{"id":255,"date":"2022-09-10T13:16:19","date_gmt":"2022-09-10T01:16:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/?p=255"},"modified":"2022-09-10T13:37:03","modified_gmt":"2022-09-10T01:37:03","slug":"running-an-hp-bl460c-gen8-server-blade-without-the-enclosure","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/index.php\/2022\/09\/10\/running-an-hp-bl460c-gen8-server-blade-without-the-enclosure\/","title":{"rendered":"Running an HP BL460c Gen8 Server Blade Without the Enclosure"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_81 ez-toc-wrap-left counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/index.php\/2022\/09\/10\/running-an-hp-bl460c-gen8-server-blade-without-the-enclosure\/#Introduction\" >Introduction<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/index.php\/2022\/09\/10\/running-an-hp-bl460c-gen8-server-blade-without-the-enclosure\/#Power_Supply\" >Power Supply<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/index.php\/2022\/09\/10\/running-an-hp-bl460c-gen8-server-blade-without-the-enclosure\/#Cooling\" >Cooling<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/index.php\/2022\/09\/10\/running-an-hp-bl460c-gen8-server-blade-without-the-enclosure\/#Startup\" >Startup<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/index.php\/2022\/09\/10\/running-an-hp-bl460c-gen8-server-blade-without-the-enclosure\/#Display_Output_and_Connectivity\" >Display Output and Connectivity<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/index.php\/2022\/09\/10\/running-an-hp-bl460c-gen8-server-blade-without-the-enclosure\/#Completed_Setup\" >Completed Setup<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/index.php\/2022\/09\/10\/running-an-hp-bl460c-gen8-server-blade-without-the-enclosure\/#Whats_Next\" >What&#8217;s Next?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Introduction\"><\/span>Introduction<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>A few months ago, while browsing a computers auction store as usual I noticed a $1 reserve server blade &#8211; the HP BL460c Gen 8, with two E5 2640 v2 CPUs. That looks like a good deal to me!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I got to know about blade servers when I was looking at getting some cheap hardware for creating Chia plots a few months back. <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Blade_server\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Blade_server\" target=\"_blank\">Here<\/a> is a Wikipedia link describing them. Basically, they&#8217;re a stripped-down computer system with only the processor, RAM, and a minimal number of hard drive slots. Power, cooling and communications are all provided by the chassis (also known as the blade enclosure), which can host multiple server blades as well as other blade modules for storage, networking, etc. This can greatly increase the amount of computing power that can fit in a rack as the power supplies and cooling infrastructure are shared. It also means that the enclosure is very expensive, heavy, noisy, and power-hungry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Since the server blades are such specialised hardware, they&#8217;re believed to be useless without the chassis and are sold for cheap. Some people on YouTube did manage to get some old blades to start without the chassis, but I didn&#8217;t see any with the BL460c Gen8, and I wasn&#8217;t sure what&#8217;s involved in figuring it out. So my initial thoughts were just to buy it for the processor as I was hoping to upgrade the CPU for my desktop PC, the Dell T3600. (Well, I later found out the T3600 doesn&#8217;t support v2 CPUs, but that&#8217;s okay)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I ended up getting this for $12, and later two more at similar prices ($16 and $25). Here&#8217;s a photo of the blade with its lid off, a close-up of the proprietary backplane connector and the side label:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"766\" data-src=\"https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Blade-server-opened_L-1024x766.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-258 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Blade-server-opened_L-1024x766.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Blade-server-opened_L-300x224.jpg 300w, https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Blade-server-opened_L-768x575.jpg 768w, https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Blade-server-opened_L-1536x1149.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Blade-server-opened_L-2048x1532.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Blade-server-opened_L-1568x1173.jpg 1568w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1024px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1024\/766;\" \/><figcaption>Arrived blade server with the lid off<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"766\" data-src=\"https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Blackplane-connector_L-1024x766.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-259 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Blackplane-connector_L-1024x766.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Blackplane-connector_L-300x224.jpg 300w, https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Blackplane-connector_L-768x575.jpg 768w, https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Blackplane-connector_L-1536x1149.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Blackplane-connector_L-2048x1532.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Blackplane-connector_L-1568x1173.jpg 1568w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1024px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1024\/766;\" \/><figcaption>Proprietary backplane connector<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"766\" data-src=\"https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Server-power-rating_L-1024x766.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-273 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Server-power-rating_L-1024x766.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Server-power-rating_L-300x224.jpg 300w, https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Server-power-rating_L-768x575.jpg 768w, https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Server-power-rating_L-1536x1149.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Server-power-rating_L-2048x1532.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Server-power-rating_L-1568x1173.jpg 1568w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1024px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1024\/766;\" \/><figcaption>The label on the server says it takes 12V DC, 40A max<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The blade also came with a 2-port 8Gb fiber channel HBA card (QMH2572, part number: 659822-001) and an onboard network card (FlexibleLOM 554FLB, part number: 647584-001). These cards plug into the also proprietary mezzanine PCIe slots on the motherboard and provide communications via the backplane connector to the enclosure. Here are some photos of the cards:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-1 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/FC-card-front_L.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"2367\" height=\"1771\" data-id=\"261\" data-src=\"https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/FC-card-front_L.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-261 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/FC-card-front_L.jpg 2367w, https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/FC-card-front_L-300x224.jpg 300w, https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/FC-card-front_L-1024x766.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/FC-card-front_L-768x575.jpg 768w, https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/FC-card-front_L-1536x1149.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/FC-card-front_L-2048x1532.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/FC-card-front_L-1568x1173.jpg 1568w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 2367px) 100vw, 2367px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 2367px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 2367\/1771;\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/FC-card-back_L.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"2367\" height=\"1771\" data-id=\"262\" data-src=\"https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/FC-card-back_L.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-262 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/FC-card-back_L.jpg 2367w, https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/FC-card-back_L-300x224.jpg 300w, https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/FC-card-back_L-1024x766.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/FC-card-back_L-768x575.jpg 768w, https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/FC-card-back_L-1536x1149.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/FC-card-back_L-2048x1532.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/FC-card-back_L-1568x1173.jpg 1568w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 2367px) 100vw, 2367px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 2367px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 2367\/1771;\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n<figcaption class=\"blocks-gallery-caption\">Expansion FC card (for storage expansion)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-2 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/FlexibleLOM-front_L.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"2367\" height=\"1771\" data-id=\"263\" data-src=\"https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/FlexibleLOM-front_L.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-263 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/FlexibleLOM-front_L.jpg 2367w, https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/FlexibleLOM-front_L-300x224.jpg 300w, https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/FlexibleLOM-front_L-1024x766.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/FlexibleLOM-front_L-768x575.jpg 768w, https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/FlexibleLOM-front_L-1536x1149.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/FlexibleLOM-front_L-2048x1532.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/FlexibleLOM-front_L-1568x1173.jpg 1568w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 2367px) 100vw, 2367px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 2367px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 2367\/1771;\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/FlexibleLOM-back_L.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"2367\" height=\"1771\" data-id=\"264\" data-src=\"https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/FlexibleLOM-back_L.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-264 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/FlexibleLOM-back_L.jpg 2367w, https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/FlexibleLOM-back_L-300x224.jpg 300w, https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/FlexibleLOM-back_L-1024x766.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/FlexibleLOM-back_L-768x575.jpg 768w, https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/FlexibleLOM-back_L-1536x1149.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/FlexibleLOM-back_L-2048x1532.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/FlexibleLOM-back_L-1568x1173.jpg 1568w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 2367px) 100vw, 2367px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 2367px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 2367\/1771;\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n<figcaption class=\"blocks-gallery-caption\">Expansion FlexibleLOM card (for networking)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>In Ubuntu 20.04, the 8Gb FC card is recognised as two &#8220;QLogic Corp. ISP2532-based 8Gb Fibre Channel to PCI Express HBA (rev 02)&#8221; devices, and the NIC card is recognised as eight &#8220;Emulex Corporation OneConnect 10Gb NIC (be3) (rev 01)&#8221; devices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Once I found out that I couldn&#8217;t use the E5 v2 CPUs in my T3600, I started exploring ways to make this server work without the chassis. Something like this could be quite nice for simulation software or video editing, where the software can use the many CPU cores and single-core performance isn&#8217;t too important.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Generally, to use the blade server without a chassis, there are a few problems to solve:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Power supply (in this case, 12V DC and up to 40A)<\/li><li>Cooling (the blade server has no fans)<\/li><li>Actually getting the server to start without a chassis<\/li><li>Getting the display output to a monitor (maybe not required if running headless)<\/li><li>Connectivity (Ethernet, USB, etc.)<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Power_Supply\"><\/span>Power Supply<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The power is supplied to the server by two sets of high-current sockets on the back, which happen to fit standard 4mm banana plugs quite well (again, learned this from another YouTube video \ud83d\ude00 ). The two sets are in parallel and only one set needs to be connected. The top sockets are connected to GND, and the bottom sockets are +12V. In initial testing, I used a bench power supply set to 12.5V output, with the extra 0.5V compensating losses in the cables and the connectors. If I set the supply to output 12.0V then I would get brown-outs during startup. In the following image, I used a power supply lead for temporary testing, which worked well:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"766\" height=\"1024\" data-src=\"https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Banana-plugs-for-power_L-766x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-267 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Banana-plugs-for-power_L-766x1024.jpg 766w, https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Banana-plugs-for-power_L-224x300.jpg 224w, https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Banana-plugs-for-power_L-768x1026.jpg 768w, https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Banana-plugs-for-power_L-1149x1536.jpg 1149w, https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Banana-plugs-for-power_L-1532x2048.jpg 1532w, https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Banana-plugs-for-power_L-1568x2096.jpg 1568w, https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Banana-plugs-for-power_L-rotated.jpg 1771w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 766px) 100vw, 766px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 766px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 766\/1024;\" \/><figcaption>Banana plugs fit well in the power sockets<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The latter two servers I got have a slightly different part number (655492-003 instead of 655492-004), and they were equipped with E5 2620 CPUs instead of the 2640v2. Oh well, the CPUs don&#8217;t worth much anyway&#8230; Despite both being BL460 Gen8, there are some minor differences between the model with the suffix -003 and the -004, with the most notable being the power jacks on the -003 are actually a little smaller than the ones in the -004, and some 4mm banana plugs may not fit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When making the power cables, I only had some of the cheap banana plugs that have loose springy contacts, which would have higher contact resistance. I tried to spot weld them to the center rod but eventually resorted to just soldering them, which worked okay. For connecting to the wires, instead of the screws I simply soldered the wires to the plugs to ensure a good, low resistance connection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>During boot, the server drew the most power in the &#8220;power and thermal calibration&#8221; stage, which was about 14A, as shown below. Obviously, this depends on what CPU is equipped, what RAM is installed, etc. Based on the power supply readings, the idling power draw of the server is about 80W.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"766\" data-src=\"https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Peak-power-during-boot_L-1024x766.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-270 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Peak-power-during-boot_L-1024x766.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Peak-power-during-boot_L-300x224.jpg 300w, https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Peak-power-during-boot_L-768x575.jpg 768w, https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Peak-power-during-boot_L-1536x1149.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Peak-power-during-boot_L-2048x1532.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Peak-power-during-boot_L-1568x1173.jpg 1568w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1024px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1024\/766;\" \/><figcaption>Peak power draw during server bootup<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Once I&#8217;ve managed to get the blade server to work and boot Ubuntu, I got a server power supply out of my old servers collection:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"766\" data-src=\"https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Old-server-power-supply_L-1024x766.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-271 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Old-server-power-supply_L-1024x766.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Old-server-power-supply_L-300x224.jpg 300w, https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Old-server-power-supply_L-768x575.jpg 768w, https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Old-server-power-supply_L-1536x1149.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Old-server-power-supply_L-2048x1532.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Old-server-power-supply_L-1568x1173.jpg 1568w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1024px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1024\/766;\" \/><figcaption>An old server power supply from an IBM server<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The power supply has a model number AA23260 and is made by Astec. Although there are no markings of its output rating on the supply itself, I found this information on the assembly this supply plugs into. This module contains converters that generate the 5V and 3.3V rails from the 12V, so the power supply is likely rated for some <strong>52A at 12V<\/strong> if I work it backwards from the 625W rating. The blade server is rated for 40A so this should work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"764\" height=\"1024\" data-src=\"https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Old-server-power-supply-rating_L-764x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-272 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Old-server-power-supply-rating_L-764x1024.jpg 764w, https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Old-server-power-supply-rating_L-224x300.jpg 224w, https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Old-server-power-supply-rating_L-768x1029.jpg 768w, https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Old-server-power-supply-rating_L-1146x1536.jpg 1146w, https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Old-server-power-supply-rating_L-1529x2048.jpg 1529w, https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Old-server-power-supply-rating_L-1568x2101.jpg 1568w, https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Old-server-power-supply-rating_L.jpg 1769w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 764px) 100vw, 764px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 764px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 764\/1024;\" \/><figcaption>The other half of the AA23260 assembly<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Starting server power supplies are usually fairly simple &#8211; there should be a few control pins that turn on the supply when they&#8217;re pulled down to GND. Here&#8217;s a photo of its output connector:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"766\" height=\"1024\" data-src=\"https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/InkedPower-supply-pins_L-766x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-274 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/InkedPower-supply-pins_L-766x1024.jpg 766w, https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/InkedPower-supply-pins_L-224x300.jpg 224w, https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/InkedPower-supply-pins_L-768x1026.jpg 768w, https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/InkedPower-supply-pins_L-1149x1536.jpg 1149w, https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/InkedPower-supply-pins_L-1532x2048.jpg 1532w, https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/InkedPower-supply-pins_L-1568x2096.jpg 1568w, https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/InkedPower-supply-pins_L.jpg 1771w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 766px) 100vw, 766px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 766px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 766\/1024;\" \/><figcaption>Output connector of the AA23260 power supply<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>For this power supply, I happened to find an old forum post documenting its pinouts <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.chinafix.com\/thread-616550-1-1.html?\" target=\"_blank\">here<\/a> and the steps taken to find them. Here&#8217;s a reproduced pinout table:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-regular\"><table><tbody><tr><td>&#8211;<\/td><td>12V<\/td><td>&#8211;<\/td><td>5V SB<\/td><td>5V SB<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>GND<\/td><td>5V<\/td><td>&#8211;<\/td><td>&#8211;<\/td><td>&#8211;<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>PSON<\/td><td>PSKILL<\/td><td>&#8211;<\/td><td>&#8211;<\/td><td>&#8211;<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>&#8211;<\/td><td>&#8211;<\/td><td>&#8211;<\/td><td>&#8211;<\/td><td>&#8211;<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><figcaption>Some reverse-engineered pins on the power supply. SB is for &#8220;standby&#8221;, meaning this is available even when the power supply is not on<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>For this power supply, pulling the PSON and PSKILL to GND with 1K resistors successfully turned it on, and the output voltage was measured to be 12.2V. I then connected the main outputs to the blade server and it worked! Although it&#8217;s worth noting that at this high current, thick gauge wires are required to keep the voltage drop on the wires minimal, or the server may report power supply faults at high loads. I used 18AWG wires.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Cooling\"><\/span>Cooling<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Like with the power supply, during initial testing, I used a server fan in an adapter\/base I made earlier, which takes 5V power via a USB port and steps up the voltage. There&#8217;s also a POT on the side for adjusting the output voltage, and a voltmeter on the output. It&#8217;s shown in the photos below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-3 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Server-fan-1_L-rotated.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"766\" height=\"1024\" data-id=\"277\" data-src=\"https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Server-fan-1_L-766x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-277 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Server-fan-1_L-766x1024.jpg 766w, https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Server-fan-1_L-224x300.jpg 224w, https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Server-fan-1_L-768x1026.jpg 768w, https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Server-fan-1_L-1149x1536.jpg 1149w, https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Server-fan-1_L-1532x2048.jpg 1532w, https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Server-fan-1_L-1568x2096.jpg 1568w, https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Server-fan-1_L-rotated.jpg 1771w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 766px) 100vw, 766px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 766px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 766\/1024;\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Server-fan-2_L-rotated.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"766\" height=\"1024\" data-id=\"278\" data-src=\"https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Server-fan-2_L-766x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-278 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Server-fan-2_L-766x1024.jpg 766w, https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Server-fan-2_L-224x300.jpg 224w, https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Server-fan-2_L-768x1026.jpg 768w, https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Server-fan-2_L-1149x1536.jpg 1149w, https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Server-fan-2_L-1532x2048.jpg 1532w, https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Server-fan-2_L-1568x2096.jpg 1568w, https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Server-fan-2_L-rotated.jpg 1771w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 766px) 100vw, 766px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 766px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 766\/1024;\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Server-fan-running_L-rotated.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"766\" height=\"1024\" data-id=\"279\" data-src=\"https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Server-fan-running_L-766x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-279 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Server-fan-running_L-766x1024.jpg 766w, https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Server-fan-running_L-224x300.jpg 224w, https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Server-fan-running_L-768x1026.jpg 768w, https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Server-fan-running_L-1149x1536.jpg 1149w, https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Server-fan-running_L-1532x2048.jpg 1532w, https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Server-fan-running_L-1568x2096.jpg 1568w, https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Server-fan-running_L-rotated.jpg 1771w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 766px) 100vw, 766px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 766px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 766\/1024;\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n<figcaption class=\"blocks-gallery-caption\">Server fan (from HP DL380 G3\/G4 servers) in a custom base<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>On the blade server side, I just had no hard drives or blanks installed and had the fan blowing directly into the hard drive bay openings. This proved to be sufficient even without running the fan at the full 12V, although with no hard drives installed, it&#8217;s only good for testing (I ran a live Ubuntu from a USB DVD reader).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Most people modifying blade servers will cut a large hole on the steel lid and glue or duct tape a 90cm+ PC case fan for cooling, but I wanted to come up with a more elegant solution as I try to avoid destructive mods like this. Once I made sure the whole system setup works, I fired up Inventor and modelled an adapter for two little server fans at the back:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1246\" height=\"809\" data-src=\"https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Fan-adapter-CAD-part-only.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-280 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Fan-adapter-CAD-part-only.png 1246w, https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Fan-adapter-CAD-part-only-300x195.png 300w, https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Fan-adapter-CAD-part-only-1024x665.png 1024w, https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Fan-adapter-CAD-part-only-768x499.png 768w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1246px) 100vw, 1246px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1246px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1246\/809;\" \/><figcaption>Fan adapter model<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>This would fit two of the HP DL380 Gen3\/4 fans with their brackets removed (which are standard 60mm fans), like in the following image:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"903\" height=\"614\" data-src=\"https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Fan-adapter-CAD-assembly.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-281 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Fan-adapter-CAD-assembly.png 903w, https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Fan-adapter-CAD-assembly-300x204.png 300w, https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Fan-adapter-CAD-assembly-768x522.png 768w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 903px) 100vw, 903px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 903px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 903\/614;\" \/><figcaption>Fan adapter with the blade server and the fans<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The hole in the middle was supposed to run the power cables and any signal wires, although once this was printed, I had to drill out extra holes for power at better locations. Here&#8217;s the adapter assembled with fans:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-2 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:100%\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-1 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:100%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Fan-adapter-with-fans-2_L.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1771\" height=\"2368\" data-src=\"https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Fan-adapter-with-fans-2_L.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-283 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Fan-adapter-with-fans-2_L.jpg 1771w, https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Fan-adapter-with-fans-2_L-224x300.jpg 224w, https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Fan-adapter-with-fans-2_L-766x1024.jpg 766w, https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Fan-adapter-with-fans-2_L-768x1027.jpg 768w, https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Fan-adapter-with-fans-2_L-1149x1536.jpg 1149w, https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Fan-adapter-with-fans-2_L-1532x2048.jpg 1532w, https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Fan-adapter-with-fans-2_L-1568x2097.jpg 1568w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1771px) 100vw, 1771px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1771px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1771\/2368;\" \/><\/a><figcaption>Fan adapter with the fans, looking from inside<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Fan-adapter-with-fans-1_L.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"766\" data-src=\"https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Fan-adapter-with-fans-1_L-1024x766.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-282 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Fan-adapter-with-fans-1_L-1024x766.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Fan-adapter-with-fans-1_L-300x224.jpg 300w, https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Fan-adapter-with-fans-1_L-768x575.jpg 768w, https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Fan-adapter-with-fans-1_L-1536x1149.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Fan-adapter-with-fans-1_L-2048x1532.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Fan-adapter-with-fans-1_L-1568x1173.jpg 1568w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1024px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1024\/766;\" \/><\/a><figcaption>Fan adapter with the fans installed and temporarily wired up<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Fan-adapter-installed_L.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"766\" data-src=\"https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Fan-adapter-installed_L-1024x766.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-284 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Fan-adapter-installed_L-1024x766.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Fan-adapter-installed_L-300x224.jpg 300w, https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Fan-adapter-installed_L-768x575.jpg 768w, https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Fan-adapter-installed_L-1536x1149.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Fan-adapter-installed_L-2048x1532.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Fan-adapter-installed_L-1568x1173.jpg 1568w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1024px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1024\/766;\" \/><\/a><figcaption>Fan adapter installed onto the back of the blade server<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>The internal dimensions of the adapter were a little too loose to fit on the back of the blade server, so I lined it with a loop of foam tape. It worked well with a bonus feature of sealing the edges better \ud83d\ude00<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In later testing with this, I used a bench supply to power the fans and to set different voltages (as running them at full 12V gets very loud). The server seems to cope well with the fans supplied with 7V, while the hottest spot was near the HD controller, at about 63C. The HP iLO management interface provides an intuitive 3D view of the temperature sensors which made the hotspots really obvious.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-4 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"766\" data-id=\"291\" data-src=\"https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Power-and-iLO-connections-1_L-1024x766.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-291 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Power-and-iLO-connections-1_L-1024x766.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Power-and-iLO-connections-1_L-300x224.jpg 300w, https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Power-and-iLO-connections-1_L-768x575.jpg 768w, https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Power-and-iLO-connections-1_L-1536x1149.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Power-and-iLO-connections-1_L-2048x1532.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Power-and-iLO-connections-1_L-1568x1173.jpg 1568w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1024px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1024\/766;\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"766\" data-id=\"292\" data-src=\"https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Power-and-iLO-connections-2_L-1024x766.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-292 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Power-and-iLO-connections-2_L-1024x766.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Power-and-iLO-connections-2_L-300x224.jpg 300w, https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Power-and-iLO-connections-2_L-768x575.jpg 768w, https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Power-and-iLO-connections-2_L-1536x1149.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Power-and-iLO-connections-2_L-2048x1532.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Power-and-iLO-connections-2_L-1568x1173.jpg 1568w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1024px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1024\/766;\" \/><\/figure>\n<figcaption class=\"blocks-gallery-caption\">Power and iLO connections<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"766\" data-src=\"https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Fan-adapter-with-the-power-wires_L-1024x766.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-293 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Fan-adapter-with-the-power-wires_L-1024x766.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Fan-adapter-with-the-power-wires_L-300x224.jpg 300w, https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Fan-adapter-with-the-power-wires_L-768x575.jpg 768w, https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Fan-adapter-with-the-power-wires_L-1536x1149.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Fan-adapter-with-the-power-wires_L-2048x1532.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Fan-adapter-with-the-power-wires_L-1568x1173.jpg 1568w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1024px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1024\/766;\" \/><figcaption>Fan adapter with fans and power wires<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Startup\"><\/span>Startup<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/medium.com\/@janvarry\/cheap-home-server-for-bug-bounting-hp-proliant-blade-bl460c-gen7-home-without-chassis-diy-d970a17869cf\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"https:\/\/medium.com\/@janvarry\/cheap-home-server-for-bug-bounting-hp-proliant-blade-bl460c-gen7-home-without-chassis-diy-d970a17869cf\" target=\"_blank\">Here<\/a> is a blog post by a Russian guy who managed to start his BL460c Gen7 by turning switches 1 and 3 to the ON position in the maintenance switch block. There are two switch blocks in the Gen7; While in the Gen8, there&#8217;s only one switch block near the front of the server, but the same setup still works!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"766\" data-src=\"https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/InkedMaintenance-switches-location_L-1024x766.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-265 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/InkedMaintenance-switches-location_L-1024x766.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/InkedMaintenance-switches-location_L-300x224.jpg 300w, https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/InkedMaintenance-switches-location_L-768x575.jpg 768w, https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/InkedMaintenance-switches-location_L-1536x1149.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/InkedMaintenance-switches-location_L-2048x1532.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/InkedMaintenance-switches-location_L-1568x1173.jpg 1568w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1024px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1024\/766;\" \/><figcaption>Maintenance switch block location in the BL460c Gen8<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"766\" height=\"1024\" data-src=\"https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/2640v2-startup-page_L-766x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-298 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/2640v2-startup-page_L-766x1024.jpg 766w, https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/2640v2-startup-page_L-224x300.jpg 224w, https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/2640v2-startup-page_L-768x1026.jpg 768w, https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/2640v2-startup-page_L-1149x1536.jpg 1149w, https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/2640v2-startup-page_L-1532x2048.jpg 1532w, https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/2640v2-startup-page_L-1568x2096.jpg 1568w, https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/2640v2-startup-page_L-rotated.jpg 1771w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 766px) 100vw, 766px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 766px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 766\/1024;\" \/><figcaption>Photo of the server booting<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Display_Output_and_Connectivity\"><\/span>Display Output and Connectivity<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Although most of the connectivity interfaces (10Gb Ethernet, fiber channel, server administration, iLO, etc.) are on the backplane connector, the blade server does have a diagnostic port on its front panel. On BL460c Gen8, it provides a VGA display output, a serial port, and two USB 2.0 ports. The adapter cable is also called the SUV cable, with an HP part number of 409496-001. This allowed me to hook up a monitor, a keyboard\/mouse, and USB WiFi\/Ethernet adapters, although with it being only USB 2.0, the throughput will be quite limited for networking and file transfer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>From <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=23ZIOhtGlF4\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=23ZIOhtGlF4\" target=\"_blank\">this video<\/a>, I learned another trick for accessing the HP iLO functionality on the blade server. iLO stands for integrated Lights-Out; it&#8217;s a system with its own little processor that runs independently of the CPUs in the server and provides diagnostic and maintenance functions. It&#8217;s accessible via a dedicated Ethernet interface (100BASE-T), which is wired to the top right four pins of the backplane connector. The pinout is as follows:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><tbody><tr><td>Orange<\/td><td>Green<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Orange-white<\/td><td>Green-white<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><figcaption>iLO pinout<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>From measurement, the pin pitch of the backplane connector is about 1.9mm, so I used some 2mm headers I had on hand to make a simple 2&#215;2 header block, using hot glue and heat shrink. The pins were a bit short, so I used a small rubber band to make sure the header stays in place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-5 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/iLO-connection-close-up_L.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"766\" data-id=\"295\" data-src=\"https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/iLO-connection-close-up_L-1024x766.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-295 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/iLO-connection-close-up_L-1024x766.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/iLO-connection-close-up_L-300x224.jpg 300w, https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/iLO-connection-close-up_L-768x575.jpg 768w, https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/iLO-connection-close-up_L-1536x1149.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/iLO-connection-close-up_L-2048x1532.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/iLO-connection-close-up_L-1568x1173.jpg 1568w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1024px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1024\/766;\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/iLO-network-plug_L.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"766\" data-id=\"296\" data-src=\"https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/iLO-network-plug_L-1024x766.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-296 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/iLO-network-plug_L-1024x766.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/iLO-network-plug_L-300x224.jpg 300w, https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/iLO-network-plug_L-768x575.jpg 768w, https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/iLO-network-plug_L-1536x1149.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/iLO-network-plug_L-2048x1532.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/iLO-network-plug_L-1568x1173.jpg 1568w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1024px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1024\/766;\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n<figcaption class=\"blocks-gallery-caption\">DIY iLO connector<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>With the switch blocks 1 and 3 set to the ON position, the iLO security is overridden and the default admin\/admin credentials can be used to log into the iLO interface:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"766\" data-src=\"https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/iLO-page-edited-1024x766.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-297 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/iLO-page-edited-1024x766.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/iLO-page-edited-300x224.jpg 300w, https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/iLO-page-edited-768x574.jpg 768w, https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/iLO-page-edited-1536x1149.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/iLO-page-edited-2048x1532.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/iLO-page-edited-1568x1173.jpg 1568w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1024px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1024\/766;\" \/><figcaption>iLO page accessed from a browser<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Completed_Setup\"><\/span>Completed Setup<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Here&#8217;s a photo of the whole system I had on the bench:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"766\" height=\"1024\" data-src=\"https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Full-system-setup_L-766x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-275 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Full-system-setup_L-766x1024.jpg 766w, https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Full-system-setup_L-224x300.jpg 224w, https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Full-system-setup_L-768x1026.jpg 768w, https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Full-system-setup_L-1149x1536.jpg 1149w, https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Full-system-setup_L-1532x2048.jpg 1532w, https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Full-system-setup_L-1568x2096.jpg 1568w, https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Full-system-setup_L-rotated.jpg 1771w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 766px) 100vw, 766px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 766px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 766\/1024;\" \/><figcaption>Completed setup for testing<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Here&#8217;s a photo of the htop and hardinfo windows in Lubuntu 20.04:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"766\" data-src=\"https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Lubuntu-htop-and-hardinfo-page_L-1024x766.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-299 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Lubuntu-htop-and-hardinfo-page_L-1024x766.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Lubuntu-htop-and-hardinfo-page_L-300x224.jpg 300w, https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Lubuntu-htop-and-hardinfo-page_L-768x575.jpg 768w, https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Lubuntu-htop-and-hardinfo-page_L-1536x1149.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Lubuntu-htop-and-hardinfo-page_L-2048x1532.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Lubuntu-htop-and-hardinfo-page_L-1568x1173.jpg 1568w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1024px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1024\/766;\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Whats_Next\"><\/span>What&#8217;s Next?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Now that I have the system working, I plan to design a simple frame using 2020 Aluminium extrusions and printed parts, so the blade server and the power supply can be neatly organised together. That should make the setup easier to move around just like a desktop PC, as I plan to put it away when not used.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Introduction A few months ago, while browsing a computers auction store as usual I noticed a $1 reserve server blade &#8211; the HP BL460c Gen 8, with two E5 2640 v2 CPUs. That looks like a good deal to me! I got to know about blade servers when I was looking at getting some cheap&hellip; <a class=\"more-link\" href=\"https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/index.php\/2022\/09\/10\/running-an-hp-bl460c-gen8-server-blade-without-the-enclosure\/\">Continue reading <span class=\"screen-reader-text\">Running an HP BL460c Gen8 Server Blade Without the Enclosure<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[22],"tags":[23,25],"class_list":["post-255","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-hardware-mods","tag-blade-server","tag-hp-bl460c-gen8","entry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/255","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=255"}],"version-history":[{"count":14,"href":"https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/255\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":303,"href":"https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/255\/revisions\/303"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=255"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=255"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=255"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}