Resolving DL380 G8 fan noise mod - finally!
With big thanks to /u/Vexamus; who a little while ago said to simply bridge pins 4-5-6 on the fan header and that should fool the HP server into believing the fans are still there and working. So far, I've managed to test with two fans and can confirm I get no errors at all while booting, but if I remove my little adapters it comes straight up with fan errors.
This should allow me to attach some nice noctua fans in here, and while always at 100%, that'll be perfect for my rack and still a massive deduction on both noise and power (as these stock bad boys can run as high as 30W each!).
See below for a couple pictures of the little adapter I made by cutting the end off the fans, removing pins 1 and 3, and then shorting the remaining pins. Nice and neat finish, and with a little hot-glue (yet to be added) on the top to insulate it - should be quite a clean finish.
https://i.imgur.com/i7XEG0H.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/4t8tMB0.jpg
I'll update shortly once all 6x are modded, to ensure the server is still happy to post without any cooling at all. And if so - I can get some noctuas on order knowing this mod works.
-edit-
https://i.imgur.com/MrEb18K.jpg
Quick edit just to show the 6x Noctua's in place. To mount them, I'm going to 3D print a housing that secures them in place, and also acts as a duct to make sure all airflow is moving forward and isn't lost around the fans. If it works well, I'll have the 3D file available for download.
-second edit-
For anyone just coming across this now - here's how the 6x fans look powered from the 12v PCIe adapter, as well as all having a 3D printed shroud and mount holding them tight in place and directing airflow. The shrouds almost double their airflow compared to having noisy air escaping around them.
https://i.imgur.com/o58vbFM.jpg
