User's and BIOS Manual (1.0c)

Chapter 6: Advanced Chassis Setup
6-3
6-3 System Fans
Four sets of 40-mm fans provide the cooling for the 6015P-T(R)/6015P-8(R). Each
fan unit is actually made up of two fans joined back-to-back, which rotate in opposite
directions. This counter-rotating action generates exceptional airfl ow and works to
dampen vibration levels. These fans can adjust their speed according to the heat
level sensed in the system, which results in more effi cient and quieter fan opera-
tion. Fan speed is controlled by a setting in BIOS (see Chapter 7). Each fan in a
set has its own separate tachometer.
It is very important that the chassis top cover is properly installed for the airfl ow to
circulate properly through the chassis and cool the components.
System Fan Failure
If a fan fails, the remaining fans will ramp up to full speed and the overheat/fan
fail LED on the control panel will blink on and off. Replace any failed fan at your
earliest convenience with the same type and model (the system can continue to run
with a failed fan). Remove the top chassis cover while the system is still running
to determine which of the two fan units has failed. Then power down the system
before replacing a fan. Removing the power cord(s) is also recommended as a
safety precaution.
Replacing System Fans
1. Removing a fan
With the system powered down, fi rst remove the chassis cover (refer to page 6-7)
and unplug all the fan cables from the serverboard. Grasp the rectangular housing
that holds all the fan units and lift it out of the chassis (see Figure 6-2). Push the
failed fan out through the bottom of the fan housing.
2. Installing a new fan
Replace the failed fan with an identical 40-mm, 12 volt fan (available from
Supermicro: p/n FAN-0085). Push the new fan into the vacant space in the housing
while making sure the arrows on the top of the fan (indicating air direction) point
in the same direction as the arrows on the other fans. Reposition the fan housing
back over the two mounting posts in the chassis, then reconnect the fan wires to
the same chassis fan headers you removed them from. Power up the system and
check that the fan is working properly and that the LED on the control panel has
turned off. Finish by replacing the chassis cover.