Looking at swapping all my systems over to Server rack cases. Does anyone have any recommendations on what cases might be available?
I think the 4U ones the sell at my local Microcenter might work out for what I'm trying to do.
Like this:
Depends on what you want to do. you could probably get away with a 2u if you use a pci extender for your video card but a 4u wouldn't be bad
When I was considering getting a rack case I was looking at these http://www.rosewill.com/products/20/159/333/0000/series.htm
But I changed my mind, so I have no experience with them.
It really depends what you are looking for.
I built an ikea lack rack (google it) so I needed short depth cases...as the rack is only 19" long (its a square table). This is the, by far, cheapest way of rack-mounting your stuff.
So I went with a couple different cases and have had generally good experience with..
My NAS is in this case.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811219029
My only qualm is that there is only 2 80mm fans, but I mounted a 3rd near unused PCI slots on the far left of the case and it works fine. The CPU cooler and PSU also help alot. Temps are overall great.
I also have used this 2U case with pretty good success.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811147180
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That mention made my day totally! Thank you! I immediately had to order some Lack's
If going the Lack route, or building your own shell, you can buy just Middle Atlantic Rails and screws on amazon for fairly cheap. At least secure them properly vs screwing you components directly into particle board. As for cases, I went with the silverstone gd08 for my media server case as it is rack mountable.
Keep in mind rackmount cases aren't designed to be mounted by the ears. They are designed to be mounted on rails on the side.
If you are going to build a LackRack either start stacking that the bottom or have some kind of support for the backs of cases.
Rast is the solid wood version of Lack. It holds screws better.
I would use L-shaped brackets below the heavy components. As those that I possess are dell with the dell rackrails, which do not have any screw holes at all as they clip into the 19" rack rail system
When I rack mount my servers I am totally doing this, funny thing is, I actually have two of those tables in my living room already.
I actually have the case pictured and two of these...
http://www.rosewill.com/products/2815/ProductDetail_Overview.htm
I looked at a lot of server cases and reviews and came to the conclusion that if rack space wasn't a issue that 3 and 4u cases were the way to go based on overall space for components including fans, the smaller the case the smaller the fans and the more noise and decrease in airflow, since everything in my rack runs 24-7/365 that was important to me along with the amount of power it was going to draw.
Realy nice case from the link. Sadly it does not look as if it could support redundant PSUs
Nope ...no redundant PS, your going into a whole other class of case to get that functionality and the cost goes up to get that feature, given the reliability of modern high quality PSUs I decided to just roll the dice and take my chances.
Yes I know that. Just wanted to mention it.. as it could be a deal breaker depending on the requirements. Otherwise its really a straight forward nice case.
Not even redundant PSUs save you all the time. We had a machine whose 3 redundant PSUs did not help as a controller chip on the Mobo died.
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You are 100% correct sir.
If you actually want to screw all your stuff in with ears, and somehow hang it---then a RAST is your better option.
But since its ALOT cheaper to buy 2 or 3 $4 tables and a couple of L-brackets... I went that route. But you must know-- the legs are hollow in the middle...with only 2 or 3 inches of particle board supporting them on top and on the bottom.
The only thing that's mounted with the rack ears is my switch...which is at the top... and because its short and relatively light. everything else is just stacked from the bottom.
Keep in mind. Mine is 3 tables.
Heres a couple pictures of my rack, one is old and has my Cisco switch, but you get the idea.
Uhh thank you Sir for mentioning that! Maybe drywall anchors could help solve that hollowness issue
Very nice rack by the way