Temperature controlled PC case fans for diy rack/cabinet

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BryanG

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#296196 29-May-2022 10:17

Hi, I am trying to put all my home tech (router, 8 port switch, 2x Pis and USB drive) into an old PC case. Mainly to keep it all tidy. But it all gets quite warm. So I was wondering how I could power the 4 case fans to turn on when the case ambient temp hits a certain threshold. There is no motherboard. And no PSU currently.
Anyone done anything similar or know where I could get a temperature switch?
Other approaches/suggestions welcome.

cddt

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#2919914 29-May-2022 10:57

You could just get a couple of quiet case fans, and have them push air through the case 24/7. I think the rpi should be able to power them?

If you really want it to turn on/off depending on temperature, you could always use the rpi CPU temperature as a proxy for ambient temperature.

gzt

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#2919915 29-May-2022 10:58

Large quiet fans are not expensive. Run at low speed 24/7 and replace every couple of years. Skip the control.

davidcole

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#2919936 29-May-2022 12:08

I’ve used these before:

NZ$ 5.24 | XH-W1308 W1308 Adjustable Digital Cool Heat Sensor Red Display Temperature Controller Thermostat Switch DC 12V
https://a.aliexpress.com/_mqCS80w

Controlling 5 fans running off a 12v power supply

https://www.flickr.com/gp/dcole66/3U3pK8

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BryanG

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#2924128 8-Jun-2022 22:38

Thanks cddt, gzt and davidcole for your messages. I ended up building a wooden box/rack and deploying two fans at the top to suck the heat out. I am really surprised at how effective it is.

It is winter - so will be interesting to try it in summer. I wired up a 12v power supply - but couldn't work out how to regulate the fan speed. So I guess they are just on full all the time - which is a little noisy but it keeps things really cool.

I think the next stage will be to try that heat sensor davidcole suggested and make it a bit smarter.

Cheers!

davidcole

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#2924132 8-Jun-2022 22:52

Dropping voltage might slow then down. But that thermostat I linked to, is just on off

mdf

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#2924203 9-Jun-2022 12:33

I use one of these: https://www.ebay.com/itm/112174066548

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MikeAqua

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#2924242 9-Jun-2022 13:21

davidcole: I’ve used these before:

NZ$ 5.24 | XH-W1308 W1308 Adjustable Digital Cool Heat Sensor Red Display Temperature Controller Thermostat Switch DC 12V
https://a.aliexpress.com/_mqCS80w

Controlling 5 fans running off a 12v power supply

https://www.flickr.com/gp/dcole66/3U3pK8

Interesting post, thanks. Are you controlling the fans as a group (all on or all off)?

I need to build a new cabinet for routers etc.

Mike

davidcole

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#2924250 9-Jun-2022 13:39

MikeAqua:

davidcole: I’ve used these before:

NZ$ 5.24 | XH-W1308 W1308 Adjustable Digital Cool Heat Sensor Red Display Temperature Controller Thermostat Switch DC 12V
https://a.aliexpress.com/_mqCS80w

Controlling 5 fans running off a 12v power supply

https://www.flickr.com/gp/dcole66/3U3pK8

Interesting post, thanks. Are you controlling the fans as a group (all on or all off)?

I need to build a new cabinet for routers etc.

All on/off. Even with all those it gets a bit warm in summer. But during winter they'd get to less than 18 which I've set to turn off the fans.

rabba

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#2924269 9-Jun-2022 14:33

I just recently installed a couple of Noctua fans into my server cabinet and hooked them up with a Shelly 1 on 12v dc with the temperature addon sensor. Works great.