Heat generation of Cisco Switches

[Captain Fizz]

Hello folks,

I thought this would be better in here rather than GH as networking bods would have a better idea.

I have a Cisco 2900 XL switch at home. (2942)
It is louder than either of the PC's in the room.

To alleviate the noise - I have purchased 3 x 40mm fans which only push 5.9cfm of air each. (£40. 0_o But PAPST)

Now - At home that will do - but at LAN's - There will be lots of traffic flying about.
I was planning on having a mesh 'window' in the top of the switch.

Do you think that would allow enough air circulation to prevent the switch overheating?
I was thinking of epoxy-ing heatsinks onto the PowerPC and other chips in there to help.

Basically I want a quiet Cisco switch - But don't want to cook it either!

Thanks.

 

[ruffneck]

Basically I want a quiet Cisco switch

LOL

Seriously whether it overheats or not depends on more factors than extra fans
if its not racked up with loads of other switches, servers etc and just on its own with some space, Im sure it will be fine

 

[growse]

Basically I want a quiet Cisco switch - But don't want to cook it either!

HoHo

Seriously, these things are designed to be rackmounted and to draw cold air in the front and push warm stuff out the back. If you open it up and allow better ventilation, there shouldn't be a problem with replacing/modding/removing the fans. Depends on what sort of load you're going to be putting it under as well - it'll get warmer the more it has to do, so unless you're planning on doing anything strenuous, you should be fine.

Oddly, the 3550 I have at work is quieter than the 2950XL I have at home. Less whiney. Might do a swap

 

[Captain Fizz]

Sweet.

Will stop worrying about cooking it then.
'Window' will be going in this weekend - Mesh in a couple of weeks.

Don't worry - There'll be pics of the first Quiet Cisco switch I know of.

 

[bitslice]

are you going to be overclocking it to 1Gbs then ?



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