Skip to main content
Start a Conversation

Solved!

Go to Solution

ary9

1 Rookie

 • 

1 Message

194

March 2nd, 2025 11:54

Dell PowerEdge R250 Fan Noise Issue – Unable to Reduce RPM and PWM

The fan noise on Dell PowerEdge R250 server is very high. I've tried all the methods I found, but none of them worked. I entered into the System Setup, then the iDRAC settings, and entered the Thermal section. I set the Fan Speed Offset to Off. I tried PWM at 20, Default Thermal Profile Settings, Minimum Power, and Sound cap, but there was no reduction in fan noise. The iDRAC was updated. When I run ipmitool sensor, the temperature value fluctuates between 31-28°C. The values for Fan1 to Fan4 are around 12,600 RPM and 11,400 RPM. Using the racadm getsensorinfocommand, the PWM value shows as 70%. When I run the command ipmitool raw 0x30 0x30 0x02 0xff 0x14, I get an output saying "insufficient privilege level". The noise is very loud. What should I do in this situation?

Dell-Martin S

Moderator

 • 

3.5K Posts

March 3rd, 2025 09:24

It sounds like you've already tried many common troubleshooting steps for fan noise on your Dell PowerEdge R250. The fact that the temperature is relatively low (28-31°C) but the fans are running at maximum speed (11,400 - 12,600 RPM) and PWM is at 70% indicates a few potential issues. Here's a breakdown of what could be happening and how to proceed:

Possible Causes:

  1. Incorrect iDRAC User Permissions: The "insufficient privilege level" error with ipmitool raw strongly suggests that the user account you're using with ipmitool doesn't have the necessary permissions to execute raw IPMI commands. These commands allow direct control over hardware, so they require administrator-level access.

  2. Hardware Issue/Sensor Malfunction: While less likely given your troubleshooting steps, a faulty temperature sensor could be sending incorrect temperature readings to the BMC/iDRAC, causing it to ramp up the fans unnecessarily. Similarly, a faulty fan controller could cause the fans to run at full speed regardless of temperature.

  3. Firmware Bug: Although you updated the iDRAC, there could still be a bug in the iDRAC or BIOS firmware that is causing the fan control to malfunction.

  4. Override by Another Process/Software: Some management software installed on the OS or connected to the iDRAC could be overriding your fan speed settings.

  5. Aftermarket Hardware: The R250 may be running the fans at full speed if it detects a non-Dell approved hardware component.

Troubleshooting Steps:

  1. Verify iDRAC User Permissions:

    • Log into the iDRAC web interface with an account that has Administrator privileges.
    • Navigate to iDRAC Settings -> Users.
    • Verify that the user account you're using with ipmitool has the "Administrator" role. If not, change the role and save the settings.
    • Important: Re-try the ipmitool raw 0x30 0x30 0x02 0xff 0x14 command after confirming the correct permissions. This command, if successful, should disable fan control and set the fans to a fixed speed. Be very cautious using this command, as it can lead to overheating if not used correctly.

  2. Test with Default iDRAC Credentials:

    • As a temporary test, try logging into iDRAC via SSH or ipmitool using the default username/password (if you haven't changed them). Dell default credentials are often root/calvin. This will confirm whether it is an account permissions problem. Remember to change the default credentials immediately afterwards if you are successful!

  3. Check System Event Log (SEL):

    • Use ipmitool sel list or the iDRAC web interface to examine the System Event Log (SEL). Look for any errors related to temperature sensors, fans, or the system's thermal management. This may provide clues about the root cause.

  4. BIOS Update:

    • Make sure your BIOS is also up to date, in addition to the iDRAC firmware. Sometimes BIOS updates contain fixes related to thermal management and fan control.

  5. Reset iDRAC:

    • Try performing a "warm reset" of the iDRAC from the web interface. If that doesn't help, try a "cold reset" (power cycle the server). Sometimes, the iDRAC can get into a bad state, and a reset can resolve the issue.

  6. Check OS-Level Management Software:

    • If you have Dell OpenManage Server Administrator (OMSA) or other server management software installed on the operating system, check its settings to ensure it's not overriding the iDRAC's fan control. Temporarily disabling or uninstalling the software could help diagnose the issue.

  7. Inspect the Hardware:

    • Carefully inspect the temperature sensors on the motherboard and around the CPU heatsink. Make sure they are properly seated and free from any damage. (Only do this if you are comfortable working with hardware).
    • Ensure that all fans are properly connected to the motherboard.
    • Check for any obstructions to airflow within the server chassis. Dust accumulation can significantly reduce cooling efficiency.

  8. Check for non-Dell Hardware:

    • Confirm that all components in your server (HDDs, RAM, NICs, etc.) are Dell-certified. The server may run the fans at full speed if it detects non-certified hardware.

  9. Manual Fan Control (Use with Extreme Caution):

    • As a last resort (and only if you are comfortable with the risks), you might be able to manually control the fan speeds using ipmitool raw. However, this requires a deep understanding of IPMI commands and the specific fan control implementation on the R250. Incorrectly setting the fan speeds could lead to overheating and permanent damage to your server. I cannot provide explicit instructions for this due to the risk involved. Consult the Dell documentation and IPMI specifications for detailed information.

      By systematically working through these steps, you should be able to identify the root cause of the excessive fan noise and implement an appropriate solution. Remember to proceed cautiously and prioritize the safety and stability of your server.

Was this post helpful?

View All

No Events found!

Top