Modifying an FSP350-60PN(PF): What fan to choose?

Winston · Post by **Winston** » Tue Dec 09, 2003 11:05 am

Hello, everyone!

I have a Fortron/Source FSP350-60PN(PF), which is the European noisy variant of this very good PSU. Now I'm planning to replace the fan with a more quiet one.

Original fan:
Yate Loon D12BM-12, 1700rpm, 60cfm, 39dB

Options for new fan:
Papst 4412FGL, 1600rpm, 55cfm, 26dB
Papst 4412FGML, 1950rpm, 67cfm, 32dB
Papst 4412FGM, 2400rpm, 82cfm, 38dB
(Papst is the only option, since I can't find Panaflo or other quiet fans anywhere in Norway)

Power consuming components in my computer:
Abit KT7A motherboard
AMD Athlon XP2000+ @ 1250MHz (Vcore: 1.25V)
2x256MB sdram PC-133 (TwinMOS)
Sapphire Radeon 9200 Atlantis 128MB DDR
Soundblaster Audigy
SMC Network Interface Card
NEC 52x CD-ROM
Sony floppy drive
2xPapst 4412FGM @ 7V
1xPapst 8412N2GL @ 7V

As you can see, I will never even be close to using the max output (350W) from the power supply. Since I will also provide plenty of airflow through the case, the power supply wont get a lot of extra heat from the case.

Which of the three alternatives from Papst will be the most quiet in my PSU? Should I just go by the dB rating, or will it be different when the fan is running slower than max speed? Will 55cfm be enough, since I don't use anywhere near the max output? Any other things I could do to reduce the noise of this PSU?

Any input on this is most welcome!

mormakil · Post by **mormakil** » Wed Dec 10, 2003 3:18 am

You can get Panaflos in Europe thanks to Dorothy Bradbury (also know in the forums as jabf2000) look in this thread for more info

She's really serious and very recommend by all Europeans here at SPCR

.

The problem will be what fan to choose, as she usually only have 80mm L1As and now she's run out of them till January at least. And she doesn't sell 120mm Panaflo, which is what you need as I'm reading your post again. Anyway I'll post this for your information, but don't know which 120mm fan recommend you. Well, I'll choose between those Papst the 4412FGL, it will give you enough airflow and good noise levels.

energy · Post by **energy** » Wed Dec 10, 2003 11:57 am

And she doesn't sell 120mm Panaflo, which is what you need as I'm reading your post again.

A 120mm Panaflo is 38mm thick and will not fit in the PSU. You will need a 25mm thick fan.

The fan that comes with the PSU isn't very impressive, specs or quality wise. The problem with many fans especially Papst is that they tick when run at a reduced voltage. The 4412FGML or 4412FGL will likely be quite a bit quieter than the original rubbish but if they make a ticking noise then this is likely to be an annoyance. On the other hand you would probably not be able to hear it from within the case so maybe it doesn't matter.

Try getting hold of a 120mm NMB B10 fan (B10 is lowest speed and IIRC is 27 or 29dB). This should be very quiet in the PSU when run at typical voltages that the fan controller gives. I have one and it ticks very lightly so it shouldn't be a problem.

Winston · Post by **Winston** » Thu Dec 11, 2003 12:15 pm

Thanks for your replies, mormakil and energy. I think I will order Papst fans, since I've been unable to find anyone in Norway that sells other quiet fans. Hopefully, the ticking thing wont be too annoying. Will post results here when I have received the fans, and mounted them!

silvervarg · Post by **silvervarg** » Fri Dec 12, 2003 2:06 am

I would recommend that you get the Enermax (adjustable fan) instead and set it on high speed (since the fancontroller in the PSU will lower the speed).

Another option is to go with Titan fans. They are mostly known for the aluminum fram fans that are rather good, but the plastic fans are rather good too. I have not heard any complaints about clicking noises in Titan fans, and the price is rather nice.

Both the Enermax and the plastic Titan fan are availabe and in stock at www.microplex.no

Winston · Post by **Winston** » Fri Dec 12, 2003 4:08 am

How about the SmartCooler fans? Does anyone have any experience with these?

kamina · Post by **kamina** » Mon Dec 22, 2003 4:11 am

Has anyone tried changing the fan in this powersupply? I was just wondering how much diferance it would make as it does make a bit of noise...

dukla2000 · Post by **dukla2000** » Mon Dec 22, 2003 4:25 am

Winston - check my comparisons here. From my experience I recommend the 4412FGL.

Wouldnt know how the fan controller in the FSP works, but I am pretty sure my Papst at 6V (or abouts) in my Seasonic is not noisier than the Yate Loon was (at 4V or so) and it is definately shifting more air.

ps - re-read your initial post. Figure you have far more cfm than you need already. With an undervolted Athlon a 7V 8412NGL could be enough (although a 5V Panaflo could be quieter). And for case airflow a Papst 4412FGL in the FSP should be plenty - you can pension off the other 4412s.