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odessouky's avatar
odessouky
Aspirant
Nov 05, 2020

Netgear Prosafe XS712T stock fan replacement?

I have setup a 10GbE home network/lab, and my backbone is the XS712T. Not the version 2, but the older model. Its used and possibly out of warranty.
 
The fans on my 10GbE Netgear Prosafe XS712T switch are very loud. They would possibly be very OK in a business environment or in a server cabinet, but in my case the switch is in my home office, so a little too loud.
 
I have opened the switch and the STOCK fans are:
NIDEC ULTRAFLO, Model: W40S12BS4A5-57. They are rated at 12V 0.73A. They are 40mmx20mm. They are 4 Pin. 
 
Following some research on the internet, I have read that some users have replaced the stock fans with the Noctua NF-A4x20 PWM fans.
 
So, I ordered 2, but when they arrived I noticed they are: 12V, 0.05A, 0.6W. Also 4 Pin. 
 
I have read on the internet that other users have done this exchange with no problems, but wanted to double check this? 
 
Would the difference in AMPERES between 0.73A (STOCK) and 0.05A (NOCTUA) be an issue? 
 
Would the lower Amperage mean LOWER RPM, so quieter? If the amperage is different, or do I risk damaging the switch motherboard in the switch?
 
Many thanks

6 Replies

  • schumaku's avatar
    schumaku
    Guru - Experienced User
    Nov 05, 2020

    Difference does indicate lower high RPM and much lower airflow overall. The original fan can use up to 8.7W, while the alternate low noise one runs on .7W. That makes it easy to be much more silent. 

     

    I must admit that fans - especially with a lot of operation time at potentially higher RPMs are wearing out, starting to cause more noise than required.

    • odessouky's avatar
      odessouky
      Aspirant
      Nov 05, 2020

      thanks schumaku for your quick reply.

       

      Yes, I realise the RPM will decrease and CFM and colling will be weaker, but my concern is: Is there risk of damage to the switch's motherboard by going from a 0.73A fan down to a 0.05A fan?

       

      I do not want to make a silly and costly mistake?

       

      Many thanks

    • schumaku's avatar
      schumaku
      Guru - Experienced User
      Nov 05, 2020

      When you can take the risk of installing the low power fans, giving up the ability to run the switch on top of a x kWh rack, at the price of a smaller cooling (and the potential risk of an indicated fan error)...

       

      The alternate fan does take much less amps (more than 10 times) - at the same nominal voltage. Where is the risk?

      • odessouky's avatar
        odessouky
        Aspirant
        Nov 05, 2020

        Thanks schumaku 

         

        That is reassuring to hear. I have ZERO experience with electricity and technology, so was worried that changing the fan amperage might damage the circuitry in the motherboard.

         

        I will go ahead and try it.

         

        Many thanks

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