Replacing server fans

THEK · 15 Feb 2012 at 15:56

Hi,

I've just got second hand servers with Dual Xeon processors. The fans inside are standard 3 pin fans but they're a bit loud.

I've done some searching and have found plenty of 80mm fans running at the same voltage but that don't seem to move as much air. I am mainly looking for performance fan but as I said, the airflow is no where near as much. Does that matter?

Current specs:

Speed: 4350
Max Airflow: 58.6CFM/1.66m3

(For more specs it's an NMB 3112KL-04W-B69)

Anyone know where the best place to find a fan like this is?

bremen1874 · 15 Feb 2012 at 18:23

Dual Xeon doesn't really narrow things down very much. It pretty much covers every Intel server built in the last 10 years.

There's a chance that changing the fans will just cause the server to have a massive sulk and either refuse to work, or run all the fans flat out to compensate.

Also watch out for swapped wires on the fan connectors.

honosuseri · 15 Feb 2012 at 19:12

If you peel the label back there should be a small hole to add a drop or two of oil to lubricate the fans. Worth a shot for the sake of a dribble of 3in1 oil

celliott · 15 Feb 2012 at 19:13

Are you sure there is no way of altering fanspeed in the bios? Most servers I've worked with have the option between full speed, normal, energy saving etc.

jamesfreddie · 15 Feb 2012 at 20:39

Servers are very loud.

Thats why they should be kept in a rack in a A/C room.

Where nobody can hear them.

Spenty · 15 Feb 2012 at 20:45

Delta Fans /thread

abbotsmike · 16 Feb 2012 at 15:41

jamesfreddie said:
Servers are very loud.

Thats why they should be kept in a rack in a A/C room.

Where nobody can hear them.

It's quite a soothing noise once you get used to it!! A silent server room is a broken one!

To the OP, Server fans are loud and fast. the drop in airflow is because nothing designed to be quiet will run at 4000rpm!

THEK · 16 Feb 2012 at 20:02

ok, so it's going to be hard to find fans with those specs, but surely the server doesn't need to move that much air? As long as the CPU's are running at a decent temperature I should be able to use performance fans.

right?

Cyanide · 16 Feb 2012 at 21:33

Spenty said:
Delta Fans /thread

It's going to be this to match that kind of airflow I'm afraid - and they're sure as hell aren't quiet

I know nothing about server chips but surely you could whack an aftermarket heatsink on there with a decent 120mm fan?

darrenbe · 17 Feb 2012 at 10:58

jamesfreddie said:
Servers are very loud.

Thats why they should be kept in a rack in a A/C room.

Where nobody can hear them.

They also draw power like nobodys business....most servers have high rated PSU's in them, most of the power generated is wasted as heat so they are very inefficient, if you're running them at home you can watch the meter spinning around!