Introduction: DIY CD/DVD 5.25" Bay PC Computer Cooler

If your computer is getting too hot or if you need a better way to cool your hard drive you can peek into my project and use if for your case!

This is an 8cm fan fit into 2 of your case's original CD drive masking pannels. You can install hard drives behind the fan using 5.25" to 3.5" adapters.

Together with the freeware "speedfan" this is a great way to cool your computer on-demand (and still keep it fairly silent)

Step 1: What You Need

you'll need:
  • 2 of your case's original CD bay protectors (the ones made out of plastic)
  • one 8 cm fan or possibly two smaller ones. the bigger the fan the better the air flow and the less noise it will make for the same cooling results
  • fan screws & drill or glue
  • hard-disk power (4pin) to fan power (3-4 pin) connector (if you're not planning to drive it from the motherboard)
  • dremel tool with cutting disc
  • SAFETY GLASSES!!! high speed cutting tools can damage your eyes
  • screwdriver
  • marker
  • camera to take pictures and show off

first put the 2 CD bay protectors together and mark the fan's position on their back. this will guide your cutting.

Step 2: Get to the Cutting

start cutting on the back of the plastic along the marks.

Step 3: Add the Fan

drill the fan holes and add the fan with the screws. optionally you can use glue instead of screws. screws will however allow you to also attach a finger protector for the fan.

Step 4: Put It Into the Case

carefully put your new toy into the computer case. connect the cables (make sure you're touching the metal part of the case first to discharge any electrostatic charge you may hold!!)

Step 5: Sit Back & Enjoy

start your computer and enjoy the result!

Step 6: Get the Speedfan Control Software for Your Fans

if you chose to control your fan with the motherboard / software, download speedfan and set it up for your fan. be aware that if you dont know what you're doing you may destroy your CPU (if you stop your CPU fan for too long)

set the speed of your speedfan front fan so that it is not bothering your hearing.


in the setup you will need to select "software controlled" for the PWM that controls your fan. notice that not all connectors on your motherboard will work to control your fans. some may be "on/off" or just reading the speed of the fan and providing no speed changes whatsoever.

once you find which fan connector works for you adjust the max speed to a value that wont bother you. also check "automatically varied".

set up the warning temps which will drive your fan to 100% (read "very noisy")

return to the main window and set the "automatic fan speed".

dont forget to add speedfan to your startup group.

and you're done!

hope you enjoy your new DIY cheap but effective cooling solution :)