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Question

Using two PC case fans w/speed control unit from outlet

Nov 2, 2013 10:40PM PDT

At current my TV and PS3 both sit on top of a chest of draws. Come November I will be getting a PS4, so in order to accommodate both consoles, I plan to remove the top unused draw below the TV and use that level as an open shelf (approx. 660x180x390mm)to house both machines. However I am concerned about overheating, due to the build up of heat from the consoles' exhausts. And as the drawers are backed right up against a wall, removing the back would do little to improve ventilation.

The plan is to use a low noise PC case fan at the bottom rear of each side panel of the shelf, to draw the hot air directly from the consoles' exhausts, out horizontally. I'll connect the fans to a fan speed control device, and wire the device's power to a 12V AC/DC wall adapter (instead of a computer PSU, as it was intended to be).

Fans: 2x Thermalright X-Silent 120mm
http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B002U50YAY/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE
Speed Control Unit: Akasa AK-FC-06BKV2
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Akasa-AK-FC-06BKV2-Ports-Speed-Controller/dp/B00B4T2COS/ref=sr_1_8?s=computers&ie=UTF8&qid=1383485143&sr=1-8&keywords=fan+speed+control

Will this set-up work okay ? I'm still unsure of the fan voltage, I'm assuming it will work at 12V (the listed rated voltage). But what is the Start voltage(7V)? Does this mean the fan can run anywhere from 7-12V? Also would the wall adapter need to be regulated?

This is my first time doing anything like, so I'd really appreciate any answers/advice.

Discussion is locked

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Answer
You don't even know if you'll need a fan yet but
Nov 3, 2013 5:11AM PST

why not consider 110v boxers? No PS needed and they come in a variety of air flows.

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(NT) I'm not familiar with "boxers". What are they?
Nov 3, 2013 5:17AM PST
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Sorry for the confusion
Nov 3, 2013 7:46AM PST

It's a fan style as is "muffin". I think Boxer was a brand name. We use the term generically. The fans come in similar sizes to standard PC fans that run on low voltage DC. AC "Boxer" fans (or Muffin fans) are common in equipment cabinets of all types and will come in a variety of sizes as do PC fans. These are rock tough fans and run on power straight from your outlet so don't need a power supply. I'd think they'd be less expensive and easier to set up. They can put out large volumes of air so might be on the noisier side but noise also depends on the cabinet a fan is in. I'm not a gamer so don't know how much heat you're talking about but suspect noise from most games will easily drown out that of a cooling fan.

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Examples
Nov 3, 2013 7:48AM PST
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Finding more case fans.
Nov 4, 2013 1:07AM PST

I tried searching for "boxer" and "muffin" fans on Amazon and eBay but ones listed under these names are just more case fans, with the same 3 or 4 pin connectors too.

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Search terms are everything
Nov 4, 2013 2:45AM PST
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Answer
Fans
Nov 3, 2013 11:24AM PST

I agree with Steven on the use of AC fans. But you needn't rely on PC type even if AC powered. Plain old household fans will do fine and they too come in all sizes. It may seem like overkill and they even have a fan speed control or selector. A typical window fan will work wonders by the shelving. I disagree that NOT removing the rear panel of the shelf wouldn't help, it will. You want circulation and reducing "trapped air" is a plus and the fans work better. Check any home repair outlet center or dept. store for fan selection if you want to go that route. Further pricing might be better even compared to specialized PC fans. Heck, a clamp-on 6-8in. fan is better than a 120MM PC fan and quiet too and probably all you need but there various kinds.

http://www.walmart.com/cp/Fans-Electric-Home/133118

http://community.homedepot.com/t5/image/serverpage/image-id/19509i587FADC4A175D90F/image-size/original?v=mpbl-1&px=-1

http://www.amazon.com/b?node=3737601

tada -----Willy Happy