USB fan power???

Hogger · June 14, 2017

My wireless ASUS router gets really hot and the performance of it goes down a ton (I mean SUPER hot). So, being a wood worker, I made a box/platform for it to sit on so the perforated bottom could breathe. I have 2 low RPM fans sitting around, and I wanted to see if I am able to power them using USB power somehow. If there is any terminal or conversion adapter, please let me know, I've been trying to find one.

kb5zue · June 14, 2017

Here is some information that I found with just a little google.

A USB port can give 500 mA output max provides 5 Volts x 0.5 Amps = 2.5 Watts. With real world efficiency losses (nominally 80~90% efficient), you can provide a Higher Voltage with Less Current, or a Lower Voltage with More Current, but you can't create power out of nowhere.

So, if you can get your hands on a used USB cord, just cut the end off of it leaving a few inches of wire that you can use and then you will be able to hook it up using regular 5 volt fans. Or, you can try something like this....

https://www.google.com/search?q=what+is+voltage+of+usb+port&rlz=1C1CHBF_enUS743US743&oq=what+is+voltage+of+USB&aqs=chrome.1.69i57j0l5.9559j0j8&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8#q=usb+fan+walmart

HeartOfGermany · June 14, 2017

I would not route the power of the router itself. It stresses the DC/DC converters in the router even more. Use something external like a old wall adapter 12Vdc or a 5V fand if you can get hand on it. Or at 5V it runs much much slower, quiter and a bit inefficient, but provides at least a little cooling, which, by the way, can realy improofe temperatures a TON! Used a chinesium fan on a DIY 300W RMS AB amplifier - the cooler is to small and only aluminium - gets very hot after just 2 minutes of full power bass. Just a chinesium fan with little air movement made the heatsink just handwarm!

LogicalDrm · June 14, 2017

USB provides only 5V which doesn't do much. You are better off DIY converter from DC power outlet to 3pin or molex connector. You could even use old PSU for it.

BlueChinchillaEatingDorito · June 14, 2017

I don't know where you can find these online since I bought this at the Golden Computer Arcade in Hong Kong. But it's essentially a 120mm Delta fan rated at 5V 1A with a USB plug. Used it a few years ago with a crappy Cisco router my ISP provided.