CISCO UCSC-C220-M4S Loud Fan Issue: Fix Power Profile

When dealing with a loud fan and power profile issues on a Cisco UCSC-C220-M4S server, there are several potential causes and troubleshooting steps to consider. Here’s a guide to help you address these issues:

1. Understanding the Problem:

• Loud Fans:
• The server’s fans might run at high speeds and produce excessive noise. This is typically a response to increased internal temperatures or incorrect fan control settings.
• Power Profile Not Respected:
• The power profile settings determine how the server manages power consumption and cooling. If these settings are not being adhered to, the server might not be optimizing fan speeds and power usage as expected.

2. Possible Causes:

• Temperature Issues:
• High internal temperatures can cause fans to ramp up to maximum speeds to cool the system.
• Firmware Issues:
• Outdated or corrupted firmware can lead to incorrect fan behavior or power management problems.
• BIOS/UEFI Settings:
• Incorrect BIOS settings might prevent the server from following the configured power profiles.
• Hardware Problems:
• Faulty sensors, fans, or other components can cause the system to incorrectly adjust fan speeds.

3. Troubleshooting Steps:

1. Check Temperature Sensors:

• Use the Cisco Integrated Management Controller (CIMC) to monitor the temperature sensors. High temperatures might indicate an issue with airflow or a need for better cooling solutions. Steps:
• Log into the CIMC web interface.
• Navigate to the “Server” tab and check the “Sensors” section for temperature readings.

2. Update Firmware:

• Ensure that both the CIMC and BIOS firmware are up to date. Cisco regularly releases firmware updates that address performance and stability issues, including fan and power management. Steps:
• Download the latest firmware updates from the Cisco support website.
• Follow the instructions in the release notes or firmware documentation to update the CIMC and BIOS firmware.

3. Review and Adjust BIOS Settings:

• Check the power and thermal settings in the BIOS. Ensure that they are configured correctly to match your desired power profile and cooling strategy. Steps:
• Access the BIOS setup utility during server boot (usually by pressing a key like F2).
• Navigate to the power and thermal management settings.
• Verify that the power profile is set correctly and that fan control settings are appropriate.

4. Verify CIMC Configuration:

• Review the CIMC settings to ensure that the power profile and fan control settings align with your requirements. Steps:
• Log into the CIMC interface.
• Navigate to the “Server” tab and check the “Power Policies” section.
• Ensure that the correct power policy is selected and active.

5. Inspect for Hardware Issues:

• Check for any hardware issues, such as blocked air vents, faulty fans, or malfunctioning temperature sensors. Steps:
• Physically inspect the server for any obstructions or dust buildup that could impede airflow.
• Use the CIMC or server logs to identify any hardware faults or errors related to fans or sensors.

6. Apply Correct Thermal Profile:

• Cisco servers offer different thermal profiles that can affect how aggressively the fans operate. Ensure you’re using a profile that balances performance and noise levels according to your needs. Steps:
• Access the CIMC interface.
• Go to the “Server” tab, then “Power/Thermal.”
• Select and apply the appropriate thermal profile for your environment.

4. Additional Recommendations:

• Consult Cisco Documentation:
• Review the Cisco UCS C220 M4 Server Installation and Service Guide for detailed information on managing thermal and power settings.
• Contact Cisco Support:
• If the issue persists after performing the above steps, consider reaching out to Cisco Support for assistance. They can provide deeper insights and help resolve complex issues.
• Regular Maintenance:
• Regularly check for firmware updates, inspect physical hardware for dust and debris, and ensure that the server environment maintains proper airflow and temperature control.

Conclusion

You can systematically check and update the firmware, BIOS settings, CIMC configurations, and physical hardware of your system. After checking, you can resolve the loud fan issue by following the troubleshooting steps. When the Cisco UCSC-C220-M4S server is equipped with the GPU server, which is recognized as the best GPU dedicated server, it provides a scalable and efficient solution for handling various computing tasks.