System Fan Runs Too Fast or Too Loud for Intel® Server System or Intel® Server Chassis
The fans spin at the normal speed, as automatically determined by sensor inputs. However, when the spinning becomes abnormal (too loud), you can use the following hints.
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When my System Fan Runs Too Fast
Which possible software or BIOS fixes can address my fan issues?
- Download the latest BIOS/firmware update package and review the step-by-step instructions on how to run the update. Usually, if the Sensor Data Record (SDR) update is not run, the system does not know which fans and components it should expect to detect at which header. Not running this update causes alerts that in turn raises the fan speed, especially on first system integrations. Therefore, applying the latest firmware quiets fans most of the time.
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Front Panel Temperature sensor device hardware not found Reseat the front panel board. |
- Setting your BIOS for Acoustic mode reduces the power used by the system and reduces the noise. Refer to the BIOS Setup Utility Guide for Intel® Server Systems
- For old server systems, you could alternatively try disabling the "Processor C6" BIOS option.
- If your system is plugged to an UPS, see to it that it meets the minimum power requirements. For more information, refer to Frequently Asked Questions About UPS Support for Intel® Server Boards.
Should I make my fans spin slower manually?
Making the fans spin slow will build up heat on the Intel® Server Board, and voids the Intel® Server Board and processor warranty. The Intel® Server Board may shut itself off unexpectedly. Data may become corrupted and components may become physical damaged. Therefore, always follow the posted thermal/mechanical design guides when testing a new chassis or fan setup.What physical checks can I make?
- Make sure the chassis intrusion switch is connected properly (if your system has one) and the top cover is firmly seated.
- Ensure the system memory is fully validated for the Intel® Server Board. For this validation, refer to the tested memory list of your board model.
- If only a single power supply is installed in a dual power supply system, check that the power supply is installed in the first power supply bay.
- Check the fan cables and headers on the Intel® Server Board against the System Integration and Service Guide for current systems or the Quick Start Guide for older systems; refer to Quick Reference Guide of all Resource Types for Intel® Server Products. Fan cables can potentially be plugged into the wrong header, causing the fans to run faster than they should. If you're a more advanced user, you can find complete fan header and pinout information in the Technical Product Specification for your system. As for the CPU heatsink/fan, ensure it complies with the board-processor-chassis configuration; refer to the corresponding Configuration Guide for more information.
When my System Fan Runs Too Loud
My fan noise issue is with a specific Intel® Server Board. What are fan fixes for specific Intel® Server Boards?
- If your Intel® Server System consists of an Intel® Server Board S1200BT, consider changing the "Fan Controller" BIOS setting, which is found on Advanced/Hardware Monitor menu.
- Refer to this article if your board is an Intel® Server Board S1200SP.
What are ways I can use the troubleshooting wizard to fix noisy fans?
- Use the troubleshooting wizard for resolving high fan noise issues
- Run the Troubleshooting server system boot issues wizard to identify and isolate problems with the setup or configuration of the system.
What if my system is a JBOD and its fans are randomly loud?
If your system is an Intel® Storage System, especially if it's either the Intel® Storage System JBOD2312S2SP or Intel® Storage System JBOD2224S2DP, and it's running with two power supplies, try the following:- Ensure that all the fans are properly connected to the Intel® Storage System; reseat them if required.
- Test with the very latest Intel® Storage System JBOD2000 Family Expander firmware. See this technical advisory for more information.
I've tried all these fixes, but I'm still having problems with my fan. What else can I do?
If none of the above solves the issue, download the BIOS and Firmware Update, Configuration Utilities, such as the Intel System Information Retrieval Utility, for current boards and systems, or download the System Event Log (SEL) Viewer for older boards and systems and check the SEL for errors. The SEL may show where the problem is.
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