Switching fans with Netgear devices can cause issues. Consider going fanless for a smoother setup.
Switching fans with Netgear devices can cause issues. Consider going fanless for a smoother setup.
I'm working on reducing noise from my Netgear switch. Those two 40mm fans in my GS724TS model are louder than both my storage server and workstation PC combined. I purchased two Scythe "Mini Kaze" fans and one Noctua 40x20mm fan. I replaced the original two fans with the Scythe units (though I thought there were three, only two headers are available) and they didn't spin at all. The switch board has standard 3-pin headers, but the Scythe fans use 2-pin connectors. It came with an adapter for a standard header, but without RPM reporting, it seems the switch isn't attempting to power them. I then swapped one Noctua fan into another position and connected it via an extension cable—still no success. I used Noctua Low Noise Adapters on the stock fans, but they also failed. It appears the switch only activates fans when it detects what it expects from the original units, otherwise it simply ignores them. I'm wondering what to do next. Some online sources mention other switch models work, but I don’t want to buy more fans just to match the setup. Would it be reasonable to run my switch without fans? The server cabinet housing the switch only contains the switch and my UNRAID system. I added a 200mm fan at the back of the cabinet to ensure airflow, and there are vents next to the switch for ventilation. There are only two systems connected—my workstation and UNRAID. My workstation uses the switch for internet, while the storage server is just for backups. I don’t rely on the server for daily operations. My main need is finished video projects going to it. It seems my setup isn’t using the switch’s full capacity. What should I consider?
Switches generate a lot of heat due to the ASIC chips inside. Avoid running it without a fan even when usage is low. Regarding fans, the pin configuration is what you’ll see. If you blow on it during operation, will it start moving by itself?
Nothing happens. They don't even twitch like they are trying. In the WebUI there isn't any warnings or anything.. This model doesn't have any fan control adjustable by the user. I tried spinning them by hand while plugging it in and blowing on them. No go. Maybe I'll split off power from my 200mm fan and just mount a few fans to the vents on the switch.
The pin configuration seems to match a typical 3-pin any 3-pin fan plug setup. I attempted to reroute terminals on the fans to test if the wiring was interchangeable, but no issues arose. The original units functioned normally without any problems. In the WebUI there are no alerts or warnings. This particular model lacks user-adjustable fan controls. I tried manually spinning the fans while connecting them and blowing air on them, but nothing happened. Perhaps isolating power from my 200mm fan and mounting additional fans directly to the vents could be a solution.
It was affordable and I had the server cabinet ready. It also lets me set up Link Aggregation to boost bandwidth between my storage server and workstation. Just add some fans, maybe drill a hole in the top and install a single 120mm fan to power it from my server.