Intel Xeon Phi Co-processor x100 Fan Adapters: single, compact, and double

thingiverse

These fan adapters allow users to add active cooling to passively cooled Xeon Phi server cards so they can be used in a desktop or workstation instead of a server. The creator wasn't satisfied with what was available at the time, so they designed these adapters to provide an alternative solution. They also validated their flow rates using a custom flow meter setup. These fan adapters are verified to fit all x100 7 series Phi's, such as the 7120P, and most likely fit the 5- and 3-series as well. The creator attempted to sell them for awhile, but they just weren't making enough to justify their time, so they're posting them here instead. There are three different versions: a single blower, a single compact, and a double. Single Blower Adapter: This adapter uses one blower fan (Delta BFB1012EH) and is designed to fit within 1 double wide slot. It requires 4x M3 nuts and 4x M3x6mm flat head screws for mounting the adapter to the Phi. The blower fan is held in place by a friction fit. This adapter adds about 5.5 inches (14 cm) to the length of the Phi, making the total length ~388 mm. Single Compact Adapter: This adapter uses 2x fans: Delta FFB0412UHN, SanAce 9GA0412P3J01, or similar speed and pressure 40x40x28mm fan. It's designed to fit within 1 double wide slot and requires 4x M3 nuts and 4x M3x6mm flat head screws for mounting the adapter to the Phi. The fans require 8x self-tapping (~#4, 1/2" long) screws. This adapter adds only about 75mm to the length of the Phi, making the total length ~323mm. Double Adapter: This adapter allows the mounting of a high-pressure and high-flow-rate 80x80x38mm axial fan to two Phis. Example compatible fans include Nidec V80E12BS2A5, Mechatronics MC8038U, or Delta AFB0812GHE. It's designed to fit within 2 double wide slots and requires 8x M3 nuts and 8x M3x6mm flat head screws for mounting the adapter to the Phis. The axial fan is held in place by 4x M4 (~12mm long) screws and nuts. The compact single Phi fan adapter has an advantage, as it's only 75mm long with the fans. The blower version creates more airflow, which is necessary for hot inlet air temperatures. If you're tight on space, print the compact adapter. If you have plenty of space, consider the blower fan adapter. If you'll always be using two Phi's together, the dual Phi adapter is more efficient. The adapters come with pockets for the M3 nuts. If the nuts are too tight, heat them with a heat gun or soldering iron first. If they're loose in the pocket, a drop of superglue helps hold them in place. Material: PLA is suitable for this project. The rear end of the Phi's don't get hot enough to melt PLA. If you're worried about temperatures, PETG would also work. The early model Phi's have dimensional variations on the order of 0.5mm, and many 3D hobby printers can't do better than that. If the errors compound in a negative way, you may need to sand these a little to get them to fit properly.