68kMLA Classic Interface

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Noctua NF-A6x25 FLX on Classic II - Any way to avoid soldering?
Posted by: foxtrot81 on 2023-10-19 08:05:23
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 😀
Posted by: Phipli on 2023-10-19 08:59:44
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.
Posted by: joshc on 2023-10-19 09:05:02
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.
Posted by: Phipli on 2023-10-19 09:08:45
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.
Posted by: foxtrot81 on 2023-10-19 12:04:18
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!
Posted by: foxtrot81 on 2023-10-19 16:46:04
Noctua has 3000/2400/1600rpm options… would anyone run it at 2400/1600 for lower noise?
Posted by: ymk on 2023-10-19 18:30:55
If you're interested in quieting a Classic II, I sell this air box, which allows you to mount an 80mm fan:

Posted by: joshc on 2023-10-19 21:45:30
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:

This is awesome, such a good idea.
Posted by: foxtrot81 on 2023-10-20 01:31:29
If you're interested in quieting a Classic II, I sell this air box, which allows you to mount an 80mm fan:

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!
Posted by: ymk on 2023-10-20 01:57:56
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.
Posted by: DW1992 on 2023-10-21 11:44:03
JDW did a great video showing the measurable differences between various fans for compact macs.
Check it out.
Posted by: finkmac on 2023-10-21 13:04:12
Honestly, why not just learn to solder? It'll help you out in the long run 🙂
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