G+_Benjamin Breüner Frost Posted February 19, 2016 Share Posted February 19, 2016 hey everyone. I have a old computer and want to switch out the fan to something with LED's. my problem is that the old fan is running on 6W and the new ones i have been looking at is way lower. so i would like to know if that would give any problems if i put a new one into my computer? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
G+_Black Merc Posted February 19, 2016 Share Posted February 19, 2016 Probably not... to replace a fan with a lower power requirement but moves the same amount of air, do it! Match the volts and your good-to-go. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
G+_Larry Havenstein Posted February 19, 2016 Share Posted February 19, 2016 As long as it is not more watts its fine. Less watts is always better. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
G+_Keith Mallett Posted February 19, 2016 Share Posted February 19, 2016 Benjamin Frost If you changed the 120 watt light bulbs in your house to 12 watt compact florescent that made your hydro bill go down $50 per month would that be a problem????? A 3w fan won't save you $50/month but it will work fine. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
G+_Ben Reese Posted February 20, 2016 Share Posted February 20, 2016 On that alone, I wouldn't expect a 3W fan to move as much air as a 6W fan. However, I'd still probably try it. It's possible with improvements in fan bearings that newer fans just don't need as much power to spin at the same RPMs. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
G+_Keith Mallett Posted February 20, 2016 Share Posted February 20, 2016 Benjamin Frost Compare the rpm (rotations per minute) speeds of the fans. The larger the rpm number the more air is moved through the fan. If they don't have rpm numbers listed do a tissue test... Use an external power-supply and place the fan on a desk with a tissue in front of it and turn on the power supply. If the fans blow the tissue a distance that is reasonably the same you're good. If there is an obvious difference and the new fan 's distance is less then be cautious. You can also g00gle the model numbers and see what the ratings are. Very import - make sure you you install the new fan so it moves air in the same direction. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
G+_Jeff Brand Posted February 20, 2016 Share Posted February 20, 2016 I would think that CFM (cubic feet/minute) would be the better number to compare... As long as there's adequate cooling, you're fine. It depends on heat dissipation and airflow. If it's not some overclocked gaming rig crammed with extra hard drives, you'll be fine. CPU/MB temp monitoring can help if you're worried, though the CPU will downclock itself if it gets too hot. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
G+_Jason howe Posted February 21, 2016 Share Posted February 21, 2016 sorry is talking case fans you are talking in the realm of +/- 5 vdc, or =/- 12 vdc it has sweet fa to to with 120/240 vac power system unless you are playing with 1-3 kw psu's... in multiple rigs assuming you aren't using 3-phase to power them all Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
G+_Keith Mallett Posted February 21, 2016 Share Posted February 21, 2016 Jason howe - Where are you going??? He wants to change the existing fan in his computer with another fan that has LED's. Not create a central vac system??? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
G+_Jason howe Posted February 21, 2016 Share Posted February 21, 2016 no just stating the fact you run pc voltages for your fans.. 12 volt or 5 volt that's all Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
G+_Keith Mallett Posted February 21, 2016 Share Posted February 21, 2016 Ohhhhh. I believe the red wires are +5v and the yellow are +12v. Most 120mm fans and smaller should be +5v. What did you end up doing Benjamin Frost Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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