Can I Use Desktop Fans on Rack Mount Server

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jacobdu215

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Jul 19, 2014
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So basically I bought myself an SE316M1 HP Proliant. I did NOT know the system would sound like a vacuum cleaner. I need this quiet so I wanted to know if I could take out the 6 main fans and replace it with desktop fans if I were to leave the server open air (not put the top panel back). As far as I can tell, these small fans are loud but dont actually move that much air anyway. I also would like to know if the system would refuse to boot or something if it doesnt detect the fans.
 
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USAFRet

USAFRet

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Mar 16, 2013
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They are loud because they are small.
They are small because the case is small vertically

80mm. Larger desktop size fans, 120/140mm, would spin slower, and quieter, for the same amount of air. But there is not space to put larger fans in it.

This is why a server like that lives in its own room. A server room.
 
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Someone Somewhere

Someone Somewhere

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Sep 23, 2012
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Having the top on channels the air through the whole length of the case, and greatly improves cooling effectiveness. You'll probably find that the CPU heatsinks don't have fans of their own; they rely on the general airflow. Take the lid off and this disappears.

You may be able to build some kind of funnel to feed the air from ~4 120mm fans into the front. I would not risk it; glue could fail or whatever.

Put it in the basement, under the stairs, in the garage. Wherever no-one's going to be too upset.
 
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jacobdu215

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Jul 19, 2014
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I know, what I may try and still do it maybe replace the heatsink but Ill try and figure something out to make sure it stays cool. I also dont really have a place that I can keep it. Thanks for your opinion anyway though :).
 
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