A cooling system and method in accordance with the principles of the present invention employs a fan cartridge that includes a fan and a fan controller and is configured for mounting within an electronics cabinet's warm air return path in a data center cooling system. The fan cartridge may also include a display panel which may be used to convey operational information relative to the fan cartridge. A plurality of such fan cartridges may be mounted within the electronic cabinet's warm air return path to provide redundant air flow supply for the associated electronics cabinet.