TL-SG1218MPE – Looking for suggestions on replacing internal fans (noise reduction)
Hi everyone,
I’m currently using a TP-Link TL-SG1218MPE 18-Port Gigabit Easy Smart PoE+ switch in my rack, and it has been working well for my setup. However, the internal fans are noticeably loud, and I’m exploring options to reduce the noise.
The switch currently comes with two RUNDA RS4020B12H-RA fans, which produce a noise level of 45 dBA (louder than the listed 30 dBA). Here are the fan specifications:
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Model: RS4020B12H-RA
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Type: DC Axial Fan
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Voltage: 12V DC
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Rated Current: 0.12A
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Rated Power: 1.44W
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Airflow: 16.5 CFM (Cubic Feet per Minute)
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Fan Speed: 4200 RPM (Revolutions per Minute)
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Noise Level: Listed 30 dBA (actual 45 dBA)
I’ve seen many posts and videos suggesting replacing the stock fans with Noctua fans, but they are quite expensive—around $50 for two fans. As a more budget-friendly alternative, I was considering Chinese-made fans with similar specifications. However, I’ve encountered one potential issue: the stock fans use a 3-pin connector (Power, Ground, and Tach signal), while most available replacement fans only have a 2-pin connector (removing the Tach signal wire).
From my research, I understand that using a 2-pin fan may cause the switch to trigger a fan issue warning light, which would be fine for me, but I’m concerned about any long-term effects or potential problems with replacing the fans in this way.
Additionally, my current maximum power usage is only 30W out of the 230W the switch is rated for. Given that my switch is well-ventilated, would it be okay to simply remove the fans entirely and not use any replacement fans?
Has anyone here replaced the fans on this model (or similar TP-Link switches)? If so, I would appreciate any insights into the following:
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Reliability of using 2-pin fans instead of 3-pin
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Potential issues that could arise over time
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Any specific fan recommendations (preferably quieter and similar airflow)
Thanks in advance!
Hey, I had the same problem with my switch and was also considering these fans, but I found a cheaper solution: installing two PWM controllers with temperature sensors in the factory fans. They cost $3 each. It's definitely quieter now, and if it gets too hot, it will run at full power. The only downside to this solution is that the fan LED lights up yellow and a message appears in the controller, but there's also a way to fix that: adding a capacitor... I'm sending photos of my modification (it's been working like this for a year).
