Noisy Fan replacement in G4 MMD?

[Retrosonic]

Guys, I have a great G4 MMD machine that I love. I've rebuilt it, and it does everything I want it to do with OSX.

The problem is the noise from the two fans. Its REALLY loud.

Is there a drop in replacement for the big fan that will be less loud, BUT will still move the same amount of air. The last thing I want to do is overheat the machine because I put in a substandard fan.

Any help is appreciated!

thanks,
Retro

 

[cocacolakid]

Search around the site here for more info, but the fan everyone seems to recommend is a SilenX 120x120x38mm, it's 90cfm (make sure that's the one you get, they also make a 60cfm now but that doesn't move enough air for your rig).

Here's the link:

http://www.frozencpu.com/products/4274/fan-235/SilenX_120x120x38mm_-_18dBA_-_90CFM_iXtrema_Pro_Fan_IXP-76-18.html

This guy talks about quieting his MDD, and used that fan. In the comments a couple of people discuss which pins on the motherboard to connect to the 3 pin fan connector from the SilenX. http://coolstuff.wordpress.com/2007/02/19/powermac-g4-mdd-cooling-and-noise-reduction/

 

[Dave H]

If I am not mistaken, the original main fan is rated 152 CFM, and 53dBA.
This one is rated 133 CFM and 46dBA.

This one moves 110 CFM, but it's 25mm thick instead of 38.

I used to have a Silenx 90CFM fan in my G4 DA, but I replaced it. I really doubt its airflow rating, and it was noisy.

 

[666sheep]

Loudest fans in MDD are these in PSU. 120 mm fan never runs at full speed, but these 2 small monsters do.
For PSU, these Startech fans (listed in linked post): http://aquamac.proboards.com/index.cgi?action=display&board=talk&thread=1174&page=1#8403 are looking good. The same CFM with much lower noise. But you need to check yours before replacing with new ones. Not all MDD PSUs had Minbea fans.

 

[Retrosonic]

Thanks!

Wow, guys, thanks for the info.

I did do some reading on this topic, and it seems like that replacement for the big fan doesnt move enough air. Mine is a dual 1gz machine and that processor gets mighty hot. I'm not going to risk frying it.

Anyone know if there is a whole new power supply i could buy that has the less noisy fans?

many thanks,
Retro

 

[AlexMaximus]

G4 PSU conversion to ATX

...see reply below...

 

[AlexMaximus]

G4 PSU conversion to ATX

Wow, guys, thanks for the info.

I did do some reading on this topic, and it seems like that replacement for the big fan doesnt move enough air. Mine is a dual 1gz machine and that processor gets mighty hot. I'm not going to risk frying it.

Anyone know if there is a whole new power supply i could buy that has the less noisy fans?

many thanks,
Retro

Make sure you check out those pages regarding G4 MDD to ATX PSU conversion:

http://www.applefritter.com/node/23857

and some nice YouTube step by step courses here:


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xICg592xJTg

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wEzbl3eJIro

Regarding low noise fan upgrades for the G4, here is still a set available in Europe you might be interested in:

http://www.pcsilent.de/en_pd_Smartc...-Macintosh-G4-quiet-powermac-LFS1130_937.html

Also read this here:

http://bitsandpieces.info/MDDG4CoolingMod.htm

More about CHUD here:

http://www.xlr8yourmac.com/feedback/MDD_CHUD_feedback.html#storytop


good luck

 

[Retrosonic]

Thanks!!

Thank you!! Looks like I have my work cut out for me.

Will be great when its all done tho. The machine rocks, its just the noise thats a problem.

thanks again!