Project: Phoenix (PC-101 Orange Case Mod)

[One4yu2c]

Originally Posted by gvblake22

Yeah, the UV reactive orange fans would definitely look the best, but the noise level is just not acceptable.

If you're interested in them, it might be worth ordering one and seeing what they sound like after dialing down the RPMs. They're rated at 34dBA compared to the Yate's 28dBA, but also spin at 1800RPM compared to 1350RPM. At 1350RPM (or below, if you're dialing down even more), I'd imagine most fans would be near silent. Of course, at $16.50+shipping, that's a pricey hypothesis to test.

[Jokerswild]

Ok I'll recheck the progress of this project in a couple months.

[gvblake22]

Originally Posted by One4yu2c

If you're interested in them, it might be worth ordering one and seeing what they sound like after dialing down the RPMs. They're rated at 34dBA compared to the Yate's 28dBA, but also spin at 1800RPM compared to 1350RPM. At 1350RPM (or below, if you're dialing down even more), I'd imagine most fans would be near silent. Of course, at $16.50+shipping, that's a pricey hypothesis to test.

I've tested other fans that had a higher base speed and undervolting is sometimes hit or miss. If it is a quality fan (like a Panaflo or Evercool) then they tend to undervolt pretty well; meaning they will start up and keep spinning at a low voltage that produces very little noise. But the cheaper fans often don't start at low voltages, so I'm afraid they may undervolt well, but might not spin up on a cold boot.

If I test the theory, I'll probably use these Ultra fans. But I just feel more comfortable with the Yate Loon fans because they have been proven to undervolt well. SPCR tested a medium speed fan, but the low speed should be the same. Since these Yate Loon fans have a sleeve bearing, they evidently produce an odd noise when oriented in a horizontal position (like in a power supply or at the top of a case), so I will only be using the Yate Loons in the front of the case as intake fans. Then I will use Arctic Fans for the two exhaust fans (one at the back and one at the top) since they have a Fluid Dynamic Bearing which shouldn't react negatively to a horizontal orientation.

[One4yu2c]

Originally Posted by gvblake22

I've tested other fans that had a higher base speed and undervolting is sometimes hit or miss.

You planning on volt-modding instead of using a fan controller?

[gvblake22]

Originally Posted by One4yu2c

You planning on volt-modding instead of using a fan controller?

No, just using a fan controller to adjust the voltage.

[polobunny]

Cool project Blake. Hopefully i'm still 20 by the time you do something. :P
Just playing. I look foward to see Blake "Ze modding snail" Terhune latest project.

[qazwsx]

looks like an ace project. I saw these fans that apparently run at 18dB. Computer hardware and software at amazing prices, available online from Scan Computers UK
looking forward to seeing it.

[gvblake22]

Originally Posted by qazwsx

looks like an ace project. I saw these fans that apparently run at 18dB. Computer hardware and software at amazing prices, available online from Scan Computers UK
looking forward to seeing it.

I wanted to get those fans, but they are next to impossible to find in the USA.

[Hitman]

Originally Posted by Jokerswild

Ok I'll recheck the progress of this project in a couple months.

Or 18 like his last project LMAO.

[gvblake22]

Yeah, Yeah, I expected the jokes from this group!
Anyway, here is a bit of an update!
Got the front of the case cut out and ready for the new dual 120mm fan mount:


Don't forget that the entire exterior of the case will be powdercoated when all the mods are finished, so the scratches and stuff don't really matter...

I ran out of time to work on the bigger parts, but I did get the motherboard tray window started. I will be cutting out parts of the motherboard tray (outlined in red):

...and screwing a piece of clear acrylic on the back:

Without the full sized acrylic sheet, I'm afraid the motherboard tray would be too week, so this serves the dual purpose of protecting and strengthening. Also had to make room for the standoff screw holes...


The motherboard tray window is nearly finished, so I'll definitely have pics of that for next time. Until then, just sit back, relax, and don't complain about how long it takes!