Introduction: DIY Simple 5V Fan Noise Reduction Adapter (Just Steps Down to 3.3V)

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I needed an Adapter for my 5V fan that is only switched on and off, because at full blast it was too loud. So I recycled a old adapter to make a new more usefull one ^^

May also be usefull in 3D Printer, but make sure you don't overload GPIO Pins etc.

I'm also not 100% sure if this can be used with PWM sources, so DON'T use with PWM Sources

Supplies

  • Wirecutter
  • Wirestripper
  • Stepdown Converter (5V to 3.3V)
  • Heatshrink
  • Some Fan extension (I use an Fan Adapter for 12V Fan, because i have many of them)
  • Soldering Iron

Step 1: Dismantel the Cable

  • Cut of the old Heatshrink
  • Cut the red and black wire
  • Pretin them

Step 2: Prepare the Converter

My Converter had legs, so i desoldert them, by cutting the plastic, pulling them with pliers while heating the solder with an iron.

Clean the Solderpoints with a Solderpump if possible

Step 3: Assembly

The red wire of the small connetor goes into Vin

The red wire of the big connetor (Socket) goes into Vout

Both black wires twisted together into Gnd


Fix them by soldering (heat the wire not the tin)


Put Heatshrink around to make it look nice

Step 4: Consolusion

I used this adapter in another project where i swapped the OG 5V Fan with a Noctua one an made it even quieter with this cable.

It made the Fan run much quieter and still match the cooling needs

Make sure to only use it with non PWM Sources.

It should be able to switch between On and Off but may not work as intended with PWM, depending on the buck converter used.