Unlike other Proliant servers, 100-series don't have any drivers for controlling the fans, and they always run at the full speed, producing enormous noise.
The only way to slow them down is using IPMI, but there is no full documentation on IPMI programming for HP servers, only several pdf docs claiming that incorrect actions can damage your motherboard, and other horrors.
Unfortunately, my organization acquired dl160 g5 that was heard from rooms 100 meters away.
I've spent almost a month reading this forum, other forums, blogs, etc... and finally managed to fix this problem. That's why I decided to write a quick how-to guide for other frustrated proliant owners.
-= Step1 =-
As usual, upgrade your BIOS, iLO firmare and reset CMOS (there is a little button near battery on motherboard), perhaps this would help.
-= Step2 =-
Install IPMI driver.
In Windows 2008 it is installed by default, so continue reading to step 3.
In Windows 2003 you'll need to install it manually, refer here for details:
http://blogs.sun.com/pavelbures/entry/utilizing_ipmi_kcs_interface_in-= Step 3 =-
Unpack the attached file in folder C:\IPMI
It contains:
ipmitool.exe and libeay32 - from Sun's ipmitool port for Windows
http://www.sun.com/download/products.xml?id=46f1ff04winserv.exe - free open-source utility for running apps as a services
http://sw4me.com/wiki/Winserv*.cmd files - read below.
You can use other path of you choice, but in this case modify *.cmd files and replace "C:\IPMI" with your path.
Also, if you've installed SUN ISM driver during step 2, replace "-I ms" with "-I ism".
-= Step 4 =-
Testing the IPMI driver.
Run test1.cmd, if everything is ok you'll see the info on you server. If the error about opening IPMI appears, go back to Step 2.
-= Step 5 =-
Trying to slow down the fans.
Run test2.cmd, after several seconds (5-10 sec) they should slow down, if not - well, thx for reading, I can't help you anymore.
In my case fans go from 8000+ rpm down to 3200 rpm.
-= Step 6 =-
Installing as a service.
Run install.cmd to create "BMCreset" service. Upon windows start up it will slow fans and exit.
Later, use uninstall.cmd to get rid of it if you don't need anymore.
-= Step 7 =-
Stress-test your server.
The negative part of slow fans is guess what... heat. Slowing achieved by resetting BMC (baseboard management controller or smth like that), which also turns off fan control, so they won't speed up even if your server is going to blow. That's why I STRONGLY recommend you to be careful and watch closely temperature sensors.
For example, my dl160g5 has only 2 sensors - near PCI bus and rear ambient showing 45C and 41C, and thats quite a lot. It is 2008 server with Xeon 2.8Ghz, 10GB RAM and 3 HDDs, used as a file server, domain controller, internet NAT gateway, NetFlow collector and terminal server for 1-2 users. Now working normally almost a week without freezes, hangs, BSODs and errors.
Anyway, use this guide at your own risk, and only if desperate.
