How to Soundproof a Server Rack and Reduce Server Noise?

Network hardware emits too much noise when performing computing tasks. If server cabinets are placed in offices and next to employees, noise can significantly influence their performance and impede concentration on work duties. Several pieces of research have proved that external noise slows down employees’ productivity by 40%.

Yet, it is a common case that desktop or wall-mount cabinets are installed on the same premises where employees work. In such cases, it is important to reduce server noise. Modern manufacturers offer a wide range of furniture for data centers, including soundproof models, which perfectly cope with this task.

Causes of Extra Noise

Note that not only active equipment can generate noise. Let’s analyze common causes of noise emission:

• Cooling systems. Each cabinet is equipped with a ventilation system to cool operating devices. Fans are installed to force the air to circulate through devices and exchange heat. Why are server fans so loud? If fans are obsolescent, polluted with dust, or spin too quickly, they can become the cause of noisy system running.
• Thin walls. Most models of server furniture are made of durable metal. However, it is thin and does not absorb noise. To make it more soundproof, it is necessary to attach an additional layer of soundproof material.

Depending on the source of noise, treatment will be different. Thus, it is necessary to identify what exactly works too noisily.

Possible Solutions to Reduce Server Noise

Once the problem is identified, here are possible solutions for how to soundproof a server rack. Below, we’ll list the most effective ways for each type of problem.

When system administrators deal with large data centers where dozens of server cabinets are located, the noise can penetrate even through the walls of the premises. In this case, it is reasonable to soundproof server room. Hire a construction team to improve the walls, doors, and ceiling of the chosen premise. Walls and ceiling soundproofing will be the best solution for large-scale systems.

However, you can act more locally by soundproofing server rack or particular equipment. If the problem is connected to a noisy cooling system, do the following actions:

• Check fans and clean them from dust and other debris. If fans work too noisily, it is most likely that they are polluted. Dust settles on vanes and causes noisy functioning. Disassemble the ventilation system, put off the fans, and clean them. The use of a vacuum cleaner is an effective method to remove dust from vanes.
• Reduce speed fans if they spin too quickly. Yet, make sure that this solution won’t influence the cooling strategy and won’t cause system overheating.
• Upgrade the ventilation system. If your fans are too deteriorated, replace them with modern models. Improved fan models work quieter, consume less energy, and provide more effectiveness.

If the cabinet has a thin body, the solutions are the following:

• Soundproof the door,
• Soundproof walls.

If the reason for too noisy functioning is caused by servers or other active equipment, you can reduce the level of emitted noise by applying additional soundproof materials to the cabinet walls and doors.

Materials for Sound Reduction

Usually, system administrators use the following materials:

1. Mass-loaded vinyl. It is a thin and flexible material. Due to its elasticity, vinyl mats can take any shape and fit any surface.
2. Acoustic foam. Sound muffling is achieved due to the use of foam. Yet, in most cases, it is combined with other materials.
3. Rubberized undercoating spray. This is a modern material. It is strayed on the surfaces. When it gets dry, it forms a rubber layer that perfectly dampens sound.

Yet, there are cases when it is not possible to soundproof the cabinet body, or the problem is not solved by replacing or upgrading fans. There is another solution that helps pump the quietness of your server furniture and reduce the level of emitted noise. You can just buy a soundproof cabinet.

What is the Soundproof Cabinet?

This is a server furniture piece of a special design that absorbs sound. All cabinets are produced from durable metal sheets. However, for soundproof models, another layer of noise-resistant materials is applied.

Features of Body Design

Noise-resistant models have the following peculiarities of enclosures:

• a thicker body due to the application of an additional layer of noise-resistant materials;
• less perforation on walls and doors;
• solid enclosures; sidewalls, as well as the top panel and doors, are not removable;
• specialized holes and slots for ventilation and cable management are provided but plugged with blanking panels.

Model Benefits

The above-mentioned features provide the following advantages:

1. More durable body due to panel thickening. Thicker walls and doors become more resistant to shocks and external impacts.
2. No risk to damage equipment inside the enclosure due to reliable fastening to mounting rails.
3. Improved airflow due to the effective air circulation inside the body and the installation of modern fans. Plugging unused holes with blanking panels allows for achieving the most effective air circulation.
4. More stability due to the bigger weight of the enclosure. While models become harder to relocate, this feature provides more protection from accidental overturning.
5. Security since solid enclosures reliably protect the accommodated hardware from access by unauthorized people.
6. Noise resistance allows installing such models in public places and offices. Equipment won’t impede employees’ performance and won’t scare people in public places, such as stores, cafes, etc.
7. Different options for installation. Wall-mounted, desktop, or floor-standing are available on the market. System administrators can select a suitable model, depending on the number of system components.

If you have no chance to place a network system in a separate server room, a noise-resistant cabinet is what you need. The modern market offers a wide range of models of any design and size to satisfy the demands of all customers. System administrators can pick an appropriate model, starting from a compact wall-mount or desktop enclosure for an office or a large cabinet for a supermarket. Buying a soundproof furniture piece will be the easiest and quickest solution to cope with nasty noise. Yet, there are alternative ways to make your system work quieter. It is possible to apply additional noise-absorbing materials or upgrade serving equipment with new models. Following our guide will help find the answer to the question – how to soundproof a server rack.