PowerEdge Hardware General

[ElCoyote_]

Hi all,

Like others, I've been using ipmitool commands to control my fans on Dell PowerEdge 14th Gen H/W to keep the noise reasonnable (PowerEdge T440).

# ipmitool raw 0x30 0x30 0x01 0x00

# ipmitool raw 0x30 0x30 0x02 0xff 0x0b

# ipmitool sdr list full|grep Fan

Fan1 | 1080 RPM | ok

Fan2 | disabled | ns

On iDrac version 3.34.34.34, things changed and ipmitool now returns an error:

# ipmitool raw 0x30 0x30 0x01 0x00

Unable to send RAW command (channel=0x0 netfn=0x30 lun=0x0 cmd=0x30 rsp=0xd4): Insufficient privilege level

# ipmitool raw 0x30 0x30 0x02 0xff 0x0b

Unable to send RAW command (channel=0x0 netfn=0x30 lun=0x0 cmd=0x30 rsp=0xd4): Insufficient privilege level

# ipmitool sdr list full|grep Fan

Fan1 | 4320 RPM | ok

Fan2 | disabled | ns

I opened an SR with Dell (My 14th gen is still under warranty) and I got the following answer:

==============================START QUOTE ===================================================

In 14g Dell changed the way we did the thermal algorithms and the iDRAC privilege access was not removed until 3.34. Going forward access is not going to be allowed as it affects the thermal algorithms and cooling the system. The options will be to use fan offset options and racadm commands to adjust the fan speed as IPMI commands will no longer work.

I understand this is not an ideal solution for you. However I would be happy to assist to see if we can find a set of commands that will allow you to use the system on the latest iDRAC firmware.

===============================END QUOTE==================================================

So Dell clearly took that away from us and doesn't wish to reconsider. I guess I won't be upgrading this machine and my next purchases might be from a different vendor.

[ElCoyote_]

I just tried 4.00.00.00 and the Fan speed stabilized around 3700rpm (sounded like a jet engine).

I went back to 3.30.30.30 (the last version which accepted 'ipmitool' commands).

That's quite painful and there is -nothing- that justifies this kind of throttling:

With Fan1 forcibly set to 1080/1200 rpm, the sensors in my T440 report:

- Avg power around 110W

- CPU 1&2 (Xeon 4110*2) idle temp between 27C-33C (room temp: 20C)

- SSD (Samsung 860 * 2Tb) temp: 22C

- HDD (WD Red 8Tb) temp: 32C

- PERC H730P temp: 72C

There is nothing in that machine that provides -any- reason why it's a good idea to set the fan to 3700rpm other than Dell wishing to sell me 'Enterprise SSD's and HDD's'.

Can't you just please reconsider? Please let us control the fans in the machines (I'll gladly accept the risks).

[vulgojhow]

I am in the same boat.

I also have a T440 and this has caused me problems.

Not everyone has an isolated place to put the server. In our small business, the T440 runs in the same room that we use to serve our customers.

Please return control of the fans via IPMI. Or at least show us how to use racadm to remedy this situation.

[scs-sa]

We just bought a Dell PowerEdge T 640, and are experiencing same issue. Fans are so loud it cannot be kept on same floor.

Temporary solution was to downgrade iDrac to 3.30.30.30. Of course in the future we will not be able to buy Dell again. Full control on a given machine should be responsibility of whomever professional is in charge of servers.

[theflash1932]

Haha until someone unqualified burns out their server and expects Dell to replace it under warranty. Most people do not understand how to care for their servers. if your organization has true professionals that know how to take care of servers, then that's wonderful for you and it's too bad you no longer have that ability, but the vast majority of organizations that have a server would - and do - ruin their servers because "that thing is just so loud", because it's not in a proper closet or room, or because they don't know how to configure it (throwing any old network card, hard drives, or video cards in it), etc. 

Just put of curiosity, why is the noise an issue for you?

[scs-sa]

That business logic could make sense to some, but it could prevent some others to buy more servers.

I would be happy if Dell would at least allow the customer:

1. To pay a premium for silent cooling option,

2. Optionally to waive his right to warranty but allow full control on his machines,

3. To show some warning at order time, something like "Warning, this configuration is VERY NOISY. It will need to be hosted in proper server room."

In regards to:

> Just put of curiosity, why is the noise an issue for you?

Noise is not an issue for me per se, but for staff in offices on this floor. There is no room on the floor occupied by the company that has walls thick enough to shield the high screeching noise the fans are making, even with server temperature is quite cool.

If your company uses proper server room it is not a problem of course. But not all companies are of that kind.

[dkforshort]

I have a T440 and my server is whisper quiet? Are you guys sure there isn't something else wrong with the server? Such as 3rd party hardware installed?

[ChrisJames_PGS]

Experiencing the same issues as above: T440 with 1100W PSUs and dual fans. Interestingly we only get aircraft noise from fans when the nvidia GPU is installed. Solution as mentioned before - roll back to 3.30 idrac.

I'll raised this with our Dell account manager and tech teams.

[DELL-Marco B]

Hello,

thanks to share this information, that maybe can be useful for other users.

As you already raised the issue, let me know if you need help on this and we are available to follow up.

Thanks

Marco

[evdev]

Hi, yes, I think you might be able to help ---

Put it back.

Thanks!

-----

Dell actually instructs users to use this feature for certain issues arising from Dell's poor integration with other hardware.

https://www.dell.com/community/PowerEdge-Hardware-General/r730xd-excessive-fan-speed/td-p/4586254

So, dell says to do something and takes away the ability to do it? This is a very poor business practice.