Noctua NF-A6x25 FLX on Classic II - Any way to avoid soldering?

[foxtrot81]

I want to upgrade the fan on my Classic II. I bought a Noctua NF-A6x25 FLX but want to avoid any soldering, is this possible?

I've found this: 'The FLX comes with a molex connector to connect to the hard drive power cable' -> Does it mean I can connect and power from the drive instead of soldering back to the original power cables? - I'm NOT using the internal drive.

Any tips welcomed

 

[Phipli]

I want to upgrade the fan on my Classic II. I bought a Noctua NF-A6x25 FLX but want to avoid any soldering, is this possible?

I've found this: 'The FLX comes with a molex connector to connect to the hard drive power cable' -> Does it mean I can connect and power from the drive instead of soldering back to the original power cables? - I'm NOT using the internal drive.

Any tips welcomed

The stock fans are usually quality parts, so the best option is to put a little oil in the bearing and clean the dirt off the blades and keep using the stock one.

 

[joshc]

The stock fans are usually quality parts

Not sure that is the case with the Classic / Classic II - the fans in those do tend to be quite noisy even after oiling.

Yeah a molex connector would be one way of hooking up the Noctua fan without soldering.

 

[Phipli]

Not sure that is the case with the Classic / Classic II - the fans in those do tend to be quite noisy even after oiling.

Yeah a molex connector would be one way of hooking up the Noctua fan without soldering.

The LC ones are OK, so I assumed.

No SE fan, but work well enough.

 

[foxtrot81]

Not sure that is the case with the Classic / Classic II - the fans in those do tend to be quite noisy even after oiling.

Yeah a molex connector would be one way of hooking up the Noctua fan without soldering.

Amazing, will try the Molex then!

 

[foxtrot81]

Noctua has 3000/2400/1600rpm options… would anyone run it at 2400/1600 for lower noise?

 

[ymk]

If you're interested in quieting a Classic II, I sell this air box, which allows you to mount an 80mm fan:

Macintosh Classic I/II air box upgrade | eBay

This 3D printed air box replaces the factory air box in the Classic or Classic II. It mounts a standard 80x25mm fan for improved airflow and reduced noise. In addition to the bottom vents, this air box also draws air in from the front of the case.

www.ebay.com

 

[joshc]

Noctua has 3000/2400/1600rpm options… would anyone run it at 2400/1600 for lower noise?

Bear in mind you've got the analog board to cool, a lot of heat is generated there - I'd go for higher rpm even if the noise increases a bit.

If you're interested in quieting a Classic II, I sell this air box, which allows you to mount an 80mm fan:

Macintosh Classic I/II air box upgrade | eBay

This 3D printed air box replaces the factory air box in the Classic or Classic II. It mounts a standard 80x25mm fan for improved airflow and reduced noise. In addition to the bottom vents, this air box also draws air in from the front of the case.

www.ebay.com

This is awesome, such a good idea.

 

[foxtrot81]

If you're interested in quieting a Classic II, I sell this air box, which allows you to mount an 80mm fan:

Macintosh Classic I/II air box upgrade | eBay

This 3D printed air box replaces the factory air box in the Classic or Classic II. It mounts a standard 80x25mm fan for improved airflow and reduced noise. In addition to the bottom vents, this air box also draws air in from the front of the case.

www.ebay.com

That's amazing! should it be the 3-pin or 4-pin if I want to power this straight from the hard drive power molex? Would you have a video of the assembly? What's your estimated shipping time to the UK? I'm ready to order!

 

[ymk]

That's amazing! should it be the 3-pin or 4-pin if I want to power this straight from the hard drive power molex?

On a Noctua fan, the third pin (RPM/green) and fourth pin (PWM/blue) won't be used in your Mac.

Many Molex adapters will accept either a 3 or 4 wire fan.

I don't have an assembly video. It'll ship next day, so expect it to arrive within two weeks.

 

[DW1992]

JDW did a great video showing the measurable differences between various fans for compact macs.
Check it out.

 

[finkmac]

Honestly, why not just learn to solder? It'll help you out in the long run