ML30 Gen10 fan so loud, can't work in the same room

[satgg]

I just bought a ProLiant ML30 Gen 10, during POST is normal that the fan is at high level of noise, but when boot to Windows Server 2019, no matter what I do, the fan is so loud, never stop working even when the system is idle. Is impossible to work in the same room. In the bios I have set the option "Optimal cooling"

[Jimmy Vance · Accepted solution]

Have you installed any additional option cards in the system? Also if you are using SATA AHCI mode of the embedded disk controller, try loading AMS for Windows Server, for Linux systems I have verified this will allow the fan(s) to run at roughly 6% as iLO can get disk temperature through AMS  Refer to this thread https://community.hpe.com/t5/ProLiant-Servers-ML-DL-SL/Help-with-DL20-Gen10-ilo5-AHCI-Fans-at-43/td-p/7057321#.XV6IpehKiF4

[satgg]

Thank you! installing software listed below reduce the noise

iLO 5 driver: https://support.hpe.com/hpsc/swd/public/detail?swItemId=MTX_0458e6cda96240eaba1c884b03&swEnvOid=4249

AMS: https://support.hpe.com/hpsc/swd/public/detail?swItemId=MTX_18a948039cab4ea2b2ad1e8c65&swEnvOid=4249

Firmware update: https://support.hpe.com/hpsc/swd/public/detail?swItemId=MTX_53c6a761ecf1435b8ad1b0bcde&swEnvOid=4249

[Mr_DC]

Mine was over the line.  I couldn't get it down even following suggestions.

My original fan speed was Fan1 (Front of case) 31%, Fan2 (Back of case) 15%, Fan3 (CPU) 6%

I decided to unplug Fan1 which set Fan2 to 36%, then I unplugged Fan2 and plugged Fan1 back in which now runs at 6%..

Muuuuuch quieter  Temperatures are all GREEN.

So, that's my advice.  I only have a single m2 Samsung 970 installed via a PCIE adapter with its own heatsink and fan which makes things a lot easier to deal with thermal-wise.

[Mr_DC]

Update:  I ended up having more issues with fan noise.  It was getting hotter in my aparment, and I added a new video card which required the extra airflow back.  The fans drove me crazy again.

So, I bought a pair of Noctua 92mm fans and a matching 4-pin controller.  It all hooked up but then the freaking CPU fan started ramping up.  I was able to hook that up to the controller but then got some BIOS warnings and it wouldn't boot.  I reverted, turned off all the fan warnings in the BIOS and then it started up again.  

Finally, a decent amount of airflow with muuuch less noise.  I maxed CPU for a couple minutes and manually adjusted fan so the temp wouldn't get above 120F.  The ilo would not adjust temp (it seems to be stuck at 104F in my case) but using another sw utility I could read it in realtime.

On one hand I appreciate the beefy cooling provided, but on the other, please let us adjust it a bit.  It's completely overkill for anyone using this system at home.  Perhaps we're not the target market, but please consider more dev into the option to control if you do want to open up to home users.  Other than the fan noise this is an INCREDIBLE system that I love working on.  The fans and what I dealt with to get them under control makes it impossible to recommend to anyone though.

[Mr_DC]

Final update.  
I ordered another Noctua fan (2200rpm 80mm model) and used that for the CPU. 
Then of course it was the PSU fan that became noticable.  So, I removed the PSU shell, and luckily it's an exact match (80mm) and I ran the PWM cable down to the CPU (which was unused as the other 3 fans were hooked up to the added PWM controller) and now it's truely quiet.  I used the low noise adapter that came with the NF-A8 for the PSU fan and it's blowing just as much if not more air at less than half the noise.

Yay!

[Hang10z]

Are there any Noctua CPU Coolers that will work with this system?  The fan noise is indeed obtuse... LOL... 

Thanks for the help.

[FakeJohnny]

Hi @Mr_DC ,

I have one of these servers at home and am looking at how to I can silence it by replacing and upgrading the fans. 

Would you be able to provide a bit more detail of how you managed to silence your machine?

As all the fan connectors appear to be proprietary I'm concerned I just be wasting my money on shelling out for some Noctua fans only to find i cant plug them in and then get into a world of pain trying to mash something together. Did you just get round this by using an off the self  PWM fan controller?

It would be great to learn how you achieved silence!!

Thanks

Johnny. 

[Venatus_iLLE]

Hi FakeJohnny,

I know this is a late response to your question but hopefully you were able to find a solution. For anyone who reads this now, here is the rest of the details.

I just purchased this same server. I have a background of about 20 years building PC's and servers, and datacenters. Because, like you said, HP is so kind as to use proprietary fan connectors, you'll need to connect the PWM (4 pin) fans to a fan controller. You control the fan speed manually with a nob, bypassing the motherboard's fan control. 

Noctua has one for about $20, (Noctua NA-FC1, 4-Pin PWM Fan Controller) that you just place on the case, or you can get one that fits in one of the 5.25 bays, and there are ones that fit in the pci bracket in the back.

Edit: The best solution I've found is to use Noctua fans paired with a NZXT RGB & Fan Controller and the NZXT CAM software to control the fans. This solution works amazing and even better than the stock fans and mobo fan controller! The NZXT CAM software will automatically control the fan speed based on CPU or GPU temperature (like the stock mobo controller) but you can also display the CPU and GPU temps with a pop out bar on your desktop or by just opening the software.

With the stock CPU and rear fans locked at 100%, I was getting a CPU temp of 50-55 degrees c at system idle. I replaced the CPU and rear fan, and added a front fan (all Noctua), and running them at 40% I’m now getting a CPU temp of 32-37 degrees c at system idle and have yet to get above 60 degrees c.

The NZXT RGB & Fan Controller can control three fans independently, or you can use a splitter to connect all three fans to one port on the Fan Controller or add additional fans if needed. The controller can handle at least three fans per port for a total of nine fans, but it’s based on total watts/fan port, so if you’re adding a lot of fans then check the specs of the NZXT controller and your fans first.

Here is everything I used, and it runs quieter and cooler than stock.

Qty 1 - "Noctua NF-A8 PWM, 80mm 4-Pin Fan" for the CPU.

Qty 2 - "Noctua NF-A9 PWM, 92mm 4-Pin Fan" for the front and rear of the chassis.

Qty 1 - NZXT RGB & Fan Controller

NZXT CAM Software.

You can get everything on Amazon or Newegg, or directly from the Noctua and NZXT websites.

I can provide pictures of my setup, installation instructions, and/or links if needed – just ask.

[Hesham_q8]

its same my problem and i  fixed by remove the new M.2 ssd 
now fan speed not noise
how to fix it if u want add M.2 2TB

[Venatus_iLLE]

The best solution I've found is to use Noctua fans paired with a NZXT RGB & Fan Controller and the NZXT CAM software to control the fans. This solution works amazing and even better than the stock fans and mobo fan controller!

The NZXT CAM software will automatically control the fan speed based on CPU or GPU temperature (like the stock mobo controller) and you can also display the CPU and GPU temps with a pop out bar on your desktop or by just opening the software.

With the stock CPU and rear fans locked at 100%, I was getting a CPU temp of 50-55 degrees c at system idle. With the three Noctua fans running at only 40% I’m now getting a CPU temp of 32-37 degrees c at system idle, and have yet to get above 60 degrees c.

The NZXT RGB & Fan Controller can control three fans independently, or you can use a splitter to connect all three fans to one port on the Fan Controller or add additional fans if needed. The controller can handle at least three fans per port for a total of nine fans, but it’s based on total watts/fan port, so if you’re adding a lot of fans then check the specs of the NZXT controller and your fans first.

Here is everything I used, and it runs quieter and cooler than stock.

Qty 1 - "Noctua NF-A8 PWM, 80mm 4-Pin Fan" for the CPU. – $16 on Amazon

Qty 2 - "Noctua NF-A9 PWM, 92mm 4-Pin Fan" for the front and rear of the chassis. – $17/each on Amazon

Qty 1 - NZXT RGB & Fan Controller (2019 version) – $25 on Newegg

NZXT CAM Software. – Free download from NZXT website

You can get everything on Amazon or Newegg, or directly from the Noctua and NZXT websites.

I can provide pictures of my setup, installation instructions, and/or links if needed – just ask.

[Venatus_iLLE]

The best solution I've found is to use Noctua fans paired with a NZXT RGB & Fan Controller and the NZXT CAM software to control the fans. This solution works amazing and even better than the stock fans and mobo fan controller!

The NZXT CAM software will automatically control the fan speed based on CPU or GPU temperature (like the stock mobo controller) and you can also display the CPU and GPU temps with a pop out bar on your desktop or by just opening the software.

With the stock CPU and rear fans locked at 100%, I was getting a CPU temp of 50-55 degrees c at system idle. With the three Noctua fans running at only 40% I’m now getting a CPU temp of 32-37 degrees c at system idle, and have yet to get above 60 degrees c.

The NZXT RGB & Fan Controller can control three fans independently, or you can use a splitter to connect all three fans to one port on the Fan Controller or add additional fans if needed. The controller can handle at least three fans per port for a total of nine fans, but it’s based on total watts/fan port, so if you’re adding a lot of fans then check the specs of the NZXT controller and your fans first.

Here is everything I used, and it runs quieter and cooler than stock.

Qty 1 - "Noctua NF-A8 PWM, 80mm 4-Pin Fan" for the CPU. – $16 on Amazon

Qty 2 - "Noctua NF-A9 PWM, 92mm 4-Pin Fan" for the front and rear of the chassis. – $17/each on Amazon

Qty 1 - NZXT RGB & Fan Controller (2019 version) – $25 on Newegg

NZXT CAM Software. – Free download from NZXT website

You can get everything on Amazon or Newegg, or directly from the Noctua and NZXT websites.

I can provide pictures of my setup, installation instructions, and/or links if needed – just ask.

[Venatus_iLLE]

I had the same problem you’re having.  After I installed a non-HP M.2 SSD, the CPU and rear fans were locked at 100% because HP doesn't like you not spending hundreds of dollars on their storage.

I purchased a Samsung - 970 EVO Plus 500GB M.2 SSD for $70 instead of the $400+ for the HP approved part.

To solve this problem, I used Noctua fans to replace the stock CPU and rear fan and added a front fan, and connected them to a NZXT RGB & Fan Controller paired with the NZXT CAM software to control the fans.

This solution works amazing and even better than the stock fans and mobo fan controller! The NZXT CAM software will automatically control the fan speed based on CPU or GPU temperature (like the stock mobo fan controller) and you can also display the CPU and GPU temps with a pop out bar on your desktop or by just opening the software.

With the stock CPU and rear fans locked at 100%, I was getting a CPU temp of 50-55 degrees c at system idle. With the three Noctua fans running at only 40% I’m now getting a CPU temp of 32-37 degrees c at system idle, and have yet to get above 60 degrees c.

The NZXT RGB & Fan Controller can control three fans independently, or you can use a splitter to connect all three fans to one port on the Fan Controller or add additional fans if needed. The controller can handle at least three fans per port for a total of nine fans, but it’s based on total watts/fan port, so if you’re adding a lot of fans then check the specs of the NZXT controller and your fans first.

Here is everything I used, and it runs quieter and cooler than stock.

Qty 1 - "Noctua NF-A8 PWM, 80mm 4-Pin Fan" for the CPU. – $16 on Amazon

Qty 2 - "Noctua NF-A9 PWM, 92mm 4-Pin Fan" for the front and rear of the chassis. – $17/each on Amazon

Qty 1 - NZXT RGB & Fan Controller – $25 on Newegg

NZXT CAM Software. – Free download from NZXT website

You can get everything on Amazon or Newegg, or directly from the Noctua and NZXT websites.

I can provide pictures of my setup, installation instructions, and/or links if needed – just ask.

[dvampoulis]

Hello Dear,

I have an ML30 Gen 10 (bought it as used so it has 2 PCI fans + 1 CPU FAN. The front PCI FAN is not working (probably burned). The server has the original front FAN (probably pre-installed) but missing the Plastic Part of Baffle Kit P06303-B21. (Don't know if that is the reason that the FAN is not working). I installed today an Kingston SSD nVME m2 (250GB) to use it as an ESXI boot device but ... the CPU Fan and the back FAN is near 80% on IDLE ... 

https://shop.kingston.com/products/nv2-nvme-pcie-ssd?variant=43142421872832

You think that is because front FAN is not working or due to nVME Insertion ?!?

Earlier Users Comments: FakeJohnny  about adding 3 New FANs + Fan Controller think is a little expensive. 

Did you tried any SSD (m2) and worked for you ? Meaning that FAN get to normal ~6% on IDLE ?

Please for your help, FAN Noise is very annoying

If i buy the whole HPE ML30 Gen10 PCI Fan and Baffle Kit P06303-B21 will works ok for my SSD ?!? do you know ?!?

Thanks a lot!

Kind Regards,

Dimitris.

[Venatus_iLLE]

Hi Dimitris,

It sounds like the front fan is burned out and will need to be replaced. You don't need the baffle kit; it helps direct the air but it doesn't have anything to do with the fan speed/controller or the front fan not working. The high fan speed is because you don't have an HP OEM/branded M.2 SSD. The only remedy is to either use an HP OEM/branded M.2 SSD, or use an aftermarket fan controller.

I had the same problem you’re having. After I installed a non-HP M.2 SSD, the CPU and rear fans were locked at 100%. HP says it's because they don't know what temperature the non-HP M.2 needs to function properly or how much heat it produces, so the system just locks the fans at 100% to prevent overheating, but it's really because they doesn't like you not spending hundreds of dollars on their massively marked-up storage.

I purchased a Samsung - 970 EVO Plus 500GB M.2 SSD for $70 instead of the $400+ for the HP approved part, but I lost control of the fan speed. To solve this problem, I used Noctua fans to replace the stock CPU and rear fan and added a front fan, and connected them to a NZXT RGB & Fan Controller paired with the NZXT CAM software to control the fans.

This solution works amazing and even better than the stock fans and mobo fan controller! The NZXT CAM software will automatically control the fan speed based on CPU or GPU temperature (like the stock mobo fan controller) and you can also display the CPU and GPU temps with a pop out bar on your desktop or by just opening the software.

With the stock CPU and rear fans locked at 100%, I was getting a CPU temp of 50-55 degrees c at system idle. With the three Noctua fans running at only 40% I’m now getting a CPU temp of 32-37 degrees c at system idle, and have yet to get above 60 degrees c.

The NZXT RGB & Fan Controller can control three fans independently, or you can use a splitter to connect all three fans to one port on the Fan Controller and add additional fans if needed. The controller can handle at least three fans per port for a total of nine fans, but it’s based on total watts per fan port, so if you’re adding a lot of fans then check the specs of the NZXT controller and your fans first.

Here is everything I used, and it runs quieter and cooler than stock.

(Note: Prices are based on when I did this in spring 2021)

Qty 1 - "Noctua NF-A8 PWM, 80mm 4-Pin Fan" for the CPU. – $16 on Amazon

Qty 2 - "Noctua NF-A9 PWM, 92mm 4-Pin Fan" for the front and rear of the chassis. – $17/each on Amazon

Qty 1 - NZXT RGB & Fan Controller – $25 on Newegg

NZXT CAM Software. – Free download from NZXT website

You can get everything on Amazon or Newegg, or directly from the Noctua and NZXT websites.

I can provide pictures of my setup, installation instructions, and/or links if needed – just ask

[Venatus_iLLE]

The only remedy is to either use an HP OEM/branded M.2 SSD, or use an aftermarket fan controller.

I had the same problem you’re having. After I installed a non-HP M.2 SSD, the CPU and rear fans were locked at 100%. HP says it's because they don't know what temperature the non-HP M.2 needs to function properly or how much heat it produces, so the system just locks the fans at 100% to prevent overheating, but it's really because they doesn't like you not spending hundreds of dollars on their massively marked-up storage.

I purchased a Samsung - 970 EVO Plus 500GB M.2 SSD for $70 instead of the $400+ for the HP approved part, but I lost control of the fan speed. To solve this problem, I used Noctua fans to replace the stock CPU and rear fan and added a front fan, and connected them to a NZXT RGB & Fan Controller paired with the NZXT CAM software to control the fans.

This solution works amazing and even better than the stock fans and mobo fan controller! The NZXT CAM software will automatically control the fan speed based on CPU or GPU temperature (like the stock mobo fan controller) and you can also display the CPU and GPU temps with a pop out bar on your desktop or by just opening the software.

With the stock CPU and rear fans locked at 100%, I was getting a CPU temp of 50-55 degrees c at system idle. With the three Noctua fans running at only 40% I’m now getting a CPU temp of 32-37 degrees c at system idle, and have yet to get above 60 degrees c.

The NZXT RGB & Fan Controller can control three fans independently, or you can use a splitter to connect all three fans to one port on the Fan Controller and add additional fans if needed. The controller can handle at least three fans per port for a total of nine fans, but it’s based on total watts per fan port, so if you’re adding a lot of fans then check the specs of the NZXT controller and your fans first.

Here is everything I used, and it runs quieter and cooler than stock.

(Note: Prices are based on when I did this in spring 2021)

Qty 1 - "Noctua NF-A8 PWM, 80mm 4-Pin Fan" for the CPU. – $16 on Amazon

Qty 2 - "Noctua NF-A9 PWM, 92mm 4-Pin Fan" for the front and rear of the chassis. – $17/each on Amazon

Qty 1 - NZXT RGB & Fan Controller – $25 on Newegg

NZXT CAM Software. – Free download from NZXT website

You can get everything on Amazon or Newegg, or directly from the Noctua and NZXT websites.

I can provide pictures of my setup, installation instructions, and/or links if needed – just ask

[dvampoulis]

Hello Dear User Venatus_iLLE and thanks for the help so far,

I Need to build an ESXi and needed the nVME just for Booting OS since After v7.0x of ESXi OS, USB Boot is not recomended/working properly.

First of all when i bought the server (Used) the FAN2 (Problematic - Non working FAN was connected and has some errors on IML). I deleted all Error Logs/IML, Reset to factory RSBU + ILO and configure them from scratch but the problem didn't resolved. (i was sure) how can i be sure (if need to buy an Orignal FAN2 HPE FAN) that port named as FAN2 is working (can provide PWM + Power). I am attaching some details of IML and current ILO5 status running ESXI8 w/out M2 Drive. Is it normal with disconnected FAN2 to have such alarms ?!?

Can i meter them with a Power Meter, if yes what pins should i connect to RED/BLACK cable. Are you aware ?!?

The Insufficient Fan Solution probablu raised since FAN2 is removed but i am annoying for the purple alarm. I am not sure if that raised during FAN3 (the working one) removel temporary for test or that alarms stands that FAN2 port cannot work properly.

On the other way i will probably go to the solution you refer to but with a more cheaper FAN Controller (belllow) + 2x92mm Fans for REAR/FRONT + 1x80mm Fan for CPU

FAN Controller:  Noctua NA-FC1 [https://noctua.at/pub/media/blfa_files/manual/noctua_na_fc1_manual_en.pdf] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lwPJOzetdlA -- https://www.enostech.com/noctua-na-fc1-fan-controller-review/

Do you think that i will be OK ? Will the FANs will running near 6%-10% that is working now without the SSD M2 installation ? Or the fans will run at near 25%-45% but the noise will be not noticable ? What is your experience so far ?

Since i will probably need an RAID1 Storage Solution, at least on that server, i tried to de-install and not use finally M2 but a clasic SSD as ESXI boot and make passthrough the SATA AHCI Controller to ESXI for using XPenology as RAID solution but unfortunately clasic SSD was attached on that AHCI Controller too... so OS failed to boot properly (Removed datastore e.t.c)

I am thinking of buying an used HPE SATA Controller (e.g P420) for using that SATA Controler as ESXI passthourgh and left onboard SATA AHCI Controller as BOOT for clasic SSD Drive but on the other hand i am not sure by adding an PCIe Slot that ILO5 will keep fans on original Temp/Noise since that chip is by default too hot for that build.

PS: Previous Owner used the server as a simple PC and has added an NVIDIA Display Adapter (6GB RAM) and told me that FAN noise was great and he disconnects it. Is there any possibility the PCIe GPU Added by the user to damage FAN2 port ?!?

Thanks in advance for help

PS: Added some photos of FAN2 Connector and FAN. Cables seems very distressed but not sure if the problems lie on Cables or FAN

Kind Regards,

Dimitris

[dvampoulis]

Hello,

I finally ended up with a more cheaper solution. I buy an PCIe to NVME adapter (less than 10 euros) and installed it in an empty PCIe slot of ML30 Gen10. So i managed to boot ESXI8 from NVME SSD and the fan is now running on 6% (idle) instead of 70% to 75% when NVME was direct connected to HPE Motherboard. So i will not proceed (at least for now) with buying RGB controllers and extra FANS as the rear fan and CPU fan are enough to cool proerly HPE Server as Machine is located in a Quite Cool room and since PCIe to NVME adapter has thermal protection on it.

Thanks you all for your valuable help,

Kind Regards,

Dimitris