Tom Moertel's Weblog: Replacing the fan array in my HP ProCurve 4000M switch

Replacing the fan array in my HP ProCurve 4000M switch

Tom Moertel — Fri, 11 Nov 2005 21:42:00 -0500

The main network switch in my home office is an HP ProCurve 4000m, which has been running non-stop for over half a decade. It is a great switch, and even though it is getting old, it is still dependable.

A while ago I noticed that the 4000m’s fault indicator was lit. So I logged into the switch and checked the log: fan 1 was dead. The switch has built-in redundancy (three fans), and so I didn’t worry about it, but I did call HP ProCurve tech support.

The woman I spoke with was friendly and helpful. I told her what was wrong, and she said a new fan array would be on my doorstep within 48 hours. No charge. (I guess the ProCurve warranty really is worth something.)

Today, I installed the array. This meant opening up the switch, which is a fun thing to do. If you are curious about what is inside of a 4000m, I took photos of the operation.

During the process, I recalled why I love old-style HP engineering:

The replacement parts came with clear instructions that showed me how to remove the old array and install the new one. They were easy to follow and didn’t leave anything to guess.
The 4000m is solid – inside and out.
The electrical components are top quality.
The industrial engineering is superb. For example, all of the user-removable screws have non-stripping torx heads and are designed not to fall out and get lost; instead they remain attached to the module or panel you are removing. (See this photo of removed modules to see how the screws stay in place.)

Everything about the process made me think, wow, this is really well engineered.

The thing is, I know, as I sit here and watch the blinking LEDs on my now-restored 4000m, that my next network switch will probably be a Dell.

As much as I love the ProCurve engineering, the Dell price is compelling. Even if I expect the Dells to fail twice as often (and the Dell warranties are comparatively lame), I can buy twice as many Dells and keep spares on the shelf – and still save money compared to the equivalent ProCurve equipment.

I find the situation somewhat sad. I am an engineering guy to the core. So when I go for the cheaper product because it is so darn cheap, I know that much of the market will do likewise. That bodes ill for HP. Like HP’s calculators, the ProCurves too may pass into history.

"Replacing the fan array in my HP ProCurve 4000M switch" by Brett Jones

Wed, 21 May 2008 01:33:19 -0400

Tom,

You are a legend, My fan’s have died on mine, and now I have the confidence to replace it thanks to your neat pictures.

Cheers,

Brett Jones

"Replacing the fan array in my HP ProCurve 4000M switch" by Darren Berkey

Wed, 07 Nov 2007 16:28:35 -0500

Just wanted to thank you, Tom, for posting this information and the excellent step-by-step pics. We use a 4000M in the server room where I work and it has a bad fan array too. I just placed a warranty order from HP for a new array and now I have advanced knowledge on how to install it when it arrives! :)

- Darren B. -

"Replacing the fan array in my HP ProCurve 4000M switch" by Tom Moertel

Sun, 04 Nov 2007 23:48:26 -0500

Sorry, Mike, I can’t help you out with that one. —-Tom

"Replacing the fan array in my HP ProCurve 4000M switch" by Mike Hoy

Sun, 04 Nov 2007 22:01:10 -0500

Yes, i had a question for you, i just recently got my hands on 400m but it didnt have the toptools cd with it, would you happen to have the cd available and if you do could i posibly get a copy from ya, be glad to pay or send you a cd and a shipping folder to send it back, please e-mail me back at michael_hoy@dell.com

"Replacing the fan array in my HP ProCurve 4000M switch" by Tom Moertel

Wed, 18 Apr 2007 16:03:54 -0400

Roger,

I like my 4000M, but I must admit that its feature set is lacking by today’s standards. It lacks SSH and has a pretty limited web interface, and its backplane throughput is only a fraction of that offered by comparable modern switches. If you were buying new, I would say that you can do better for your money than the 4000M.

If you can get a deal on a used model, however, it’s worth considering. I think that gigabit modules frequently sell for more than $75 on eBay. If you can get the whole package for that price, you’re probably getting a good deal.

Cheers,
Tom

"Replacing the fan array in my HP ProCurve 4000M switch" by Roger

Tue, 17 Apr 2007 22:30:18 -0400

I really enjoyed the pictures. I was thinking of buying one, but I’m not sure about the price. How much did you pay for yours, and how long ago was that. How would you rate the firmware, are there many features that are comparable to a Cisco switch for example? I’m might buy one with

8 – 10/100Base-T Modules (64 Ports Total)

1 – Gigabit-SX Module (Fiber)

and

1- 100/1000Base-T Module for $75. Do you think thats fair?

Sorry for all the questions, but it looks like you know a thing or two about this switch.