Whats the best site for 3-4" low dB fans that arent 30-40$?!

nvillacci · #1 07/13/2006, 10:28 AM

been out of the game for a bit and wondering where are all the good fans. Even my local connection pays $40 for "Saltwater hobby" fans.

I know theres good fans out there that arent loud and dont cost a fortune, anyone know?

Thanks
Nick

anjhof · #2 07/13/2006, 10:33 AM

ebay

AZDesertRat · #3 07/13/2006, 10:34 AM

I have been paying $17 ea for Vantec Stealth 120mm fans at Frys Electronics but here is a better deal:

http://www.coolerguys.com/840556017004.html

larryl · #4 07/13/2006, 10:47 AM

I use 80mm Vantec Stealth fans, these guys have them for $7.95 and the shipping is pretty cheap:

http://www.xoxide.com/80vanstealfa.html

120mm Vantec Stealths are getting hard to find, I have read that they have been discontinued but I'm not sure what they might have been replaced with in the Vantec product line.

Larry

slowECUdiver · #5 07/13/2006, 10:47 AM

www.newegg.com has the cheapest prices on computer fans. you can search by size, RPM (static or adjustable), bearing type, etc. all my computer buddies use newegg for their buys and have yet to complain of shipping/cost issues.

larryl · #6 07/13/2006, 10:58 AM

Quote:

[i]www.newegg.com has the cheapest prices on computer fans

Yes, they're even cheaper than the Xoxide link I just posted above... They have the 80mm Vantec Stealth (model number is SF8025L) for only $4.99.

Larry

nvillacci · #7 07/13/2006, 10:58 AM

but how about dBs, are those listed?

James77 · #8 07/13/2006, 11:10 AM

I bought 4 Vantec Stealths with guards for less than $40 shipped- they are VERY quiet.

http://www.xpcgear.com/thercom.html

nvillacci · #9 07/13/2006, 11:10 AM

Hmmm do the computer fans, can I splice a regular 3 prong cord to them or they have to run through a converter?

RichConley · #10 07/13/2006, 11:13 AM

get 120mm fans if you can. 120mm have to spin at lower rpm to move the same amount of air, so theyre much quieter.

larryl · #11 07/13/2006, 11:17 AM

Quote:

Hmmm do the computer fans, can I splice a regular 3 prong cord to them or they have to run through a converter?

They run on 12 volts DC. Get a 12V DC converter from Radio Shack or Walmart, that is rated for at least as many milliamps (mA) as the fan (or total for all the fans) you plan to run. You can also get a DC converter that is variable voltage, this allows you to run the fans at 12V for full speed, or at lower voltages (e.g. 9V) where they will run slower but more quietly.

Larry

nvillacci · #12 07/13/2006, 11:17 AM

will do on the 120s, but like i said, do i need a transformer or can i direct splice them to a cord?

gvibes · #13 07/13/2006, 11:19 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by larryl
I use 80mm Vantec Stealth fans, these guys have them for $7.95 and the shipping is pretty cheap:

http://www.xoxide.com/80vanstealfa.html

120mm Vantec Stealths are getting hard to find, I have read that they have been discontinued but I'm not sure what they might have been replaced with in the Vantec product line.

Larry

You can also go to sites like silentpcreview.com and get ideas as to other quiet PC fans.

jdbassin · #14 07/13/2006, 11:44 AM

yes you need a 12v transformer, there are ac fans but you'll pay much more for them

nvillacci · #15 07/13/2006, 11:54 AM

yeah noticed the price difference

James77 · #16 07/13/2006, 03:43 PM

any 12V transformer will work- you might have one lying around from an old phone or such. If not, walmart has them for less than $20.

AZDesertRat · #17 07/13/2006, 04:19 PM

Get a variable voltage AC/DC power supply. Harbor Freight Tools has them in 500 mA size for less than $8, that will easily run 4 fans if you want. You can also get them at Wal Mart and Radio Shack. With the variable voltage you can fine tune the speed of the fans so they are completely quiet and don't evaporate more than you need. I run my 120mm Vantecs on 6v in the winter and either 7.5 or 9v in the summer. I never need the full 12v since adding a chiller.

nvillacci · #18 07/13/2006, 04:25 PM

AZDesertRat, how do you wire them to the powersupply?

Does it have more then one outlet, or you daisy chain them all to one plug and run them like that?

Ill check out Harbor, we have one in town, thanks for any help in advance, I just bought 4 120mm Vantec Stealths and plan on installing on the top of my hood and the stand (no circulation in there and it gets stiffling).

Nick

AZDesertRat · #19 07/13/2006, 05:14 PM

Don't daisy chain them or you cut the voltage each time you do that. Bring all fans back to the same connection point so you only have two splices, one black and one red. Forget the yellow wire on the fans as it has no use in this application. As for the power supply just clip the end off and strip the wires back 1/2" or so. Some fans will not run if hooked up backwards, I always thought with DC it would just run in reverse, so just twist the wires together the first time to make sure all fans are running and in the right direction before putting a crimp connector or soldering the wires together. One power supply should run them all but I run mine in pairs of two myself. One fan draws like 80 mA and the power supply puts out 500 mA.

nvillacci · #20 07/13/2006, 07:14 PM

ah k, shouldnt electrocute myself

Thanks.

AZDesertRat · #21 07/13/2006, 07:26 PM

Naw you won't even feel 12v DC.