ZimaCube Fan Noise Initial Optimisation Solution

After the first batch of ZimaCube shipments, we noticed that there has been significant user feedback regarding fan noise.

To continuously improve our product and address the noise issue you are facing, we have proposed a potential solution: adjust the direction of the HDD fans.

We are very keen to hear your thoughts on this solution. After implementing it, did you notice any reduction in noise? Please share your experience and any other feedback to help us serve you better.

Adjusting the HDD Fans Direction:

Here are the detailed steps:

  1. Step 1: Disconnect the power supply of the ZimaCube.

  2. Step 2: Remove the isolation shroud.

Step 3: Use a Phillips screwdriver to remove the screws from the red-marked areas one by one.

Step 4: Disconnect the fan power supply, with the direction shown in the image:

Show:

Step 5: Adjust the fans direction and secure it.

Tips:

  1. When reassembling, you can first plug in the fans power supply before securing the screws.

  2. Ensure the fans connection is firm and not loose to prevent additional vibration noise.

Video Tutorial:https://youtu.be/RakXr2ZiqHY

Optimal PWM Settings

While you are working on reducing noise by adjusting the fan, we also recommend you try adjusting some BIOS settings. This can effectively lower the CPU fan noise as well. Below are the optimal settings we have tested, which provide efficient cooling while maintaining a lower noise level:


This is the ZimaCube N100 BIOS

CPU FAN Mode Setting

  • CPU Temperature Limit of OFF: The CPU fan will turn off when the CPU temperature is below this value.

  • CPU Temperature Limit of Start: The CPU fan will start when the CPU temperature reaches this value.

  • CPU Temperature Limit of Full: The CPU fan will run at full speed when the CPU temperature reaches this value.

  • CPU Fan Start PWM: The PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) value when the fan starts, indicating the fan’s starting speed.

  • CPU FAN Slope PWM: The slope of the fan speed change with temperature. A higher value means the fan speed changes more sensitively with temperature.


This is the ZimaCube N100 BIOS

Recommended Initial Settings:

(Please note that adjustments may be needed based on your specific environment):

CPU Fan PWM Control: Set to automatic mode

CPU Fan Start PWM: Adjust from 65 to a lower value

We will continue testing and will share the optimal configuration on our community forum once identified.

Ongoing Improvements

Please note that adjusting the HDD fan direction and changing the CPU fan PWM settings are our initial effective measures. We are actively researching more comprehensive improvements to find a more effective long-term solution. Your feedback is invaluable and will directly help us achieve this goal in future product updates.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our support team at support@icewhale.org.

Thank you again for your understanding and support!

IceWhale Team

2 Likes

Hi there,

I’d like to look to upgrade the fans, may I know if the fan connector is 5V or 12V?

Also, will the mesh grill fit a 15mm width fan instead of a 10mm one?

Its12V.There are many modification cases on discord, FYI Discord Discord Discord

Hello,
but with this modification, the air flow Is reversed from outside to inside?
Is this expected?

Thanks

1 Like

Would it be possible to show these cases here, as I can not use Discord!?

1 Like

See this post: Changing the direction of ZimaCube Pro's fan for better heat dissipation? Worth a try!

These are some of the solutions we compiled from our Discord members.

1 Like

It would be great if can allow us to control the system fan speed as well even if there is no temperature sensor for it.

2 Likes

My BIOS looks slightly different - I noticed you’re running version 2.22.1287 whereas mine is showing 2.22.1285 (i5-1235U version). Is updating the BIOS suggested?

Manually updating the bios is semi complicated and can be hard to fix if something goes wrong. IceWhale IS making the new bios available, but I would personally recommend waiting until they make automatic bios updating part of the OS as is common in most ‘appliance’ Operating systems.

Unless you really know what you are doing, then please update and lets us know how it help!