'll probably buy some things from www.coolerguys.com later today. Thanks for the link Abhoth.
For ~2$ it's not worth me driving somewhere for one 5W resistor and do the soldering I think.

And while I was looking at their site, there are some PS and Fan dampeners listed link.
Does anyone use something like this, any positive or negative feedback?

Thanks
KGG

[Abhoth]

Yeah, coolerguys are, well, cool... ! And yes, not very expensive at all for those and way easier! I haven't tried the fan dampers, might be helpful depending upon # of fans and noise levels.