Compaq ML350 Compaq ProLiant ML350 1GHz - (2nd generation) Intelligent Fan Con - Page 2

Compaq ProLiant ML350 1GHz - (2nd generation) Intelligent Fan Control Technology Brief Intelligent Fan Control Overview Intelligent Fan Control utilizes software algorithms and hardware mechanisms to provide reduced noise while increasing system robustness. This feature technology is the same used on the ProLiant ML370. The Compaq System Management Driver* utilizes temperature sensors on the system board and the processors to closely monitor the system's thermal state. The driver will vary the fan speed dynamically depending on the current thermal state of the ProLiant ML350 (2nd Generation). The algorithm guarantees that the system is running as quietly as possible while keeping all components within specified temperatures. If the temperature gets too close to thermal limits, the driver will increase the fans to 100%. If the temperature continues to increase beyond thermal limits, the driver will gracefully shutdown the operating system. If the Compaq System Management Driver becomes unavailable the system hardware provides a backup thermal control scheme. The system hardware provides trip point mechanisms that automatically increase the fan speed to 100% if the system gets too close to thermal limits. If the temperatures exceed thermal limits without software intervention the hardware will shutdown the system to prevent system component damage. Together the Compaq System Management Driver and the ProLiant ML350 (2nd Generation) hardware provide the quietest possible system with great reliability. * The Compaq System Management Driver must be installed to utilize variable fan speed and graceful OS shutdown. The hardware mechanisms are available regardless of software configuration. Acoustic Benefits Acoustic testing at Compaq showed reduction in sound pressure and sound power using Intelligent Fan Control. The results are impressive considering the ProLiant ML350 1GHz employs an additional fan and a hotter processor than ProLiant ML350 (1st Generation) systems. Compaq ProLiant ML350 (2nd Generation) improves acoustic footprint with results as shown: Metric Sound Pressure (dBA) Sound Power (Bels) Results ProLiant ML350 (2nd Generation - 1GHz) shows 12.6% decrease in Sound Pressure over ML350 (1st Generation) @ 733MHz Proliant ML350 (2nd Generation) 1GHz shows 7.8% decrease in Sound Power over ML350 (1st Generation) @ 733MHz 142B-0101A-WWEN