[Review] Spondoolies SP20 review - A Green miner with a Loud fan

[Newar]

Why many guys seek extremely low temp just to raise the overclock potential, using even liquid nitrogen?
[...]

How about this?

Say an electronic part performs at best when it's at 60 degrees. An overclocker without Nitrogen would otherwise run it at 100, but the Nitrogen brings it back to 60.

What you are trying is to run at 40 and expect better results. But the part is not in its preferred range, so the efficiency is less.

[Biffa]

Just received a couple of Gentle Typhoon AP-31 (5400RPM) for testing, this is a high-air-flow fan for 120x25 size, it performs almost identical to Delta AFC1212DE at 20% speed

 

I've got the 4250rpm version on my SP20 for a few weeks now. Also tried the Scythe Kaze Ultra, which works quite well, but is also hard to find.

Also from the same range the scythe kaze jyuni 1900rpm I've also tried, at 110CFM

None let you run at the same temps as the stock fan, all are significantly quieter even at full speed. With a slight underclock they are fine.

[Xircom]

For me noise is not an issue but heat,  so I would like to hear if someone came up with a better fan solution than stock fan to increase cfm. I was wondering if this delta model could work. PFB1212UHE-F00. Its rated 252 cfm vs stock 216 cfm.
http://www.amazon.com/Delta-Electronics-PFB1212UHE-F00-120x120x38mm-connector/dp/B004Y15ALK

[Biodom]

Just received a couple of Gentle Typhoon AP-31 (5400RPM) for testing, this is a high-air-flow fan for 120x25 size, it performs almost identical to Delta AFC1212DE at 20% speed

 

I've got the 4250rpm version on my SP20 for a few weeks now. Also tried the Scythe Kaze Ultra, which works quite well, but is also hard to find.

Also from the same range the scythe kaze jyuni 1900rpm I've also tried, at 110CFM

None let you run at the same temps as the stock fan, all are significantly quieter even at full speed. With a slight underclock they are fine.

I got Scythe and would like to try. How did you connect it-to internal connector or to PSU through adapter? Thanks
i don't think that it has PWM anyway, so it does not matter, but Scythe is just 46dB (3000rpm, 133 CFM). Surely, it beats the SP20 stock fan by being quieter.
i am running SP20 at ~650W/1200GH anyway, so less sound would be great.

[johnyj]

Just received a couple of Gentle Typhoon AP-31 (5400RPM) for testing, this is a high-air-flow fan for 120x25 size, it performs almost identical to Delta AFC1212DE at 20% speed

 

I've got the 4250rpm version on my SP20 for a few weeks now. Also tried the Scythe Kaze Ultra, which works quite well, but is also hard to find.

Also from the same range the scythe kaze jyuni 1900rpm I've also tried, at 110CFM

None let you run at the same temps as the stock fan, all are significantly quieter even at full speed. With a slight underclock they are fine.

I got Scythe and would like to try. How did you connect it-to internal connector or to PSU through adapter? Thanks
i don't think that it has PWM anyway, so it does not matter, but Scythe is just 46dB (3000rpm, 133 CFM). Surely, it beats the SP20 stock fan by being quieter.
i am running SP20 at ~650W/1200GH anyway, so less sound would be great.

Since the stock fan uses a special connector, you have to run your fan with dedicated power supply outside of the box, thus can not utilize the auto-fan feature of the latest firmware. You either run it at full speed or use a voltage regulator to control the speed (regulator will overheat under high load, cool it with exhaust fan)

[Biodom]

Just received a couple of Gentle Typhoon AP-31 (5400RPM) for testing, this is a high-air-flow fan for 120x25 size, it performs almost identical to Delta AFC1212DE at 20% speed

 

I've got the 4250rpm version on my SP20 for a few weeks now. Also tried the Scythe Kaze Ultra, which works quite well, but is also hard to find.

Also from the same range the scythe kaze jyuni 1900rpm I've also tried, at 110CFM

None let you run at the same temps as the stock fan, all are significantly quieter even at full speed. With a slight underclock they are fine.

I got Scythe and would like to try. How did you connect it-to internal connector or to PSU through adapter? Thanks
i don't think that it has PWM anyway, so it does not matter, but Scythe is just 46dB (3000rpm, 133 CFM). Surely, it beats the SP20 stock fan by being quieter.
i am running SP20 at ~650W/1200GH anyway, so less sound would be great.

Since the stock fan uses a special connector, you have to run your fan with dedicated power supply outside of the box, thus can not utilize the auto-fan feature of the latest firmware. You either run it at full speed or use a voltage regulator to control the speed (regulator will overheat under high load, cool it with exhaust fan)

>snip image<

Thanks. I will try auto feature tomorrow am, not sure that it would be enough-so far Sp20 fan was persistently noisy (even at 20). If it goes down to 50ish in dB, then I don't have to bother. There is such thing as the physiological adaptation. A persistent sound at a reasonable dB will be ignored by the brain after a while. It is going up and down in dB and pitch that makes sound more noticeable.

[keydogg]

Hey Guys, just found this fan from Enermax:
http://www.enermax.de/luefter/twisterstorm/

154cfm at 38db.

I´m planning to use the SP20 in my living room, so I want to replace the stock fan and underclock to get about 1.0 - 1.2 GH/s. Priority is low noise, not W/GH.
You think this could work oder do I need more cfm output?

I read to whole thread but still not sure if its worth a try 

[Biodom]

Hey Guys, just found this fan from Enermax:
http://www.enermax.de/luefter/twisterstorm/

154cfm at 38db.

I´m planning to use the SP20 in my living room, so I want to replace the stock fan and underclock to get about 1.0 - 1.2 GH/s. Priority is low noise, not W/GH.
You think this could work oder do I need more cfm output?

I read to whole thread but still not sure if its worth a try 

try new auto feature and underclock first, i suggest.

[johnyj]

Hey Guys, just found this fan from Enermax:
http://www.enermax.de/luefter/twisterstorm/

154cfm at 38db.

I´m planning to use the SP20 in my living room, so I want to replace the stock fan and underclock to get about 1.0 - 1.2 GH/s. Priority is low noise, not W/GH.
You think this could work oder do I need more cfm output?

I read to whole thread but still not sure if its worth a try 

Impossible to get 154 cfm at 38db for a 120mm fan, the best 120x38mm fan with 130CFM is already at 70db range, those figures from manufacturer are all marketing tricks

For underclock use, a 60CFM GT1850 with noise around 45db at 1 meter distance is the sweet spot, these are true numbers

[lulu2003]

let me try a fan / Noise summary:

simple exchange is not possible as SP20 uses a very special and tiny PWM Connector.
This connector seems to be a 1.5mm JST ZH 1.5mm 4-pin
(http://www.ebay.com/itm/Micro-Mini-JST-Connector-1-5mm-4-pin-w-Wire-x-10-sets-/161350482183) not 100% sure but 99%

to use the new smarter fan control you either try to order theses connectors or disassemble the stock fans one and solder etc.

as Sp20 comes with a high power 120x38mm fan that is specified up to 200 cfm and this amout of air may be needed in the next summer, I think we need to differ the CFM classes and target GH/s.

-1 safe as stock up to 1700 GH

-2 safe for medium hash rates and conditions

-3 safe for green underclocking (below 1100 GH)

class3 will be an easy one, many low flow 120x25mm fans will suffice and be nicely quiet and can be driven from external PSU.

tested replacement fans class 1-2:
Delta ? 1212 (afaik well known server fan?) high CFM
Scythe Kaze Ultra (38mm depth, medium-high flow) PWM?
are both really quieter at same flow?

Did anyone tried to stack fans in the fan-space of the sp20? there is a lot of room for bigger ones?!

please feel free to add your experiences like the firmware wish list!!!

[johnyj]

let me try a fan / Noise summary:

simple exchange is not possible as SP20 uses a very special and tiny PWM Connector.
This connector seems to be a 1.5mm JST ZH 1.5mm 4-pin
(http://www.ebay.com/itm/Micro-Mini-JST-Connector-1-5mm-4-pin-w-Wire-x-10-sets-/161350482183) not 100% sure but 99%

to use the new smarter fan control you either try to order theses connectors or disassemble the stock fans one and solder etc.

as Sp20 comes with a high power 120x38mm fan that is specified up to 200 cfm and this amout of air may be needed in the next summer, I think we need to differ the CFM classes and target GH/s.

-1 safe as stock up to 1700 GH

-2 safe for medium hash rates and conditions

-3 safe for green underclocking (below 1100 GH)

class3 will be an easy one, many low flow 120x25mm fans will suffice and be nicely quiet and can be driven from external PSU.

tested replacement fans class 1-2:
Delta ? 1212 (afaik well known server fan?) high CFM
Scythe Kaze Ultra (38mm depth, medium-high flow) PWM?
are both really quieter at same flow?

Did anyone tried to stack fans in the fan-space of the sp20? there is a lot of room for bigger ones?!

please feel free to add your experiences like the firmware wish list!!!

I don't think 1700GH is practical unless you have free electricity, you could just buy coins instead of exchange electricity, heat and noise for it  

Delta fans are very good for server usage, previous king of high CFM fan
http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/showthread.php?261778-120mm-Fan-Testing-on-an-MCR120-Radiator-Round-6

[johnyj]

I found out that many users have their DC temp more than 70c degree and still hashing happily, so I decided to raise the temp by partly close the window of the room. As a result, the maximum achievable hash rate increased at 0.61V

Now 485W on wall, 1051GH ------> 0.46W/GH   See how long it lasts

[MrTeal]

In general, I completely ignore any specs published by manufacturers of computer fans other than size and RPM.
90CFM@1400RPM with 18dBA of noise? Sure buddy, whatever you say. When Delta (or Nidec, Comair Rotron, etc) publish a real datasheet, I generally will go by the numbers presented without questioning them too much. Computer fans, not so much. I'd be extremely hesitant to replace a 150CFM server/industrial fan like the AFB1212SHE (3700RPM/53dBA) or the 200CFM one in the SP20 with one marketed towards desktop users based on specs alone.

[vortexz]

The connectors, one serial for testing purpose I guess, USB, SD, LAN, all described in SP 20 quick start manual (It seems I could not find the user manual from Spondoolies website)

which one of those SLOTS labeled as 1,2,3,4 are the slots that power the back chips ?
Thank you !

[Biffa]

Agree 100% with MrTeal.

Scythe/Nidec seem to be pretty close to published specs, I've had some good luck with those.

However, and this is a bit caveat.

No "quiet" fan, even an undervolted Delta is going to allow you to run at max speed on a SP20

To get to 1.6+TH you need 180+CFM and air moving at that speed needs a certain type of fan and both the fan and the movement of air produce a shitload of noise.

The target for me has been much quieter than the stock fan @40-50% at circa 1.4TH which is perfectly doable with something like a 130CFM Scythe

[lulu2003]

johnyj: thanks for the link.

my last test was: with http://www.noctua.at/main.php?show=productview&products_id=80&lng=en
works with limited CFM okay up to 1100 GH/s and when PWM below 50% it is really much quieter and my PSU is getting louder. I speak of round about 44db(a) from 1-2m distance. 44db are completely killed by shutting the door of a room.

[Biffa]

which one of those SLOTS labeled as 1,2,3,4 are the slots that power the back chips ?
Thank you !

Judging by the ASIC stats page the bottom two sockets. But for 100% certainty you should ask Zvi in the main thread. Or just test yourself by unplugging them

[philipma1957]

which one of those SLOTS labeled as 1,2,3,4 are the slots that power the back chips ?
Thank you !

Judging by the ASIC stats page the bottom two sockets. But for 100% certainty you should ask Zvi in the main thread. Or just test yourself by unplugging them

yeah just plug in 3 of the sockets and see what loop does not fire up.

[lulu2003]

simple exchange is not possible as SP20 uses a very special and tiny PWM Connector.
This connector seems to be a 1.5mm JST ZH 1.5mm 4-pin
(http://www.ebay.com/itm/Micro-Mini-JST-Connector-1-5mm-4-pin-w-Wire-x-10-sets-/161350482183) not 100% sure but 99%

China airmail arrived.
I can confirm these connectors do fit.
you only need to cut away some tiny outer plastic "noses" with a kitchen knife, then it plugs perfectly into the sp20 controller board.
then solder some standard 4-pin PWM connector at the cable and you can check every quieter 120mm PWM fan you like without losing warranty.

[dmeter]

i have lot similar whit this fan
http://partner.delta-corp.com/Products/FANUploads/Specification/EFB1512HHG(REV01).pdf

my is delta EFB1512he dc 9-12 v 2,43 a  279 cfm
at 7-8 v is totaly silent.posible mount outside of sp-20 only need one screw adapter
https://www.dropbox.com/s/rzzt1tiso7q2cng/IMG_20150208_142317.jpg?dl=0
https://www.dropbox.com/s/645zt3ymqhltoe2/2015-02-08%2014.23.18.jpg?dl=0

https://www.dropbox.com/s/6ny7qfng9tcy71d/2015-02-08%2014.23.36.jpg?dl=0

https://www.dropbox.com/s/2wigeplb0hpj4wu/2015-02-08%2014.26.31.jpg?dl=0
https://www.dropbox.com/s/021nny00ow7yk87/2015-02-08%2014.27.27.jpg?dl=0

also have https://www.dropbox.com/s/3x1ad7gwuzqdifm/hladnjak.jpg?dl=0 full coper heatsink 0,6 kg    7-8 $
or use this https://www.dropbox.com/s/adm3904jfbrpo6t/hladnjak%202.jpg?dl=0  low profile 0,65 kg     8-9$
please all sugestion is welcome.
now i dont have time because i work in attic on cleean room whit military nuclear grade filter whit isolation rockwoll 20-30 cm
http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-ASTROCEL-I-1000CFM-CLEAN-ROOM-HEPA-FILTER-24X24X12/360960905857?_trksid=p2047675.c100005.m1851&_trkparms=aid%3D222007%26algo%3DSIC.MBE%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D28808%26meid%3D1adc69b801a84b0a9d0b66c9a5cd9ba7%26pid%3D100005%26rk%3D5%26rkt%3D6%26sd%3D301492912443&rt=nc

also sugestion for hepa filter is welcome