[nzlug] Fans?!?

[Richard Dingwall]

On 2/28/07, Nevyn <nevynh at gmail.com> wrote:
> I've recently upgraded my file server and added another 2 hard drives
> (1.2TB Baby!!!).
>
> Anyway, I noticed that the hard drives were all running a tad hot so
> loaded up hddtemp and had a look. Yep, sure enough they're running
> overly hot. Not a problem says I and I chuck in a great big fan (12cm
> diameter) which cooled the hard drives down back to safe limits (by as
> much as 15 degree's).
>
> Unfortunately the fileserver is in my room, and a 12cm fan is just way
> too noisy.
>
> Fortunately for me it looks like I can put a case fan into my machine
> that's monitored. I.e. it's able to show me the RPM's (not the package
> system) and that sort of stuff.
>
> So my question(s) to the list are:
> 1. Is there a special type of fan needed for this sort of thing? (I.e.
> can I not just put a plug on the end of the 12cm fan and plug it in?

Check out the fan reviews at http://www.silentpcreview.com/.


> 2. Are there any applications in linux (command line only) that
> control the systetm fan?
>
> What I'm thinking of doing is running a shell script that monitors the
> temperature on all the drives. If the average temperature gets to 55
> degree's, switch on the fan. If the average temperature drops down to
> 50 degree's, turn the fan off again.

Many fans will do this with a built-in thermistor. No shell scripts
(!) required :)

>
> This would hopefully give me enough time to get to sleep rather than
> being kept awake by the sound of the damn thing all night and save
> some power as well.
>
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