Dell PowerEdge R720XD: Fans Ramp Up When Video Card Installed

When adding a video card to a Dell PowerEdge R720XD server, it’s not uncommon for the server’s fans to ramp up to high speeds. This can happen for several reasons, usually related to how the server manages cooling and power for new components. Here’s a detailed look at why this occurs and what steps you can take to mitigate the issue:

Reasons for Increased Fan Speeds:

1. Thermal Management and Power Draw:

• Increased Heat Output: Video cards, especially high-performance ones, can generate significant heat. The server’s thermal management system detects this and ramps up the fan speeds to maintain optimal temperatures.
• Increased Power Consumption: Video cards also draw a substantial amount of power, which can affect the server’s power budget and thermal dynamics, leading the fans to work harder to dissipate the heat.

2. Server Firmware and BIOS Settings:

• Default Cooling Policies: Servers like the R720XD often have aggressive cooling policies set by default. These are designed to prevent overheating by erring on the side of higher fan speeds when detecting additional or high-power components.
• PCIe Slot Detection: When a new device is installed in a PCIe slot, the system firmware may trigger higher fan speeds as a precautionary measure.

3. Absence of Specialized Cooling Profiles:

• Servers are typically optimized for standard configurations. When non-standard components like consumer-grade GPUs are added, the server may not have the necessary profiles to manage their thermal output efficiently.

4. Driver and Software Considerations:

• Drivers: Incorrect or outdated drivers for the video card might cause it to run hotter than expected, leading to increased fan activity.
• Management Software: Lack of integration between server management software and the new hardware can lead to conservative thermal management, i.e., higher fan speeds.

Steps to Mitigate Fan Noise:

1. Update BIOS and Firmware:

• Ensure that the server’s BIOS and firmware are up to date. Dell regularly updates these to improve hardware compatibility and optimize cooling strategies. Check Dell’s support site for the latest updates for the R720XD.

2. Check and Adjust BIOS Settings:

• Thermal Settings: Access the BIOS/UEFI and look for thermal management settings. Depending on the options available, you may be able to adjust the fan speed policy from “performance” to “optimized” or “minimum power”.
• PCIe Slot Settings: Look for any settings that specifically relate to PCIe slot cooling or power and adjust them if necessary.

3. Use Dell iDRAC Settings:

• The Dell Integrated Dell Remote Access Controller (iDRAC) allows for more granular control over the server’s fan settings. Log into iDRAC and navigate to the thermal settings. You can usually set a custom fan profile that better matches the thermal requirements of your configuration.

4. Ensure Proper Airflow:

• Make sure that the server is in an environment with adequate airflow and cooling. Check that all fans and airways are unobstructed and clean from dust.
• Consider the placement of the video card. If possible, install it in a way that doesn’t block airflow to other components.

5. Install Additional Cooling Solutions:

• Depending on your server’s configuration, adding additional cooling solutions such as fan kits designed for the R720XD or even third-party cooling aids can help manage the additional thermal load.

6. Monitor and Manage Temperatures:

• Use tools like Dell OpenManage or other hardware monitoring software to keep an eye on temperatures and fan speeds. This can help you understand if the increased fan speeds are necessary or if they can be adjusted.

Additional Considerations:

• Video Card Compatibility: Ensure the video card you’re installing is compatible with server environments. Some video cards are designed for desktop use and might not be optimized for the cooling and power environments of a server.
• Power Supply Capacity: Verify that your server’s power supply can handle the additional load of the video card. Insufficient power can lead to instability and potentially increased heat generation.

Conclusion

After the installation of a video card on a Dell PowerEdge R720XD server, the fans ramp up to high speed, and additional heat is generated by the video card. In this blog, there are steps to mitigate the fan noise by adding cooling solutions. Follow all the steps mentioned above to control the speed of the fans by installing the video card on your best GPU Dedicated Server.

If you need specific instructions on how to adjust any of these settings, feel free to ask!