Source
r/homelab•
Heteronymous

Compatible 520W power supply for 1U SuperMicro that isn't as loud as a screaming banshee

Solved

Greetings, everyone.

It looks like SuperMicro parts are something of a world unto their own, but I've got a 1U 813M SuperMicro server that I'd like to work with.

It is insanely loud. Some noise from a server is of course to be expected, but I've also worked with a 1U Dell that's damn near whisper quiet.

The biggest source of noise on this thing is not the unit's cooling fans, but the fans inside of the power supply. The label on the PS is (Ablecom) PWS-512-1H 520W max.

Looking for help and/or recommendations on a compatible power supply that will be relatively quiet, without busting the bank.

I searched and found that SuperMicro has their "SQ" series power supply that are supposed to be fairly quiet, but didn't find an "SQ" version of this "521-1H" series.

Thanks very much in advance !

Posted Mar 21, 2018, 4:57 PM UTC

17
minapamina•

Just switch the fan to Noctua?

2
Arbitrary_Hobo•

You can swap the fan out, by opening up the PSU and soldering a new fan in where the old one is. Noctua is probably a good manufacturer. This process is not for the feint of heart, and you must be careful, as there's a lot of current inside a PSU. Drain it before removing by holding the power button for 30 seconds straight after unplugging the computer.

2
HeteronymousOP•

Ok, sounds like the most affordable way to go. Yes, understood about the precautions, have dealt with servicing CRTs and the associated risks & critical precautions.

Thanks.

2
AGentlemanWalrus•

Do you need 520w? I have a 813M with the redundant 400w that I'm currently not using and would be willing to part with.

1
HeteronymousOP•

Thanks so much ! Sorry for the delay in responding. Thing is, the PSU that I have works fine, it's just seriously noisy (the internal fans).

1
AGentlemanWalrus•

No worries I figured I'd offer as I had a similar chassis, I do agree with the others in doing a fan swap then :p.

1
5ilver•

I rewired some of my ablecom 520s to run the fans at 7v and leave them OFF when the server is off. Just yank the wires for the fans off the board and solder gnd to a 5v rail and + to a 12v rail. It's probably not a good idea if you run near peak capacity though.

1