Entertainment Center Cooling

[next-Jin]

I have an open front entertainment center from Ikea. I have a Wii, Cable HD DVR, and PS3 Slim in the 3 open slots below the TV.

I am getting heat related errors on both the PS3 Slim and DVR, random lock ups and the wood base is actually warping somewhat below the PS3 in the far right slot.

The bays are 4.25 inches high in the back. What are some recommendations here? I like neatness so is there a clean way to go about using some 120mm PC fans? They would not be an exact fit I don't believe since 4.25 inches is slightly larger than that.

Also how would I power them? I know I could jerry rig a power supply but I'd rather not use a PC power supply. AC Fans are stupid loud so that's not an option.

Thanks

 

[Sixthsense]

PC Fan with wall wart


I personally haven't done this, I went with the AC fan route from radioshack and spliced an extension cord I wasn't using for 2 prong power going to the receiver for my BDI cabinet. I really didn't want to mess with drilling holes so I used heavy duty 3M command strips to hold the fans in place

 

[hiodie]

Just so you are aware, 120mm = 4.72 in, so they won't fit in a 4.25 opening. But I have made a molex connected to a wall wart as well that worked pretty well. Use a 9v if you want it a little quieter.

 

[ghost6303]

i used regular small fans before in the entertainment center at my parents house, but i found a small squirel cage blower (120v) on ebay for $20 and ducted it into all the hot zones around the equipment. worked out well. the nice thing about that type of blower is that its almost silent, has lots of head pressure so you can duct it into places, and the intake and exhaust are rotated 90 degrees from each other (where as a regular fan goes in one side and out the other; 180 degrees) so it gives you more mounting options in tight spaces.

 

[Droc]

I ordered 2 of the 120mm fans. I dont care for TT, but it was the simplest solution. Plus it has speed control.

I took off the stand, cut holes and mount holes and just threaded in small bolts to fasten the fans and guards to the back of my cabinet.
Fans power on and off with the PS3.

I have them both running exhaust right at the rear, door infront has gaps for fresh air to enter. Have kids so it was the only real way to cool without exposing fans to tiny fingers.
Right behind fans is the wall and my cold air return vent is right there

Total cost was sub $20CDN

Thermaltake also makes an 80mm USB fan aswell.

I liked the USB fan because its powered by whatever device I choose. My DVD player, Wii and PS3 all have USB, but I only ever use the PS3, so I plug it and the fans start and stop when the power up the PS3. Saves you trying to rig up some electrical frankenfan.