Manipulating Fan Speed and Monitoring CPU Temperature on Dell PowerEdge R710

Hello Tech Enthusiasts! Today, we’ll dive into a technical topic that many server administrators will find handy: managing the fan speed and monitoring the CPU temperature on a Dell PowerEdge R710 using IPMItool.

Introduction to IPMItool

IPMItool is an incredibly versatile utility that allows IT admins to interact with a server’s Baseboard Management Controller (BMC), such as Dell’s Integrated Dell Remote Access Controller (iDRAC). The utility enables admins to extract detailed information about the server’s health and manage some hardware components, including fans and temperature sensors.

Adjusting Fan Speed

Let’s start by understanding how to adjust the fan speed on your Dell PowerEdge R710. But be warned – adjusting fan speeds manually can lead to overheating if not monitored properly.

First, make sure IPMItool is installed on your system. If it’s not, you can use your operating system’s package manager to install it. For instance, on Ubuntu, use the apt-get command: sudo apt-get install ipmitool.

To find the ID of the fan whose speed you want to adjust, use the following command:

ipmitool -I lanplus -H <iDRAC-IP> -U <iDRAC-USER> -P <iDRAC-PASSWORD> sdr type fan

This will list all fans and their current speed. Note down the ID of the fan you wish to adjust.

To manually control fan speed, first, disable automatic fan control with the following command:

ipmitool -I lanplus -H <iDRAC-IP> -U <iDRAC-USER> -P <iDRAC-PASSWORD> raw 0x30 0x30 0x01 0x00

Then, set the desired fan speed using:

ipmitool -I lanplus -H <iDRAC-IP> -U <iDRAC-USER> -P <iDRAC-PASSWORD> raw 0x30 0x30 0x02 0xff 0x<Speed>

Remember to replace <iDRAC-IP>, <iDRAC-USER>, and <iDRAC-PASSWORD> with your actual iDRAC credentials, and <Speed> with the speed you want, in hexadecimal (e.g., 0x64 for 100%).

Monitoring CPU Temperature

Keeping an eye on CPU temperatures is crucial in maintaining the longevity and performance of your server. With IPMItool, you can retrieve CPU temperature readings using the following command:

ipmitool -I lanplus -H <iDRAC-IP> -U <iDRAC-USER> -P <iDRAC-PASSWORD> sdr type temperature

This will output a list of all temperature readings that your server can provide, including “CPU1 Temp” or “CPU2 Temp,” which corresponds to the temperature of your CPUs.

Dealing with “Disabled” Sensors

If the output shows a “Disabled” status for a sensor, it could be that the sensor is disabled, not present, or there might be a firmware or software issue. In such cases, it’s recommended to check your server’s BIOS settings, update your iDRAC firmware, or contact Dell Support for further assistance.

Returning to Automatic Fan Control

If you have manually set your fan speeds and wish to return to automatic control, you can do so using the following command:

ipmitool -I lanplus -H <iDRAC-IP> -U <iDRAC-USER> -P <iDRAC-PASSWORD> raw 0x30 0x30 0x01 0x01

This will ensure your system adjusts fan speed automatically based on the server’s temperature.

In Summary

Managing a server’s hardware and ensuring optimal conditions for its operation is crucial for any IT admin. Tools like IPMItool allow for detailed control and monitoring, helping keep servers like the Dell PowerEdge R710 operating smoothly and efficiently.

Always remember, it’s crucial to keep an eye on your server’s health and maintain regular checks, especially when adjusting hardware settings manually. Stay tuned for more tips on server management!