Erlis Dhima asks:
I was thinking of creating this fan:
First I want to know if it harms the computer or causes any problem to it!
By the way, I’m creating this more for fun, and really think it’s cool!
19 Answers - Write an Answer
Vincent Mico
November 19, 2012Only if you have a decent motherboard (USB controller) design will detect the amount of current that a device is trying to draw from the USB bus and, if it is above the capability of the motherboard, the USB controller will shut off that device.
The specification for USB voltage and current is indeed 5V and 500mA and any device you configure for connection to a USB 2.0 port should only operate within this range.
Alex Perkins
November 19, 2012I would say yes as I have done this but put it into a wooden laptop stand just where my fan intake is.
Jim Chambers
November 20, 2012Computer fans are 12V and 300-400mA. USB port supply is 5V and 500mA.
Douglas Mutay
November 20, 2012There should not be a problem. go ahead
Alan Wade
November 20, 2012Well just for giggles, I tried it and it worked fine! Not sure its something I would ever seriously use but it was good for a giggle.
Lisa Santika Onggrid
November 20, 2012I have a USB fan, a bonus when I bought the computer. Not something I frequently use, but I think not harmful either. At least it keeps dust away.
ha14
November 20, 2012The average power of a USB port is about 5 volts. Your USB device will be able to draw out a maximum of 500 milliamperes (mA), but most default to 100 mA until prompted to provide more power by the device software. If your device requires more power than 500 mA, it may work slower or not at all while plugged into your computer.
http://www.ehow.com/facts_7327681_power-output-usb-port_.html#ixzz2ClHdYTs6
The USB 1.x and 2.0 specifications provide a 5 V supply on a single wire from which connected USB devices may draw power. The specification provides for no more than 5.25 V and no less than 4.75 V (5 V±5%) between the positive and negative bus power lines. For USB 3.0, the voltage supplied by low-powered hub ports is 4.45–5.25 V. A unit load is defined as 100 mA in USB 2.0, and 150 mA in USB 3.0. A device may draw a maximum of 5 unit loads (500 mA) from a port in USB 2.0; 6 (900 mA) in USB 3.0.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USB#Power_supply
be sure not to go against this rule.
How To Make A Cheap USB Powered Fan
http://www.instructables.com/id/How-To-Make-A-Cheap-USB-Powered-Fan/step1/Preparing-the-USB-Cable/
Jatin Rungta
November 20, 2012YES
Nikhil Chandak
November 20, 2012from my opinion – Yes !
Ron Lister
November 20, 2012If the USB tries to draw to much power it should shut off the power to the port until it recognises that the devise has been removed. So I think it will be alright to try.
Imesh Chandrasiri
November 20, 2012yes! it’s safe to make this fan! if the fan can get the needed power from the USB port, its safe!
Freud Iomc
November 20, 2012if you make it, it will blow… air.
Usman Mubashir
November 20, 2012Be sure to use a fan that does not eats up much power, it’ll be fine,
I didn’t have any problem in my 1 year exp.
Aswin Kumar K P
November 22, 2012seems intresting.But the output of the USB port will be around 5V.So have your fan around that voltage.
mohit kumar
November 23, 2012It works fine.
Erlis Dhima
November 23, 2012Thanks everyone for your comments! I will try to create it, since I think it will be fun! I really appreciate your advices too!
Rakesh Mishra
November 27, 2012it will not create problem just go for it
Abba Jee
November 30, 2012seems got an idea from cooling pads
Daniel J. Karas
December 1, 2012If your fan (or cooling pad for a notebook) draws too much power, you can get a USB hub which usually has an aux power input which can be connected. This is because USB will support many devices for data, but will only supply 500mA for DCV