Silencing the Dell PowerEdge R210 Server using IPMI

If like me, you spend a lot of time in one room for both study and socializing with a great interest in tech and computers alike, you'll likely find yourself with a server. However, there's one caveat: noise! This guide will help you manage server noise using IPMI.

Software Prerequisites

For the purpose of this guide, I will follow you through my steps with a Dell PowerEdge R210. You will first need to head to Dell's website to find the suitable drivers and software for your machine using the search query box. You want to search for Dell OpenManage BMC Utility. This contains the necessary software for you to locally and remotely interact with your server for a multitude of functions. Once downloaded, run the .EXE file.

Download Link to Dell R210 BMC Utility V8.5

Interfacing with the Server: Let's Make a Script!

Now we have the software installed, you will want to open Notepad to create a script. It should look like the following:

cd C:\Program Files (x86)\Dell\SysMgt\bmc

ipmitool -I lanplus -H (your IP goes here) -U root -P calvin raw 0x30 0x30 0x01 0x00

ipmitool -I lanplus -H (your IP goes here) -U root -P calvin raw 0x30 0x30 0x02 0xff 0x10

pause

The default user and password credentials for the iDRAC are root and calvin respectively. If you have changed them, replace as needed. The function of this code: the second line allows the fan to be controlled; the third line is where you can manually set a static fan speed using hex. Specifically, the last hex character "0x10" controls the fan speed. Changing the last two characters lower or higher corresponds to increased or decreased fan speeds, which should update immediately as the command is executed.

Save the file with a .bat extension and select 'All Files' in the save dialog. Running the script will tell you if there are any connection issues and if the code has executed. If you want the script to automatically close, just remove the pause.

Conclusion

Maybe this article helped you; if so, I am glad! Enjoy no longer having to wear safety ear muffs in close proximity 😆 Thanks for reading and have a great day!