I took off the case so it can be seen that the Low Noise Adapter can fit in the enclosure. After adding the Low Noise Adapter, I put back on the Enclosure case and it is good to go as if the Low Noise Adapter came with it.
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Review: OWC ThunderBay 8 Offers High-Volume, High-Performance Mac Storage
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For the mini, I do not believe there is a Noctua fan that fits inside (or a least I could not find one). I just used the stock fan and put the low noise adapter on the existing fan and it cut the fan's speed down and now runs quiet. Cannot even tell it is on. I have been using this for two years now with no issues.It's simple. You pick up a Noctua fan with the low noise adapter, and then this cable (or whatever alternative. I use this one specifically). This supports two fans, of course, and you plug this into a dual port USB charger if using two Thunderbays or a computer etc. All you're doing is installing the Noctua fan in the exact place the original was, and then running the cable outside the case to this USB cable:
Here's the cable:
CRJ 12V Step-Up USB to Dual PC Fans Power Adapter Cable - 24-inch (60cm), Black Sleeved - Full Fan Speed Adapter for 3-Pin/4-Pin Cooling Fans
The CRJ USB to Dual Fan Power Adapter Cable stands out as the first full-speed USB adapter designed to power computer fans, offering unparalleled flexibility in utilizing almost any fan, PWM controller, or compatible device. Equipped with a high-efficiency voltage step-up module, this cable deliv...www.amazon.com
And here's the fan with the low noise adapters:
Noctua NF-A6x25 FLX, Premium Quiet Fan, 3-Pin (60mm, Brown)
Featuring advanced aerodynamic design measures such as Flow Acceleration Channels and Noctua’s AAO frame, the NF-A6x25 FLX is a highly optimised, premium quality quiet fan in 60x25mm size. Smooth Commutation Drive technology and Noctua’s reference class SSO2 bearings guarantee superb running smoo...www.amazon.com
You remove the fan grille on the back of the mini (just 4 screws as I recall) so that the cable can come out through it. Then you put the grille back on. The whole process of installing should only take a couple of minutes
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That did not work for me because of the non-standard connector on my mini. Your mini is perhaps different. Anyway, the fan I linked above worked for me in both my minis, but, as mentioned, I run the connector outside the mini to a USB plug (any iPhone plug will work etc).
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But... but.... it's such a simple thing to replace with a Noctua and low noise adapter! I just accepted that OWC have no clue/don't care about acoustics, and I just expect at this point to have to replace the fans, which I always do...
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Ahh, this is what I figured. I appreciate your input. The fan and adapter was actually delivered today so i need to set this up soon. I’m due to to take it apart to dust it anyway.It's simple. You pick up a Noctua fan with the low noise adapter, and then this cable (or whatever alternative. I use this one specifically). This supports two fans, of course, and you plug this into a dual port USB charger if using two Thunderbays or a computer etc. All you're doing is installing the Noctua fan in the exact place the original was, and then running the cable outside the case to this USB cable:
Here's the cable:
CRJ 12V Step-Up USB to Dual PC Fans Power Adapter Cable - 24-inch (60cm), Black Sleeved - Full Fan Speed Adapter for 3-Pin/4-Pin Cooling Fans
The CRJ USB to Dual Fan Power Adapter Cable stands out as the first full-speed USB adapter designed to power computer fans, offering unparalleled flexibility in utilizing almost any fan, PWM controller, or compatible device. Equipped with a high-efficiency voltage step-up module, this cable deliv...www.amazon.com
And here's the fan with the low noise adapters:
Noctua NF-A6x25 FLX, Premium Quiet Fan, 3-Pin (60mm, Brown)
Featuring advanced aerodynamic design measures such as Flow Acceleration Channels and Noctua’s AAO frame, the NF-A6x25 FLX is a highly optimised, premium quality quiet fan in 60x25mm size. Smooth Commutation Drive technology and Noctua’s reference class SSO2 bearings guarantee superb running smoo...www.amazon.com
You remove the fan grille on the back of the mini (just 4 screws as I recall) so that the cable can come out through it. Then you put the grille back on. The whole process of installing should only take a couple of minutes
As an Amazon Associate, MacRumors earns a commission from qualifying purchases made through links in this post.
I see - thank you. This is what I was picturing. I have the Noctua fan now and I tested the ultra-low noise adapter and it does indeed essentially eliminate fan noise where I'll have this and given that I was originally running the OWC with no fan this can only help. I'm putting off getting it back out (temporary moved to an OWC bus-powered dual drive) until I can get myself to pull the trigger on two more Samsung 8TB SSD which are pretty low on Amazon right now.
That what I'll have a whopping 32TB of SSD storage. (⌐■_■)
You would have thought OWC would have noticed all the customers of their products complaining about noise issues across their range of storage boxes over the years, and you know... DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT!
Nope, nada, nothing. Tells you a lot about them as a company, and how much they actually care about their customers needs and requirements.
Nope, nada, nothing. Tells you a lot about them as a company, and how much they actually care about their customers needs and requirements.
It is frustrating. I've commented about this for years, and their team is well aware of the problem.