Noisy DS212J

[netmask254]

Just got a DS212J but found it a bit noisy to me though it's anounce as very quiet. I only installed single WB Green disk and the fan mode is already configured as "Silent". The fan noise (rather than the disk noise) is clearly audible from 1 meter away with an annoying humming noise somewhat like resonance.

Some questions:
1 Is there any method to read the fan speed?

2 What's the fan control scheme of Synology NAS? For example, after changed fan mode from "Silent" to "Power Saving", I can't experience any difference on noise level. Is there much fan speed difference between each mode?

3 I'm going to replace the default 9cm fan with a better one (even if violating the warranty). Has any one done something before?

 

[ntm1275]

annoying humming noise somewhat like resonance.

I had the same kind of noise with my DS1010+

Does the noise disappear if you lift it off the table/shelf that it is on and hold it in the air?

If it does try my suggestion below:-

From what I could gather, the 'rubber' feet may be made from a fairly hard substance and it allows the noise to transfer through to the table/shelf that the NAS is on
The table/shelf is acting like a sound board making the noise louder than it actually is

I isolated this noise by putting the NAS on top of 1 cm thick polystyrene strips

 

[netmask254]

ntm1275, thanks very much for your suggestion!

I tried but it doesn't work in my case, maybe because I simply placed DS212J on ground. However, I found an interesting difference, i.e. if I press my hands on both side (with certain pressure to the center), then the annoying humming noise disappear and the overall noise level is significantly lower. Therefore, I think it's a structure vibration problem since DS212J is composed by two plastic pieces.

I will move on check this issue by lowering down the fan speed or use rubber to mount the fan.

 

[stevech]

Put it in the garage?

 

[iwod]

If that is the case then it is not a Fan problem but a vibration problem, which is a lot worst since it damage the HDD.

Oh BTW where did you bought it and how much was it?

 

[netmask254]

I have almost resolved this vibration issue by reinstalling the fan using rubber mounts, as detailed described in below link. It's a lot better but not perfectly silent, thus I'm going to replace the fan with a Noctua B9 with the similar spec (1600rpm, while the original is 1800rpm max) some time later.
http://forum.synology.com/enu/viewtopic.php?f=19&t=43354

It was bought in China local market and cost me ~280 dollars (generally it's more expensive in China since the price already includes the tax).