Add switch to molex, Can I cut 2 cables? - Overclock.net

AUS.R34P3R · 12-01-08

Hey, when I mod my case this Christmas (Just simple, cutting some 120mm holes for fans and such) I wanted to add a switch to a particular part I'm ordering.

As I will be having 6 3-pin LED fans installed (2x 120mm Top Green, 4x 80mm Side RED) I was getting this device, the Sunbeam Multi-Fan Power Port.

As you can see it enables me to power all 6 fans off 1 molex.

Now when I'm busy using the computer all will be fine, but when it comes to downloading while I sleep, that could be an issue with all the light.

So I decided to grab a switch to mob into the Molex cable that delivers power to the port. This way all I have to do when not using the PC is cut power to the port and turn all the fans off. (I'll still have an Intake/Exhaust going for idling.)

So my question is, when I go to incorporate the switch into the system, I can only pass 1 wire through the switch to turn off, will the yellow do this?

Now there are 4 wires in a Molex [1 Red, 1 Yellow, 2 Black], If I was to cut the Red and Black and keep the Yellow and black, would the device still function properly. (Would I even need to cut the Red and Black, is the Red another positive)
If you look at the image you can see a 3-pin plug installed in the 2 wires I'm talking about [Yellow and Black], just imagine the Yellow going into a switch and the black continuing to the other side of the molex.

I will be using a connector from home to build into the switch, which I can then Put a molex cable Into/Out of.

This is the cable I'm putting the switch into.

I hope this doesn't seem to confusing, but I'm having trouble wording it. (Talking would be so much easier.)

If you still don't get what I'm trying to do/ Asking just tell me and I'll try again.

Basically, I want to know if this device will function properly if I cut 2 wires out of the molex, or if I even need to cut this wires out.
I would only need to cut them out if the RED is positive like the yellow.

Tnx OCN, all help is appreciated.

**radodrill** · 12-01-08

Yellow = +12V
Red = +5V
Black = Ground

The fans are powered off of the +12V, so you should be fine installing a switch inline with the +12V and leaving the rest of the wiring as is.

AUS.R34P3R · 12-01-08

Quote:

Originally Posted by radodrill

Yellow = +12V
Red = +5V
Black = Ground

The fans are powered off of the +12V, so you should be fine installing a switch inline with the +12V and leaving the rest of the wiring as is.

Ok, thanks a lot. (Wondered what that red was for, knew about the others.)
Now all I have to do is cut the yellow to put a switch on it, easy as, cheers!

- James

CattleRustler · 12-01-08

yep, putting a switch in the 5v line will allow you to trip off the led's, leaving the fan power in tact. youll need a SPST switch wired in series (obviously) on the just the 5v (red) wire.

cool mod, good luck

AUS.R34P3R · 12-01-08

Quote:

Originally Posted by CattleRustler

yep, putting a switch in the 5v line will allow you to trip off the led's, leaving the fan power in tact. youll need a SPST switch wired in series (obviously) on the just the 5v (red) wire.

cool mod, good luck

So, for the days I want air but no light I can just trip the +5v line leading into the Power Port and that will shut off all the fans LED's?

Cool

(Yes, a reply to confirm this would be good, I'm so new to PC's it isn't funny, 12 months ago I thought you could increase GFX memory by adding another card, i.e 512+256 = 768mb

)

CattleRustler · 12-01-08

well, I havent looked that controller, but I am assuming that the 12v is feeding the fans, and the 5v is feeding the led's since 5v is a common led voltage. you can test the theory by using a molex remover, or aligator clips to connect only the yellow and its black to the controller. If it runs the fans but no leds come on then its safe to assume your switch idea will work

**radodrill** · 12-01-08

Cutting the +5V will not disable the LEDs in the fans themselves; the 3 wires on the fan harness are +12V (Red), Ground (Black), and RPM Sense (Yellow or Blue). What CR was indicating is that cutting the +5V line in the molex would likely disable the LEDs in the Sunbeam unit itself, but not those on the fans.

AUS.R34P3R · 12-01-08

Quote:

Originally Posted by radodrill

Cutting the +5V will not disable the LEDs in the fans themselves; the 3 wires on the fan harness are +12V (Red), Ground (Black), and RPM Sense (Yellow or Blue). What CR was indicating is that cutting the +5V line in the molex would likely disable the LEDs in the Sunbeam unit itself, but not those on the fans.

Well that was my 1st assumption, but that seemed odd as I wouldn't even see the LED's on the unit unless I wanted to.

Doesn't matter anyway, you guys have given me all the help I need, Tnx guys!

hiiyah777 · 12-01-08

Take pics when you're done and let us know how it worked out for you. I think that's a pretty interesting mod and I like the idea.

CattleRustler · 12-01-08

yep, sorry, I should have been more clear, I was referring to the led's in the controller only, I didnt realize he had led fans as well

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Add switch to molex, Can I cut 2 cables?

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