At Dragonsteelmods, we like to build
our own PCs and overclock them. A byproduct of overclocking is
increased heat production within the case. This is where proper
cooling is at a premium. Sometimes the case chosen may not provide
proper airflow and the best spot for a fan is in the middle of an
open area in the case. What if you could mount a fan in this
location?
Well, now you can! A company called
Functional Product Design now makes the PC Add-A-Fan Model 120. This
system allows the creation of a metal lattice for adding additional
fans to your PC. Basically it is an erector set for your PC.
Let’s take a closer look and add some
fans!
Reviewed by: Tomas Ratas
Sponsor:
Functional Product Design
Tech Specs,Features or the
Basic Info:
A package of proprietary parts and
hardware that provides a simple method to add cooling fans to most
desktop PC Cases. PC Case modifications are not required and a
Phillips screwdriver is the only tool required. Brackets, fan ducts,
cable ties, and hardware are included, together with detailed
step-by-step printed instructions.
Package Contents
Item Description Qty Item
Description Qty
1 120mm “E” Support 1 -14
Nut, Wing #6 14
2 120mm “B” Support 1 -15
Screw, Mach, Pan Hd #6 x .500” 2
3 120mm “S” Support 1 -16
Screw, Mach, Pan Hd #6 x .875” 6
4 80mm “B” Support 1 -17
Screw, Mach, Pan Hd #6 x 1.750” 8
5 80mm “S” Support 1 -18
Screw, Mach, Pan Hd #6 x 2.000” 4
6 Gusset 2 -19 Screw,
Self-Tapping #10 x .375” 8
7 Retainer 8 -20 Screw,
Self-Tapping #10 x .625” 10
8 Washer-Restraint 8 -21 Washer,
Lock #6 14
9 120mm Duct 1 -22 Cable Tie,
UV Nylon 12
10 80mm Duct 1 -23 Spacer,
Nylon 10
11 Grommet, Rubber 10 -24
Washer, Flat, Nylon 48
12 Washer, Flat, Rubber 6 -25
Washer, Retaining, Nylon 12
13 Nut, Hex #6 14 -26 Manual
(This Document) 1
A Better Look at Things
:
The PC Add-A-Fan Model 120 arrives in a
regular cardboard box, no fancy packaging, just the parts and the
instruction sheet. In the box we find three 120mm fan metal
supports, two 80 mm fan metal supports, a 120mm duct, and 80mm duct
and a slew of washers, screws, spacers and nuts. Functional Product
Design also includes twelve nylon cable ties for fan cable
management. Included with these parts is a ten page instruction
sheet. DO NOT LOSE this until you are well versed in the
installation of the various brackets and such. Trust me on this.
The brackets are composed of metal and
can accommodate multiple fans along their railing edge. The two
ducts are composed of plastic and need to be bent into form prior to
use.
It is important to note that the kit
does not include any fans. Those must be acquired by the user.
Installation, Testing and
Comparison:
The only equipment needed for
installation is the PC Add-A-Fan Model 120 and a Phillips
screwdriver. Now remember those instructions I told you not to lose,
well you will need to study them carefully. If you have built Ikea
furniture before, you will be able to comprehend them.
The instructions are mostly composed of
diagrams and number keys for the parts needed to be used for that
particular configuration. On page two, we find the package contents
and the item number table. This table is the key to building
everything.
Now it took me a little while to get my
first installations up and going. But once you have set up a few fan
arrangements under your belt, building becomes second nature.
Here I used an Antec P182 that was
empty for these configurations.
Here is the duct attached to a 120mm
fan.
This is the “B” support holding a
80mm fan to cool the memory in an Antec Sonata II case.
You can have a wide range of fan
positions with the five supports that ship with the PC Add-A-Fan
Model 120.
Summary:
The PC Add-A-Fan Model 120 is great for
improving airflow in ones PC. The only limitations are the anchoring
points within the case. Otherwise, fans can be placed in locations
that were previously unfathomable. If you are in need of improved
airflow then this kit is a great investment, especially at the price
which has been recently reduced to $12.95.
DragonSteelMods gives the PC Add-A-Fan
Model 120 a 5 out of 5 score.
Pros:
Multitude of configurations
Only needs Phillips screwdriver
Improves case airflow and cooling
Great Price
Cons:
Fans not included
I would like to thank Functional
Product Design for the chance to review the PC
Add-A-Fan Model 120 and for their support of
DSM.
review#522