OK, so strange question and I am only asking because because I cannot decide for myself.  I figure if I get another opinion, the decision can be made.

 

Essentially I have a new case, a supermicro server case, 3U so there is no option to replace the PSU with a normal ATX one without severely modifying the case by cutting out the top.  So, this leaves me with the server class PSU's that obviously make way more sound than an ATX.

 

Well, on top of that, it has data center grade fans that move a ton of air, so with that comes noise.  The other day, I went to microcenter and bought replacement fans, but before I installed them I found an article that discussed switching the fans from 12v to 5v by simply flipping the pins in the molex.  Zalman also makes an adapter you can buy that does the same thing, http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=&sku=1006245&is=REG&Q=&A=details

 

So, because I didnt want to wait on the adapter, I modified the molex cable and got the same result.  This certainly quieted the fans, while still allowing them to be affective.  My temps hover around 27 - 30 C, even during a preclear they remain low, typically under 30.  However, I still contemplate replacing the fans I know are now working and the main reason is sound as the case still makes noise.  At the same time, the case is in the unused portion of the basement so as long as the door is closed I cannot hear it and typically I only hear it with the door open if I am in the area around the door, so it is not super loud.

 

To get specific, I used a db application on my phone.  Not really sure about its accuracy, but it was good enough, I just made sure I put it in the same spot, closed the door the same and stood in the same area to eliminate as many factors I could.  With the fans running 5v, the db reading was about 51db.  I then powered it off, removed the fans, put the server back, powered it up and the db reading was now 42-44db, so call it 8 db lower.

 

So sure, the server makes less noise, but it is by no means silent and if I think about it, probably still need to close the door.  I don't hear it upstairs, it is by the wifes treadmill and she hasn't mentioned the noise, so really, I am thinking to stick with the server grade fans and run 5v as i am never going to silence the beast as long as it has a server grade psu.  But, I also keep going back and forth on the subject as to the whether it is any better to be 43db vs 51 if the server still makes noise.  I also have to consider my second reading is without the fans completely and my fans are rated 29dBa, so add 6 of them, will it add a db or 2 voiding any benefit there too?

 

So yeah, what are the thoughts?  5v server grade fans, 30C temps, 51dBa or 12v normal fans, slightly higher temps and 43+ dBa?

 

Thanks for helping with my UCD decision.

Only you can really decide that.

 

You understand the factors well => a server grade PSU and server grade fans are GOING to be noisy ... as they're designed for maximum airflow independent of the noise that generates.

 

The simple fact is that more air = cooler temps = longer life and lower probability of problems.  HOWEVER, with UnRAID, the drives spend a lot of time spun down, so that extra airflow isn't needed;  and if they're running in the low-to-mid 30's, they're fine.    So if a 5v setting keeps things quieter, but still yields those temps; I'd say go for it.

 

A high-quality desktop power supply (e.g. Seasonic X series or Corsair HX series) will also run MUCH quieter than the server grade unit you have now; and will also be much quieter.

 

Yeah, I guess you are right.  I was just hoping for that push in one direction or another.

 

The issue with PSU replacement is the case is only 3u, so a normal PSU doesnt fit.  However, this doesn't stop me from looking and makes me as the question of whether this PSU can handle the load of unraid.

 

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817151123&nm_mc=KNC-GoogleAdwords&cm_mmc=KNC-GoogleAdwords-_-pla-_-Power+Supplies-_-N82E16817151123&gclid=CNez9b3En7oCFc2d4Aod_nsAIQ

 

I guess if I don't do anything right away, in the short term I would just get the zalman 5v adapters as opposed to my hacked cabling.  In the end I always end up in the same place as far as the sound.  If I don't hear it with the door closed, is it really that loud?  The furnace is louder, the wife is not complaining, so for now, why not maintain server grade hardware...

Drive spindown is a great feature, but it simply isn't important when you're doing a parity check or rebuild, and that's when your cooling matters. 

 

Sent from a mobile device, sorry for any typos.

 

 

whether this PSU can handle the load of unraid.

 

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817151123&nm_mc=KNC-GoogleAdwords&cm_mmc=KNC-GoogleAdwords-_-pla-_-Power+Supplies-_-N82E16817151123&gclid=CNez9b3En7oCFc2d4Aod_nsAIQ

 

Depends on how many drives you have.  A 300w supply is fairly low; but if you only have 6 drives or so it would be fine.    What size is in the case now??

 

 

 

I guess if I don't do anything right away, in the short term I would just get the zalman 5v adapters as opposed to my hacked cabling.

 

Why?    Your hacked cabling is electrically the same thing.  Except perhaps for the cosmetics (depending on how neat you were), there's no reason to switch.

 

 

The furnace is louder  ...  the wife is not complaining

... so for now, why not maintain server grade hardware...

 

The sound isn't bothering you;  more importantly it's not bothering the boss [ ];  so it sounds like there's really no reason to do anything.    If the temps are fine, you could leave it with the "hack" that cuts out some of the noise;  but it sounds like you could even run everything at full steam and it wouldn't matter.

 

Ik had my server rack in our second bedroom when i first got it.

I spent a lot of effort silensing the thing with other fans.

 

However it was still too loud... The misses couldn't sleep.

So I moved it to the basement. At first I kept it with the quieter fans, but after a while I thought if I can't hear it why bother silensing it?

 

So I removed all silent fans and put the original ones back. It is now blowing along nicely. Temps are great.

It makes a lot of noise but actually I couldn't care less. I only hear it when I'm down there and in the vicinity of that basement room.

 

So yeah I would stick with the original fans in your situation

 

Sent from my HTC One using Tapatalk

 

 

garycase - I have 15 drives, so the limit of 6 is obviously an issue with that PSU

 

As noted, I guess it is decided.  returned the bought fans today and I am sticking with the stock ones modded down to 5v.  I just need to remember the cabling is moded as to not burn up another HDD...

 

I put one in as a cache drive and it vanished when it essentially melted.  I guess it did not like getting 12v to the 5v input...

I put one in as a cache drive and it vanished when it essentially melted.  I guess it did not like getting 12v to the 5v input...

 

Yes, if you've got modified cables, you DO need to remember that they're modified !! 

 

Perhaps that IS a reason to buy the adapters  :)

... although I'd think just putting a label on the modified cables would do the trick nicely.

 

Yeah to remind myself.  I know for now and when it happened I was like, DUH!