Update 20241101: v2 added with an 4mm offset (so the fan hovers with a bit more clearance above the low profile PCIe devices)
This is a simple top or front mount for a 92mm fan, for in use with a Silverstone RM400 and/or RM42-502 4U servercase to provide some cooling to PCI(e) devices.
For my specific use case, I have a few PCIe devices (e.g. HBA, U.2 SSD and 10Gb SFP+ NICs) that needed some extra cooling. Not much, but just enough to create some airflow around those devices. At first, I had a 40mm fan zip-tied to them, but that was not the cleanest solution. After my first deep dive in FreeCAD, I decided to create a simple fan mount, hence this model.
Good to note, this fan mount is primarily (more or less) created for use with low profile PCIe devices, like a HBA or NIC, so that the fan mount just hovers above the low profile PCIe devices. After I realized I had a brain fart (one of my other PCIe device is almost full height), therefore I've created the model in a way that it also can be used in front of the PCI(e) devices, although for those with limited depth.
Designed for
- Silverstone RM400
- Silverstone RM42-502
Test fitted in the servercases mentioned, in combination with a mATX motherboard*
Might work in other combinations/4U Silverstone cases (e.g. that use the same free threaded screw holes on the left side).
*May interfere with PCI(e) devices if the motherboard is larger - like ATX+ - and/or the slots are occupied.
Mounting
On the left side of the RM400 and RM42-502 case there are a few spare threaded screw holes (please see the attached photo). I've designed the fan mount with this in mind, so the fan mount can be easily attached without the need for drilling holes.
Careful note: The ‘free’ threaded screw holes are size M5, the threading might be a bit stiff in some cases, thus handle with care. Find some short M5x6 or M5x8 (thumb)screws (DIN464 looks nice) and you're probably good to go. [Edit 20240902] After some test fitting with rails installed, do make sure the screw is not sticking out on the other side or it will hit the rack rails (if you use them). The screw needs to be flush with the outer side of the case. M5x6 is best and with maybe one or two washers added.
Fan
Any 92mm fan probably will fit just fine, but preferable use one that has enough airflow.
I use a 'be quiet PURE WINGS 2 - 92mm PWM' fan.
Print settings
MK4, 0.20mm Structural, 0.4 nozzle, Infill 15%, Support None
Printed the model with PETG v0 (and slicer profile), although I needed to lower the print speed to around 80% to have a cleaner print (stringing did occur).
Print material
Material like PETG (v0) might be recommended due to temperatures with(in) computer/server hardware/cases and for some additional safety - it does fit the purpose I suppose. The model has some flex with PETG, but it seems strong enough to hold an 92mm fan.
But full disclosure: Use on your own risk.
TLDR
I've made this custom fan mount specific for my personal use case. While the fan mount itself is far from perfect, I thought this might be helpful for someone with the same use case - one never knows.
I do plan to create new revisions out of this first design (e.g. maybe with a fan duct), but that may take some time as I need to develop my FreeCAD skills further :)
The author marked this model as their own original creation.