[HELP] Sound proofing and cooling server cabinet
Hello :)
If you don’t want to read everything just jump to the target state/help section below :)
Introduction
Roughly a year ago, I got my hands on a used but good quality 20U server cabinet. Since then, despite containing my running home server and my network gear, it remained in a quite unfinished state on my parent’s attic. In the near future, it could appear that I have to share my home office/gaming room with it (so several hours a day). Therefore, I would like to implement proper sound (and dust) proofing measurements and cooling. Sadly, I am not that knowledgeable about server hardware and accessory yet, so I seek help here :)
Current state
Right now, the cabinet contains the following devices:
- Router/modem (passively cooled)
- Managed switch (passively cooled)
- Home server with four hard disks running all my services
The bottom is open.
https://feddit.de/pictrs/image/a6c31f6c-9cc1-426e-83e6-5e8f82979c2c.jpeg
On top, there are four mounting slots for 120mm fans. Currently, just one is installed and not being used.
https://feddit.de/pictrs/image/a772bbdb-9cc3-4b6c-99b8-783d90cb0c57.jpeg
On top and at the bottom in the rear area, there are openings for the in- and outgoing cables which are not covered at the moment. They are 52 cm wide.
https://feddit.de/pictrs/image/df1f8564-b7f5-4ecb-916e-80c2badd77da.jpeg
Target state/help
(It might be important for availability of parts or material: I am in Germany.)
Devices
In the future, the cabinet should contain the following devices:
- Old router as modem (passively cooled)
- Dedicated router/firewall device (OPNsense/pfsense, passively cooled)
- Managed switch (passively cooled)
- At least four clustered thin clients (I have four Fujitsu Futro S920 lying around, passively cooled)
- Dedicated file server with at least twelve hard disks (actively cooled)
- UPS
I assume only the file server will generate noticeable noise while the rest will generate only heat.
Open bottom
For the open bottom I assume a plain plywood board with openings for four 4-pin 120mm fans (or two bigger fans - less RPM, less noise?) as intakes and magnetic strips at the bottom for dust filters will suffice, am I correct there? Are there better alternatives?
Top fans
For the top, I would install four 4-pin 120mm fans as exhausts. Do you have recommendations for these? Else I would go for known brands as Noctua or bequiet! and compare noise levels.
Fan controller
I have to admit that I never had a fan controller in my hands and have little knowledge about them. Do you have recommendations for a controller for six or eight 4-pin fans? As I looked them up online, I mostly found controller which seems to be intended for desktops, not server cabinets. And when i got one, do I put it on a shelf in the server cabinet or could I mount it on a rail on the side of the cabinet?
https://feddit.de/pictrs/image/a0b4d452-80c9-4f57-8b6e-1a78df5fcbe8.jpeg
Cable ducts
I am completely clueless how covers for these cable ducts are properly called. I looked up several combinations of the words “dust”, “cover”, “server”, “cable”, and so on and didn’t find what I was looking for. As mentioned above, the ducts are roughly 52x6cm. As I got the cabinet, there were pretty nasty foaming and glue residue which I had to scrub off. Are there covers with bristles or foaming to cut into the right size that that help against dust and noise?
Further sound proofing
Would it be a good idea to sound proof the inner sides with some kind of padding or other kind of non-flammable sound damping insulation material?
Sorry for the long post! I appreciate every hint and tip :)
Have a great day!
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