Need Help with Cisco C240 M4SX RAID Controller and Fan Issues!

[ServerNewbie]

I recently got my hands on a Cisco C240 M4SX with 24 drive bays. It’s equipped with a Cisco 12G SAS Modular RAID Controller, but I’ve run into an issue I can’t seem to solve.

From what I’ve read, using a non-Cisco PCIe adapter causes the system fans to stay in high-power mode. However, in my case, I am using a Cisco controller, so I’m unsure why the fans are still running at full speed.

I’ve searched everywhere, but it seems like no one has a clear solution. If you’ve dealt with this or have any advice, I’d love to hear:

• Debugging steps I can take?
• Any potential fixes or workarounds?
• Is reflashing the controller firmware worth trying?

I’m open to all suggestions—please share your expertise!

TL;DR: Cisco C240 M4SX fans stuck in high-power mode even with a Cisco 12G SAS Modular RAID Controller. Any advice on fixing this?

[Steven Tardy]

You also posted in another thread where I recommended changing "fan control setting" to balanced.

What is your CIMC fan control set to (Balanced/Performance/Low Power/High Power/Maximum Power)?

Ideally collect and review a CIMC tech support to understand WHY the fans are spinning fast.

[ServerNewbie]

Hello! 

The CIMC Fan Control is set to High Power And won't go any lower. I have tried to put it on balanced and low power.

I have attached an image as well. The applied policy says Fan Policy Override - Card(s) "Cisco 12G SAS Modular Pass Through Controller" Present

[Steven Tardy]

Don't see any bugs matching this after a quick search.

CSCwd09815 :: Advisable to use Balance Power Fan Policy

Can you set the fan policy to Balanced and see what happens?

Do any of the temperature sensors have a high value (85+)?

Are you on the latest firmware? 4.1(2m)
If not, then upgrade to 4.1(2m).
If so, then collect a tech support and private message me with the tech support file.

[ServerNewbie]

Hello,

1. Switched to Balance but I am receiving the same Fan Policy Override issue that I shared in the image to the last message.
2. I do see some sensors that have a higher value: MLOM_TMP 36.0/96.80F. I have attached an image of the temps below
3. I am on the latest firmware
4. I went to Admin > Utilities > Generate Technical Support Data for Local Download and got a tar.gz. Do you need the full tar or did you need a specific file from it?

Thanks!

[Steven Tardy]

These older M4 logs make my head hurt as the M5+ newer logs have a much better layout for fan speed logging.

I don't see any issue with the HBA itself.

But did notice one strange thing in the logs somewhat related to the storage controller:

• var/storphydrive_info_decoded.txt

Status Desc = Drive temperature 34362097685 C: Exceeded threshold of 70 C

• tmp/storage-data.HBA

%controller "SLOT-HBA" %type "HBA" %physical-drive "1" %group inquiry-data
+host-power: on
+has-error: No
+info-valid: Yes
+error: 
+vendor: ATA 
+product-id: KINGSTON SA400S37240G
+product-revision-level: SBFKT1A3
+vendor-specific-info: **YOUR DISK SERIAL NUMBER REMOVED** 
%controller "SLOT-HBA" %type "HBA" %physical-drive "1" %group smart-info
+host-power: on
+has-error: No
+info-valid: Yes
+error: 
+power-cycle-count: 65
+power-on-hours: 2435
+percentage-life-left: 100
+wear-status-in-days: 1825
+operating-temperature: 2359317
+threshold-operating-temperature: 70

This reminded me of another post on the community forums.

34362097685 decimal is 0x800240015 hexadecimal.

2359317 decimal is 0x240015 hexadecimal.

If you remove that disk, then do the fans slow down to a "normal" speed?

[ServerNewbie]

Hey! I'll def try it once I'm back home and get back to you!

I'm buying some new SAS drives this weekend, I'm hopeful that it's an issue
with the drives!