I just got a new R540. It's nice, but the fans run at 35% (~8700 RPM) when the server is completely idle. This was the case before I installed an OS, and remains true even with various BIOS/thermal config permutations and various OS installs. The system is "light" as far as servers go, e.g., 1 HDD, 1 processor, 32 GB RAM, etc. It runs cooler and with less power than the R520 I've had for years, and that system's fans stay in the 5-10% range.

Just curious what others see. I'll have a chat with Dell techs during working hours later this week.

Edit: to clarify, this system is Dell pure. No third party anything. Literally fresh out the box.