have old pcs, How do I use the fans?

I have two old computers that no longer run, so I was thinking of ripping out the fans and putting them to use, or possibly doing a pc grow, but I don't know how to get the fans to run by themselves, or how to remove them from the computer without breaking them. Anyone know how to get that done? Does it depend on the model? I can post pics if neccisary.

You would need a power inverter 110v to 12v. The power supplies from said old computers would work but you would want to look up a wiring schematic online and be sure you feel comfortable wiring electronics. This could be a potential fire hazard so be careful. Whenever it comes to electricity if your not comfortable doing it leave it to the pros.

It sounds risky already, lol. If I wanted to find a wiring schematic, how would I do that, by model or something? What kind of tools would I need? is there any way I could attach it to a battery or something?

You could attach it to a car battery since they are 12v or just stop by radio shack and ask them for a 110 to 12v power inverter. These will be all wired up for you and have a circuit breaker installed already. All you would have to do then is splice the two wires together and plug it into the wall, pretty cut and dry. Shouldn't set you back more than 20-25$ much cheaper than a new car battery...

nonfakename said:

It sounds risky already, lol.

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nah, it's not that scary. Pull the fan out of the powersupply. Get a hold of an old cell phone charger power supply or ac to dc adapter. It should be around 12 volts. Cut of the plug on the fan and poadapter and strip the wires ends. Hook them up if it doesn't run switch the wires around. That's it

That could work but I haven't ever seen a cell charger that puts out more than 5v, but yea good idea maybe an old cordless phone charger.. Most people who aren't tech savvy though don't keep old chargers and cables around like us geeks though. Good idea regardless frm.

Nice, I can afford that. If I'm using multiple fans do I need multiple inverters? Probably, right?

nonfakename said:

Nice, I can afford that. If I'm using multiple fans do I need multiple inverters? Probably, right?

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No depending on the amperage of the inverter but if I were to guess id say one should be good for at least 4-5 fans maybe more. The tech at radio shack should be able to tell you specifically for the model you are looking to buy. And all "case fans" are about the same.

Really? That's awesome. Is it tricky to plug that many into one thing? and how do I rip out the fans w/o breaking them so I can move them?

nonfakename said:

Probably, right?

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the amperage out (usually in milli amps) of the inverter should not be less than the of total the fans. Probably is probably the answer.

Wiring them is pretty straight forward just splice the wires together, you could even get a distribution block for 4-5$ at the shack if you wanted to be pro about it. Without getting into too much detail removing the fans should just be common sense for the most part, they may be screwed in with 2-4 screws( corners of fan) or more likely will just be clipped in place with some plastic tabs.. Jus take a look with a flashlight and it should be pretty easy to figure out. *edit* And the power leads from the fan are just pressed on to the mainboard just pull them off with your fingers.

Cool, I'm gonna take a good look right now.

frmrboi said:

the amperage out (usually in milli amps) of the inverter should not be less than the of total the fans. Probably is probably the answer.

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What frm said to be more precise, im baked lol. Tossed you some rep frm.

Well the first two fans came out alright, but I hit a bit of a snag with the older fan, it's trapped in some box thing, as shown in the pics here... .
and there's a huge bundle of wires holding it to the computer. I've tried unscrewing every screw I saw and It's just stuck. Should I give up or is there some trick I'm missing with the older ones? I could probably do okay with two fans, just seems like a waste.

Hah.. That "box thing" is the computers power supply and that fan isnt removable. Also be careful because the capacitors in those can hold a charge for quite some time. Dont mind that huge "Danger Shock Warning" sticker.. If you need more fans they are usually only 8-10$ anyway. Good luck with your cab, post some updates im out for the night.

whoa, thanks for the warning, cause I managed to get the lid off, probably woulda got zapped removing it, lol!

Are you totally sure I can't remove it? I alreay got this far, but I guess it's better not to risk it.