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    I need to source 12V from my Compal HEL80

    Discussion in 'Other Manufacturers' started by HyperBaton, Jul 5, 2009.

  1. HyperBaton

    HyperBaton Notebook Guru

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    Obviously, you're going to think I'm crazy for asking this.

    My HEL80 Geforce card overheats like mad (150°C idle), I've opened up the laptop, applied new thermal paste to the core, but it did not help. Maybe the heatpipe is busted, if that's possible?

    Anyway, my fix is to place some 12V fans under the laptop with all the covers open on the bottom, and that keeps it nice and cool. I'm using a PC power supply to give power to the fans.

    In a month, I'm going to be working on a boat for 2 months and I would like to take along my HEL80, but I want to leave the PC power supply at home. Where could I easily source 12V from the motherboard to drive the fans?
     
    HyperBaton, Jul 5, 2009
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  2. Ayle

    Ayle Trailblazer

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    From the USB ports. But they only provide 5V. You could try using 2 cables at once to provide 10V but that might not work as some usb port might be on the same hub on the motherboard...
     
    Ayle, Jul 5, 2009
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  3. zfactor

    zfactor Mastershake

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    you will have to use a step upconverter but it will either suck your battery dry or need external power
     
    zfactor, Jul 5, 2009
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  4. HyperBaton

    HyperBaton Notebook Guru

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    My battery is completely shot anyway, I can only run the laptop using the power supply.

    The hard drive uses 12V as far as I know, right? 3.5" drives do, the 2.5" drives as well I suppose? Maybe I can solder some wires on the mobo there.

    Or I can run the fans in parallel with the laptop fan itself, i'd be amazed if that didn't run on 12V. Then again, bad idea, I need the fans to be powered all the time. I guess I'm just looking for some hints before opening up the laptop yet again.
     
    HyperBaton, Jul 6, 2009
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  5. bosskong

    bosskong Notebook Enthusiast

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    If you're using AC power, why not just get a laptop cooler, something like this one -

    http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0..._m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=050NW73Y83A8QA29J35X

    If you really want to use your own fans and make your own circuit, take the 19V DC from the power adaptor and use a 7812 voltage regulator or something similar to step down to 12V DC.

    I wouldn't spend the time opening up your laptop and risk burning up something on the motherboard.
     
    bosskong, Jul 13, 2009
    #5