Um, hello! This is my first post, so I am sorry if something’s amiss, and apologize for my English.
As title says, I am looking for PC case to rehouse my hardware - my current setup consists of lots of wasted space on shelves.
I have two EE-ATX boards - it’s SSi-EEB, but taller on the CPU side. It’s SuperMicro’s proprietary form factor, coming from CSE-846 chassis, made to accomodate 24 DIMMs in ‘normal’ SSI-EEB frame. Examples of these boards are X9DRI-LN4F+ or [X10DRi-LN4F+. It DOES fit into some cases - like Fractal Deisgn Define XL R2 - I actually have one and can confirm.
My problem is I need multiple radiators - I have several SoC and FPGA cards with integrated waterblocks and including CPUs that’s ~800 Watts of heat to reject - that’s at least three 360 mm radiators if I want to do it quietly.
Do you have any recommendations?
I’m in Europe, so I have no access to Rosewill products.
Edit 2024.05.13:
After reading on the topic and researching your suggestions, four possible options emerge:
- Enthoo Pro 2 Server Edition ($240)
- Thermaltake Core W100 + Core P100 ($560)
- Fractal Design Define 7 XL (if it fits the board under the top radiator) ($230)
- any other case capable of housing the board + external radiator ($160+case+housing+heat exchangers)
Failed contenders:
- ThermalTake Tower 900 (will take SSI-EEB, but not EE-ATX) ($375)
- InWin IW-PLM (has amazing watercooling potential, but SSI-EEB only too) - also no offers to buy. I think this is OEM only.
I included currency-converted prices for comparison. That’s already quite a choice, and further research.
Again - thank you very much for suggestions - and if anyone else has other suggestions, please feel free to add them!
Edit 2024.05.15:
Removed Tower 900 from the list - I have confirmed it has only 17 mm between top motherboard edge and side panel, so it’s out of the question now, but Thermaltake Core W100 was added - it will “fit” (top of the board will hang in the air) - and has amazing flexibility and potential, at the cost of high cost.
Still haven’t confirmed FD D7 XL compatibility.
Also haven’t found InWin distributor in my country or in Europe willing to sell IW-PLM.
Thank you very much for your suggestions!
Update: 2024.06.10:
I have confirmed that Fractal Design Define 7 XL does in fact support SuperMicro’s EEATX form factor, with radiator mounted at the top! It does, however, require quite a hard bend on power cables, and several meters of extensions. This will however will not be necessary.
Now, I have analyzed everything I have, and it goes as follows:
- Both EE-ATX boards will go to Fractal Define XL R2. I have quite a bit experience building in this case (I built at least 10 different systems in it), and I feel confident in fitting everything hardware wise (except liquid cooling).
- five SSI-EEB boards with sim hardware will go to mix of Fractal Define XL R2 and Define 7 XL, depending on availability and price (especially on defective ones - I don’t need all panels intact).
- I’m going to rehouse my control node (Proxmox) - also SSI-EEB board - from XL R2 to Phanteks Enthoo Pro2 Server Current 240mm dual CPU loop is struggling, and it’s really hot in there, hard drives don’t like it too.
- If the Enthoo is as good as I think it is, I’m going to move my NAS to one as well. Currently it’s occupying very, very old Codegen server tower (it’s from mid 1990s). Also time to upgrade that Socket G34 antique to something newer.
As for cooling: It took me almost a month of research on similar (mostly failed) projects over the internet, but I decided to go with shared external radiators, and truly outside. My balcony cannot be seen from the street, so I will build unconspicuous box and stagger them at an angle. There are several reasons, why I think it’s the best solution.
First, I got really, really good offer on Alphacool 1080/60 mm radiators - comparable to single high end 420 mm one. I’m going to order 5 of them, and just on that I’m going to save a LOT of money. A lot can be saved with fans too - I can get much, much cheaper (equiv. $45) 230 V 300 mm industrial fans, one per radiator, versus over 50 normal computer fans, that’s another 3x saving.
Second, for a price of single Laing D5 clone pump, I can get two (and a change) water circulation pumps (similar to solar ones, but higher static pressure and quality, since they can be certified for drinking water), which is another huge money saver. Of course two pumps for redundancy are a must here, so total savings are like 9x saving, or 18x if I wanted dual pumps for every system.
Third - I will finally be able to get rid of my ventilation ducting. Simulations often take days to finish, so with 4-6 kW loads it’s quite uncomfortable there. I have wrapped the shelving unit housing the hardware in air ducts, forcing the hot air through unused chimney (house is prepared for an extension that was never built), and pulling air in via always open window with screen over it. Originally I intended to stack the cases just under the chimney and build a shroud pulling hot exhaust out, but with external radiators I can get rid of ALL of that. With shelves out I will get the room back more or less! And I will close the damn window!
I think I am aware of all the issues that come with the territory - from need of filters, bypasses for every system, pretty high static pressure to move liquid through all components and leakiness it may lead too, and of course winter temperatures, but I think I will be able to mitigate and prepare for it all.
I’d like to thank you all for great input and help! I’m happy I found this forum :]
