Replacing the fan in ReadyNAS Duo - possible?

Didn't do a great deal of testing before pulling the stock fan but my drives were reaching almost 45deg.C with the FD fan - I don't think they were that hot with the stock. Also, in the process of replacing my drives I've been running with one HDD fitted - I guess it's not too much of a surprise to say that the NAS is both quieter and a lot cooler with only one fitted.

I think if Netgear had made the NAS a little bigger with some form of rubber damping on the drive slots (even if it meant a little more fiddling installing and removing the drives), the Duo would be much better in both respects but that's just my tc and I guess it's probably stating the obvious. I suppose, like others have said, I could buy another NAS but you're always going to run into thre same issues - besides, I'm in too deep now (that's what she said :D ).

just curious... is it possible to change the stock fan and replace it with something better.... then swap the stock fan back into the unit in case for warranty repairs?

pofrani wrote:
just curious... is it possible to change the stock fan and replace it with something better.... then swap the stock fan back into the unit in case for warranty repairs?

Of course it's possible - if it's a plug-in replacement like the Fractal I used. No modifications needed.

For those that replaced the stock fan with the Noctua NF-R8 using a 60-80mm adapter, how do you get the Noctua cable to the inside of the case?

I see the picture posted by Daryn where the cable goes into a small opening in the back of the unit, however it doesn't seem possible to fit the head without cutting the wire and re-connect them. Is that what is involved?

Other mentions cutting the the stock fan finger protection. Is the cable routed through this opening? This doesn't seem easy to do with the 60-80mm adapter I got from coolerguys..

I am probably missing something obvious. I am reluctant to cut the cable fearing that I may not be able to re-connect them, and cutting out the finger protector, I will do it only if I can be sure the cable will fit in there.... (the 60-80mm adapter blocks the opening where the cables leaves the Noctua..)

Use a pin or similar to poke into the plastic interconnect and release the metal prongs - no need to cut the wires. Then just slip the cable through and re-attach the plastic connector.

John Bean wrote:
pofrani wrote: just curious... is it possible to change the stock fan and replace it with something better.... then swap the stock fan back into the unit in case for warranty repairs? Of course it's possible - if it's a plug-in replacement like the Fractal I used. No modifications needed.

thanks. i might get one too then... i don't think i need it.. i guess it's just an excuse to continue playing with the box :o)

John Bean wrote:
bahman wrote: does the Fractual Design fan cool better or worse than the stock fan? Not a lot of difference. I get roughly the same temperature but at a lower fan speed from the Fractal in my Duo. The spec shows the Fractal to have a lower output than the stock fan in theory but in practice if anything the reverse appears to be true. Best £5 I've spent recently ;-)

where did you get your fractal from? i can't even see £5 on ebay :(

From here. I'm close enough to use their brick and mortar outlet, the postage for smaller items bought online seems rather excessive.

PS: It's closer to £6 at present. It was under £5 when I bought it, on the "Today Only" offers list that day. Always check "Today Only" first before buying anything from Scan :-)

hey thanks. much appreciated JOHN BEAN. i never thought about looking at scan. i'll keep an eye out for it on the offers page.. no hurry for me i guess. :)

hi to all :)
i have just installed in my ReadyNas Duo a NOCTUA NF-R8 80mm with Akasa fan adapter 60mm->80mm, and it works very fine. Noise level now is reduced and disks are colder.
But i have 2 questions:

1) following user posts pictures i have installed the fan PULLING OUT the air, is it the right installation direction? i have this doubt becase i can't remember how was installed the original fan...pulling air out or in??
2) for people with my NOCTUA 80mm fan: do you have used LNA or ULNA cables? i have installed LNA, so my fan speed is 1200rpm, 10db noise level, and disks are 30 degrees. Has anyone tried ULNA configuration? Is too poor cold air or i can try?

thanks guys! ;-)