Supermicro SC846 120mm fan wall adapter

Assembly Instructions

• Assemble using the screws from the original fan shroud.
• When screwing in the two screws mounting to the side of the case, take care not to overtighten.  
• Install the shroud first, screwing down the 4 bottom screws, 2 left and 2 right screws, then install the 3 case fans.

Self-print instructions

Print with a high temperature material. Do not use PLA.

Depending on the accuracy of your printer, you may need to ream or tap the case-side holes as appropriate. They are designed to be self-tapped by screwing directly into the holes. As such they are slightly undersized.

Do not overtighten these two screws, they will strip easily.

Print face down to avoid needing any supports.

Background

Like so many in the homelab community, I finally got ahold of the SC846 chassis and found it to be almost perfect - except for the loud stock fan wall.

There are many other options out there for 3d printed 120mm fan walls. But they were all pretty janky, relying on friction fits or a bunch of extra parts and fasteners.

So I set out to create a drop in replacement, that leverages the same mounting points, the original screws, tight tolerances to maximize air pressure differential, and minimum airflow impedance for the fans.

This design can be printed on almost every mainstream FDM 3d printer - Enders, PRUSAs, et al. You can grab the file to print yourself here for $1.70.

Update - 7/29/23

I have revised this model with a new iteration that makes is possible to print on smaller printers (now requiring only 200x200mm footprint) as well as making it easier for me to pack and ship for custom orders.