How do I install a simple on/off switch for my case fans?

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Brendan de la Cour

Brendan de la Cour

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Dec 10, 2014
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Ok so I have quite a noisy and bright PC, with 5 fans installed all wielding an array of LEDs. I often need to download things overnight so my PC needs to stay on. This as you can imagine keeps me up at night since my PC is in my room(on a desk right next to my bed).

I would like to create to a simple on/off switch for 3/5 fans, the frontal intake and side exhaust fans specifically. Would I be able to just intercept their wires with a switch? Would it be possible to connect them all to one switch? Would switching my fans on and off have any negative effects on my mobo or PSU? Also the fans are not all the same size and some are connected to my mobo while others connect directly to my PSU.

I'm not worried about overheating as the computer will mostly be idle with maybe a torrent or steam download going in the background. As well as the temperature drop at night.

P.S. I have a single-pole single-throw toggle switch that would be perfect, but it says its AC 250V 2A (not sure how AC or DC would make a difference to a toggle switch) would I be able to use this, and maybe connect all three fans to use it. My budget is far too tight for a fan controller :)

Here's a picture to better express this http://snag.gy/ANbkx.jpg
Thanks for your time
Brendan
 
Solution
WyomingKnott
The only effect taking one or more fans offline can have is on the temps; the motherboard BIOS might notice and show the fan speed as zero but it won't interrupt anything or have any effect on your software.

Unless you are running a fan monitor and it complains.
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WyomingKnott

WyomingKnott

Legenda in Aeternum
Aug 29, 2006
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Turning off all your fans would indeed have an impact - they are there to keep the system cool; if you turn them off the system will get hot. Probably overheat and die if you really need all those fans.

I suggest that you google "fan controllers" and get a multi-channel one that will let you control your fans individually. Lower the speeds to something that will keep the temps in a safe range while it's as quiet as you can get it.
 
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Brendan de la Cour

Brendan de la Cour

Reputable
Dec 10, 2014
2
0
4,510
As the post said "I'm not worried about overheating as the computer will mostly be idle with maybe a torrent or steam download going in the background. As well as the temperature drop at night." I know about fan controllers (looked into them recently as an option) but I live in South Africa so it's a bit of a mission getting my hands on a quality one besides all I really want to do is switch them on/off(mainly the LEDs).

So overheating out of the window perhaps a better question would be "Can I disconnect a PC fan while the PC is on, would this have any effect on the motherboard or PSU (maybe some issues with power fluctuations)?"

 
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WyomingKnott

WyomingKnott

Legenda in Aeternum
Aug 29, 2006
13,249
3
51,960
The only effect taking one or more fans offline can have is on the temps; the motherboard BIOS might notice and show the fan speed as zero but it won't interrupt anything or have any effect on your software.

Unless you are running a fan monitor and it complains.
 
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