MikroTik CRS312 Heatsink Fan Shroud // Personal Project
August, 2023
Solidworks / 3D Printing
We recently upgraded our studio networking with a second MikroTik CRS312-4C+8XG-RM switch. Mikrotik's gear is absolutely amazing, and this switch is a super cost-effective way of setting up 10Gbe networking.
Our problem comes with our rack setup. In a closed, air conditioned environment, the stock fans in the switch operate at low RPMs, with tolerable noise levels. Unfortunately, our network rack is stuck in the top corner of the office, where the air happily stagnates, and sounds can reflect nicely off the concrete walls.
We kitted out our first switch with Noctua NF-A4x20 PWM fans, which have been doing great, but for the last few months, the switch temperature has been consistently in the low-mid 70s.
Adding the 3D printed shroud to the rear two fans, temperatures have been reduced by more than 10 degrees, and the fans also spin down from their Max 4500-5000RPM to around 3000RPM, making impossible to hear over normal office noise. All in all, this little addition will probably help extend the life of your switch, as well as the fans (do not hold me to this lol - not responsible for any damage to your equipment, etc...).