Hi,
Has anyone changed out the main fan and/or the CPU fans on
the Sun w1100z/w2100z to improve the noise levels?
It's summer here now and we have a desktop where the fans won't run
at minimum speed due to moderate ambient temperatures (28 C). Unit is
rather noisely with main fan sounding like a blower (and buzz
from the CPU fans(?)). Would changing out the fans help?
(The latest supp cd 2.0 bios is already installed).
Thx...

user <user@example.net> writes:

> Hi,
> Has anyone changed out the main fan and/or the CPU fans on
> the Sun w1100z/w2100z to improve the noise levels?
> It's summer here now and we have a desktop where the fans won't run
> at minimum speed due to moderate ambient temperatures (28 C). Unit is
> rather noisely with main fan sounding like a blower (and buzz
>
> from the CPU fans(?)). Would changing out the fans help?
> (The latest supp cd 2.0 bios is already installed).
> Thx...

Call Sun and have them replace the fan on FCO 255.

I got a set for my w1100z today, but haven't had the time to replace
them yet.

You need to replace both the chassis fan and the cpu heatsink/fan.

Thomas

user wrote:
>
> Hi,
> Has anyone changed out the main fan and/or the CPU fans on
> the Sun w1100z/w2100z to improve the noise levels?
> It's summer here now and we have a desktop where the fans won't run
> at minimum speed due to moderate ambient temperatures (28 C). Unit is
> rather noisely with main fan sounding like a blower (and buzz
> from the CPU fans(?)). Would changing out the fans help?
> (The latest supp cd 2.0 bios is already installed).
> Thx...
Try Thomas' route as I've just got a 2100z w/ dual 246's and it's not
loud at all. Granted, it is in an A/C environment at about 72 degrees
F, but often stays near ~50-75% max load (across both processors).

Also, there is a place in the BIOS to adjust how "aggressive" you want
your cooling to be.

On Tue, 07 Jun 2005 12:46:51 -0400, user <user@example.net> wrote:

>
>Hi,
>Has anyone changed out the main fan and/or the CPU fans on
>the Sun w1100z/w2100z to improve the noise levels?
>It's summer here now and we have a desktop where the fans won't run
>at minimum speed due to moderate ambient temperatures (28 C). Unit is
>rather noisely with main fan sounding like a blower (and buzz
>from the CPU fans(?)). Would changing out the fans help?
>(The latest supp cd 2.0 bios is already installed).
>Thx...

I finally got my new CPU and chassis fans installed. _Much_ quieter -
at least the chassis fan. The CPU fan is a little "growly" but not
particularly loud.

Make sure that Sun sends you the correct parts. The new CPU fan has
a different heat sink and bracket FRU 310-0020 (I think - the
type font is mighty small). The new chassis fan should be
FRU 370-7716. Sun initially sent me another copy of the original
fan - noisier than the 1st one.

Verify that you have selected "normal" cooling mode in BIOS.

Sun replaced my fans under warranty

Bill
--
William D Waddington
william.waddington@beezmo.com
"Even bugs...are unexpected signposts on
the long road of creativity..." - Ken Burtch

Bill Waddington wrote:
> On Tue, 07 Jun 2005 12:46:51 -0400, user <user@example.net> wrote:
> Make sure that Sun sends you the correct parts. The new CPU fan has
> a different heat sink and bracket FRU 310-0020 (I think - the
> type font is mighty small). The new chassis fan should be
> FRU 370-7716. Sun initially sent me another copy of the original
> fan - noisier than the 1st one.

Here're some pictures of the heatsink/fans in my W2100z:

http://www.pbase.com/taochen/image/33526330
http://www.pbase.com/taochen/image/34000123
http://www.pbase.com/taochen/image/33931178

The new ones you got are different, right?

I am thinking of replacing these also, although after BIOS upgrade it's
much better than when I first got it.

Thanks,
Tao

That is the old noisy one.

Thomas

On Sat, 11 Jun 2005 01:45:59 GMT, Tao Chen <nameistao@gmail.com>
wrote:

>Here're some pictures of the heatsink/fans in my W2100z:
>
>http://www.pbase.com/taochen/image/33526330
>http://www.pbase.com/taochen/image/34000123
>http://www.pbase.com/taochen/image/33931178

Those are the old fans. The new CPU fan/heatsink looks quite
different, and the chassis fan is a different model number.

Bill
--
William D Waddington
william.waddington@beezmo.com
"Even bugs...are unexpected signposts on
the long road of creativity..." - Ken Burtch

Thanks for all the input. Just updating that I've opened a case number
with Sun and they've sent me a newer model chassis fan and
fan/heatsinks. I haven't had time to install them yet.

The new F310-0020 part is shown in the revised Sun Java Workstation
W1100z and W2100z user guide, 817-6585-12.pdf (downloadable from Sun).
The fan is mounted on top of the heat sink now, rather than the side.

user wrote:
>
>
> Thanks for all the input. Just updating that I've opened a case number
> with Sun and they've sent me a newer model chassis fan and
> fan/heatsinks. I haven't had time to install them yet.
>
> The new F310-0020 part is shown in the revised Sun Java Workstation
> W1100z and W2100z user guide, 817-6585-12.pdf (downloadable from Sun).
> The fan is mounted on top of the heat sink now, rather than the side.


My news server dropped the previous posts. Please reiterate the
significance of this new heat sink setup. Are you overheating or just
loud? Both maybe?

If my rusty memory serves, you might be the one that had overheating
problems now that summer is here?

I just put in the supplemental 2.0 CD BIOS to my 2100z (dual 246's)
yesterday and didn't notice much if any change in cooling or noise. But
then again, there is no problem here.

KJ <here@there.net> writes:

> user wrote:
> > Thanks for all the input. Just updating that I've opened a case
> > number with Sun and they've sent me a newer model chassis fan and
> > fan/heatsinks. I haven't had time to install them yet.
>
> > The new F310-0020 part is shown in the revised Sun Java Workstation
> > W1100z and W2100z user guide, 817-6585-12.pdf (downloadable from
> > Sun). The fan is mounted on top of the heat sink now, rather than
> > the side.
>
>
>
> My news server dropped the previous posts. Please reiterate the
> significance of this new heat sink setup. Are you overheating or just
> loud? Both maybe?

The only problem that the new fans solve is excessive noise, AFAIK.

This is a common problem with US designed computers, they are loud,
and either all US computer designers are hearing impaired, or they
don't hear the noise due to all the other crap that is making a lot of
noise, like air conditioning, other computers, ... :-(

Sun had to design a low noise kit for the Ultra 60 for a major Swedish
company that were using them in their office environment. They had a
noise limit of around 30 - 35 dB IIRC. Sun also had to design similar
kits for some older systems (SS1?). For some reason it seems that no
one learns :-(

I really value silence while I'm working, which is why I have moved my
computers out into the garage and run a cable duct through the wall to
the next room. The only noise I have around here is the ventilation,
which is running at the lowest possible speed, and an occasional train
passing by. The street outside is a dead-end, so there is no through
traffic either.

I also enjoy when I can open a door to the outside and hear the birds
and an occasional bumble bee passing by :-)

I'm also contemplating replacing a few PC:s and Mac:s in the house
with Sun Rays, which are fan-less.

>
>
> If my rusty memory serves, you might be the one that had overheating
> problems now that summer is here?
>
>
> I just put in the supplemental 2.0 CD BIOS to my 2100z (dual 246's)
> yesterday and didn't notice much if any change in cooling or noise.
> But then again, there is no problem here.
>

Thomas