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32 PowerEdge 14th generation (14G) acoustical performance and dependencies | Document ID | version (optional)
11 PowerEdge R740XD2 acoustics
Dell EMC PowerEdge R740XD is a rack-mount server appropriate for unattended data center environment.
However, lower acoustical output is attainable with proper hardware or software configurations. For example,
the minimum configuration of R740XD2 is quiet enough for attended data center.
Table 5 summarizes the sound power, sound pressure level, and prominent tone performance of the
R740XD2 in a 23±2°C environment.
Acoustical performance
R740XD2 acoustical performance is characterized for two configurations: Minimum and Typical. Table 5
summarizes the configuration and acoustical performance of the PE R740XD2. Each configuration has been
tested according to Dell EMC acoustical standards for rack-mounted servers.
PowerEdge R740XD2 acoustical dependencies
 Ambient Temperature. For a similar workload fan speeds (and thus, acoustical noise) may increase
as ambient temperature increases.
 High Wattage CPU. High-power (TDP) CPU parts may result in higher acoustical noise output.
 Rear Drives. When rear drives are installed in R740XD2, fan speed may increase for cooling the
drives, and hence both idle and operating acoustical outputs may be higher.
 System Thermal Profile Selected in BIOS. The default setting is “Power Optimized (DAPC)”, which
generally means lower fan speed and acoustics. If “Performance Optimized” is selected, fan speed
and acoustical noise may increase.
Methods to reduce acoustical output of the R740XD2
Although the R740XD2 is designed for use in data centers, some users may prefer a quieter system. Dell
EMC suggests the following list of possible solutions to reduce acoustical output of the R740XD2. An
important note: In most cases, the idle fan speed of the system cannot be lowered without changing the
configuration of the system, and in some cases, even a configuration change may not reduce idle fan speeds.
 Enable sound cap in IDRAC GUI. Sound cap, a setting in the BIOS, can be toggled on/off during
boot up. When enabled, sound cap reduces the acoustics of the system at the expense of some
performance.
 Reduce Ambient Temperature. Lowering the ambient temperature allows the system to cool
components more efficiently than at higher ambient temperatures.
 Replace Third Party PCI Cards with similar Dell Supported Temperature PCI Controlled Cards, if
available. Dell EMC works diligently with card vendors to validate and develop PCI cards to meet Dell
EMC’s exacting standards for thermal performance.