Adjusting fan speed
Introduction
Starting with Dell's PowerEdge 12th generation servers, Dell has introduced a fan speed offset setting that enables fan speed to be increased and decreased. 3rd party add-in cards - such as Netscout's "Sniddely" analysis card found on TruView Packet (TVP) and TruView Appliance (TVA) - need increased fan speed to provide additional cooling.
Netscout has decided to apply a Termal Profile for maximum performance which leads to maximum fan speed and the corresponding sound level of nearly 81dBA.
Solution
 | DO NOT set the Fan Speed Offset too low. The Sniddely analysis card needs additional cooling. Setting the Fan Speed Offset too low may compromise the hardware and void warranty. As guidance, the tempertature of the CPU should never rise above 55°C |
 | Dell changed the iDRAC configuration menu ever so slightly with every new release of the firmware. The way to configure this setting may not be exactly the same as stated below. This article was written when version 2.50.50 was installed on the iDRAC. |
Setting the fan speed
The thermal profile and fan speed can be configured via iDRAC Settings during boot or via the iDRAC Web UI.
iDRAC Settings:
- At boot, press <F2>
- Select iDRAC Settings, then Thermal all way down the list
iDRAC Web UI:
- Login
- In the left panel expand Overview > Hardware
- Select Fans in the left and Setup in the right panel
We recommend the following settings:
Termal Profile: Default Thermal Profile
Fan Speed Offset: High (+55%)
Checking the temperature
After about fiveteen minutes, check the temperature of the CPU. It should not be above 55°C. Increase fan speed if needed.
iDRAC Web UI:
- Login
- In the left panel expand Overview > Server
- Select Power / Thermal in the left and Temperatures in the right panel
When the System Board Inlet Temperature changes, the fan speed should increase automatically.