How do you power pc case fans without a motherboard for a MiSTer setup?

[yoda313]

hi,

I just bought this for my mister and have a few question:

https://www.newegg.com/p/N82E16811353096

It comes with two fans. since I will be using my mister in it and not a regular motherboard how do I power the fans?

I do have a spare psu so I could rig it if there's an easy no solder method.

also another two part question:

can I easily connect the case power switch and a usb port to the mister? again no solder options.

FYI I do have the full mister stack. I also ordered some usb extension cables to use with my mister usb hub. I'm planning on simply using zip ties or something similar to mount the mister, the mt32 pi and some harddrives. I ordered a 3d printed io shield that I plan to modify to put my usb ports and hdmi cable through.

thanks for your suggestions.

[darksakul]

There a few ways in doing so. I am sure there some other ways around, but theses are what came to my mind.

The Easy but expensive way

There are two MiSTer AIO boards that will accept a ATX Power Supply
The MiSTx that used to be available from Checkmate 1500 Plus

Jammix IO Board For MiSTer https://www.misterkits.com/collections/ ... cts/jammix

Both are ITX formfactor boards that will mount in a PC case.

The Full MiSTer Stack will not help you here, you will be not using the USB and I/O boards.

(this next one I forgot about)
No Solder Way

This what replaced the MiSTX board over at Checkmate 1500 Plus
MiSTer mount Kit https://www.checkmate1500plus.com/Products.aspx?id=396

VGA Power Breakout https://www.checkmate1500plus.com/Products.aspx?id=357

How you get those two to fit in your PC case is up to you.
They are intended for the Checkmate Mini case.


The Harder, but Cheaper way
You will have to solder with this method

Get a ATX 20/24 pin break out board, make a custom harness with the breakout board.
There alot more being left out as you have to come up with a couple other solutions not discussed here

I would also check out the following thread for ideas
viewtopic.php?f=9&t=96

[Milspex]

There's also d3fmod's Ironclad Plus Mini-Itx board, that has 3 separate fan headers and fan speed regulation

https://www.d3fmod.com/mini-itx-ironclad-plus/

[yoda313]

@darksakul - thanks!

I like the checkmate mount kit. I'll have to email them for dimensions to see if it would fit a pc case io cutout.

the other platforms are more than I want to spend. I had pre-ordered the rmc multisystem but canceled since I figured I wouldn't use the analog aspects.

I am wondering if I could use an old Dell motherboard I still have as a power source plugin. I could just plug it in and use it as a socket.

@ milspex - thanks! it looks great but a bit more than I was looking to spend.

I'm wondering if there is a usb to pc fan power solution.

thank you everyone!

[darksakul]

One thing I did fail to mention, there are Small 5 volt fans you can use, up to 80mm in size.

Noctua does make a series of their Tan and Brown fan that runs of 5 volts
They come in 40, 60, 80, 92, 120 and 140mm sizes.

Many people use the Noctua NF-A4x10 5V as their default Mister cooling Fan.

You can also look into fans intended for the Raspberry Pi.

[JayRockets]

One thing I did fail to mention, there are Small 5 volt fans you can use, up to 80mm in size.

Are you saying I shouldn't power a fan over 80mm directly from the de10?

[darksakul]

One thing I did fail to mention, there are Small 5 volt fans you can use, up to 80mm in size.

Are you saying I shouldn't power a fan over 80mm directly from the de10?

No, I am just not aware of any fans past 80mm in size that run off 5 volts.
Also anything bigger than a 80mm fan on a 80mm fan on a custom MiSTer case (ether DIY or using a Small PC case) is redundant

[JayRockets]

noctua makes 120mm and 140mm 5v fans. reason I'm using a 120mm over 80mm is they draw the same amount of power so might as well get more cooling for the same watts.