I have a Proliant DL380 Gen9 server along with a D3600 storage unit with 12 of the 6 TB drives in it. This server/storage is located in an area that is somewhat open and the fan noise is pretty loud. I have tuned the server down to the Low Power setting, but the D3600 seems to be the main source of the noise. The DAS unit has two fan modules (QW967-63707) that slip in from the back of the unit. Each of the fan modules has two 40 mm fans that are joined together to create a "counter-rotational" air flow from what I have read. Each fan seems to have a part number of FAN-0102L4, a Delta electronics fan that specs at about 55 db..
Does anyone know of any configuration settings that can be safely implemented that may slow the rotational speed of these power module fans in order to quiet them down a bit? I have wondered about taking apart the fan modules and replacing the fans themselves, but I'm not sure how the slower rotational speed wil affect the way that the DAS functions. Obviously, disspating heat and having good airflow is paramount, but I'm just looking for anything I can do to decrease the noise. I have used canned air to clean the dust from the fan blades as well. In fact, I only have 6 of the drives in the array right now, as this is all i need currently. I do have blanks in the unused drive bays. I also am running the latest firware for both server and D3600, including the controller card.
There is a company called Noctua that makes a fan speed controller module (NA-FC1) that can interface between the fans and the power header that sounds like it could help. It has a max current of 3A and not sure yet if that would work. If it would work, how would the DAS respond with slower-turning fans? Would I end up with a bunch of amber warning lights and a failure to operate with that configuration?
Anyway, if anyone has been able to quiet a D3600 while preserving it's cooling integrity, I'd love to hear some suggestions.
