Acceptable Internal Temperature for an HP Server

[Donnie Hill]

Our datacenter "feels" warm, but our cooling units are reporting a normal temperature range. The temperature gauge on the power strips inside each rack are around 100 degrees fahrenheit and the internal server temperatures range from 99-104 degrees (not cpu specific). Does anyone know the aceptable temperature range for an hp server, or what the temperature should be in a server rack. Are there any published healthy guidelines for rack or server temps?

[David Claypool]

INTERNAL temperatures vary widely depending on where you measure it, the airflow passing that point, and the proximity to a heat-generating component.

What you want to know is the inlet operating temperature, which is published on the QuickSpecs for all server models (it is the same for all):

"10° to 35°C (50° to 95°F) at sea level with an altitude derating of 1.0°C per every 305 m (1.8°F per every 1000 ft) above sea level to a maximum of 3050 m (10,000 ft), no direct sustained sunlight. Maximum rate of change is 10°C/hr (18°F/hr). The upper limit may be limited by the type and number of options installed.

System performance may be reduced if operating with a fan fault or above 30°C (86°F)."

[Donnie Hill]

Our P class chassis show temps between 37-45C (found by clicking details of an enclosure) and most of our rack mount servers show IO Board and System sensor temps of 30-33C (found in SMH Cooling and Temperature section) Are these sensor readings accurate enough to determine if we are healthy or not?

[David Claypool]

On the SMH or iLO, the given temp will have the threshold next to it. As long as you stay below, everything should be fine.

You cannot infer room temp from internal temps. It was only in the c-Class and G5 or later rack/tower servers that we had an inlet or ambient temp sensor.

[Donnie Hill]

Sounds good, thanks for all the info. The thresholds seem a little high 52c for the system and 100c for the procs. Any cause for concern or does that sound right to you? At first glance, 100c seems insanely hot. Thanks again.

[David Claypool]

Thresholds are based on the proximity of the sensor to the item being protected, the airflow passing the sensor, and the thermal design requirements of the component.