Taming the beast (24-disk file server)

EnderW

[H]F Junkie
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Sep 25, 2003
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This is a short post to gauge interest in my ongoing project to quietly cool a 24-disk Supermicro SC846.

Posting this from mobile, will clean up and add details later.

Basically I want to move my file server into the network closet but need a way to exhaust the heat and keep it cool. I’ve already done a cheap imitation of Jason Rose’s 3x 140mm intake and swapped the internal fans for 3x 120mm.

This weekend I added 3x 140mm exhaust and a makeshift duct.

Still a lot of work to be done and I’m not convinced this is even going to work but in the meantime here are some pictures.
 

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As the former HardOCP cooling editor I have the perfect solution.



Put it in my house :D

Or you could duct an exhaust fan into the attic.

I think the first option is superior though.
 
Yeah I’ve actually been rethinking it this morning. I think I’m going to put an in-line duct fan at the top and try to exhaust the hot air into the main living area. Use the existing vent as an intake.
 
I exhaust my used to be mining cabinet into the attic. Though I live in the Phoenix area and it gets hot, so no need to help warm up the house.
Now I use it for file server and DC projects.
 
Started doing this as well. For past 3 years, I just left closet door open with a 12’’ fan blowing into it. Now upgrading from 10gig to 40gig, switch is a tad louder. /s

I’m building a custom cabinet around an ebay 27U 4 post. Putting an amazon ac infinity T8 in it, downsizing the tube to 6’’ and exhausting it outdoors. Total cost will be between 5 and $600.
 
I also converted a closet to fit a slide out 42u rack (i use rails on all of them since i can't easily get to the back of it.
i installed this on the roof used a short run of 6" stove pipe to go from roof to the ceiling and put in a standard 6" ceiling duct for hvac, and then i put this inline to force out air.
i did convert the fan to be thermally controlled by an old thermal variable switch i had, can't find a link but im sure you know what im referring to.
The roof vent has a flapper type thing in it that seals it when the fan isn't running.

after looking at your pics a bit closer, for that size of closet, and especially if your thinking of adding more hardware, maybe look into an a/c split unit, a small one is only a couple hundo, link is for a brand new 9k btu for 570ish, probably could find a used one super cheap. I plan on using one in my remodel, going to make a com's room for my savant/home theater/servers/etc
 
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It looks like you are dumping that exhaust air directly into the return. Come summer time, you may actually create issues for your AC unit. That equipment is sized for your house and there is not as much flexibility as you may expect. I am not sure if I am explaining this well, but the direct exhaust air is probably more than 15 degrees warmer than ambient. That entire volume of hot air is being pumped directly into the return continuously so it likely "feels" like an even greater difference from ambient. On an 80 degree day, your AC return makeup may seem more like a 110 degree day. I don't think your AC is going to like it. Although your thermostat is controlling the running of your AC, you may find that your previous settings don't seem to be comfortable or your AC is running far more than it should. Then of course your freon lines or evaporator coil may freeze up and make the problem worse. Kind of like an undersized AC system.

I'd have a 5 minute conversation with an HVAC person to make sure this is okay.
 
Will post a detailed update soon but since switching the hardware to a lower power Xeon D and installing an AC infinity duct exhaust fan, temps have been great.
 
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