Fanless PSU

[snakyjake]

Are there concerns about running a fanless PSU?

Or does a fanless PSU depend on chasis fans?

The server will be in the office, and would prefer less noise.

The workload will mostly be from Intel Kaby Lake CPU and 8 x 5400 RPM drives.

 

[Jeggs101]

It shouldn't be an issue if you've got other fans.

 

[Netwerkz101]

It depends on the amount of heat build up inside your case and around your components.
If your power supply is the only exhaust port, you would want one with a fan blowing out; otherwise,
no a fanless PSU won't really matter.

Bigger, lower RPM fans help.
An air conditioned office with cool ambient air will help too.

 

[azev]

Some cpu offer hybrid mode where the fan only comes on when its needed.
I have a seasonic ps and the fan stayed off unless I loaded the system (benchmark or playing game)

 

[T_Minus]

I have some Seasonic PSU that give you the option of hybrid or not, and in hybrid the fan does turn off but honestly any seasonic PSU or EVGA 2 or 3 will be silent enough even with a fan to be not noticeable in an office / desktop workstation environment.

When it comes to 2U+ servers and desktop/ATX style PSU ideally you want a rear-exiting fan not a top/bottom like SOME consumer ATX style PSU will do. I have a handful of 400w or so maybe 350w iirc, I forget exactly that are specifically made to intake in chassis and exit rear PSU these are ideal for 2U/server chassis.

 

[herby]

I have some Seasonic PSU that give you the option of hybrid or not, and in hybrid the fan does turn off but honestly any seasonic PSU or EVGA 2 or 3 will be silent enough even with a fan to be not noticeable in an office / desktop workstation environment.

When it comes to 2U+ servers and desktop/ATX style PSU ideally you want a rear-exiting fan not a top/bottom like SOME consumer ATX style PSU will do. I have a handful of 400w or so maybe 350w iirc, I forget exactly that are specifically made to intake in chassis and exit rear PSU these are ideal for 2U/server chassis.

I use Seasonic ATX PSU's in my 2u chassis: https://seasonic.com/product-category/industrial-products/pc-atx/

Models ending in ES seem to be the old fashion 80mm-fan-out-the-back design I prefer.
I have a couple of their highest wattage SS-600 ES in my Xenservers, and a SS-300 ES in my FreeNAS box. They are fairly quiet, but not super efficient at 80+ Bronze.

Personally I would be nervous running a fanless PSU in a server chassis. Most of them seem to have a vented section they want unobstructed and facing up for air flow/convection I guess.