Rack mount server case

[dgaust]

So I've decided I need to add some extra storage to my server, and this necessitates a new case.

I thought I might as well go a rackmount now, as future plans will call for it anyway. I have no rack at the moment, so I'm free to play with height/depth/width. Although I'm currently using a mATX mobo for the server I will eventually upgrade to a full ATX board so the case should be able to handle that.

So since I'm not expert on rackmount cases I thought I'd throw it out there for recommendations (budget ~$300).

I have looked at this case, which appears to suit my needs, but other recommendations or comments on this case would be appreciated.

[itr2401]

Originally Posted by dgaust

I have looked at this case, which appears to suit my needs, but other recommendations or comments on this case would be appreciated.

I have used those cases in the US and they are VERY VERY heavy. Raising them up when fully loaded with gear to anything above shoulder height was OHS issue. The design with the bar in the middle is useful for the extra mounting of drives, but can really get in the way of CPU coolers if you didn’t use low profile CPU coolers (when you mount drives to the middle bar). In the systems I had with this case - they were all dual CPU Xeon's with 8 SCSI drives - so perhaps that all added up to some extra weight - but even with minimal equipment inside they were still damn heavy.

Depending on whether you want to pull the case out any time when you swap out a drive this can be a total pain as well - as the space / enclosure doesn’t lead well to getting in / out easy.

If you have a look at the Intel SC5299-E series chassis (http://www.intel.com/products/server...e-overview.htm) - these are probably lighter that that case when fully loaded - and with front access to HDD (even if you don’t go the hot swap backplane) its much easier in the long run if you want to swap drives out.

Hope this helps.

[vlad]

Hi dgaust.
What is the purpose of this server? Do you need many HDD bays? Do they have to be hot-swappable?
Do you want it to be quiet, or it will be in the place you cannot hear it?

[dgaust]

Vlad,

It'll be in a place I can't hear so no need to be quiet.

At the moment, there are 5 drives that need to be installed, but this might increase over time to a maximum of 8/9. I don't really need the drives to be hotswappable, so I'd consider it a bonus.

[vlad]

Price/functionality wise is really hard to beat that case of yours


This one looks good to me, but a bit more then what you are willing to pay.
http://www.auspcmarket.com.au/show_p...info.php?input[product_code]=CA-CSPC-314BSLIM

Or this one:
http://www.i-tech.com.au/products/12...00PSL_VSA.aspx

[dgaust]

While I might be willing to pay that much for a good rack case, the missus won't. The one at auspcmarket looks really good, but I'd have to buy a new PSU as well taking the cost past double what I'm looking to spend.

So since I'm limited to the $300 budget (that's even 50% more than what she said I could spend).... I think I'll go the Antec, it's in stock at Skycomp, and they're just up the road from me so I can pick it up.

God it's hard to reign in the spending.... I'm used to being able to buy the good stuff

[logifuse]

Originally Posted by dgaust

I think I'll go the Antec, it's in stock at Skycomp, and they're just up the road from me so I can pick it up.

Lugging it home on the train? Rackmounts are usually pretty bloody heavy.

Justin

[dgaust]

Apparently 17kgs heavy

While I usually use public transport, I have other options.

[logifuse]

Originally Posted by dgaust

Apparently 17kgs heavy

While I usually use public transport, I have other options.

Plus 5 odd kgs of packing & a very cumbersome box I'm guessing. I think you'll need your other options as I can imagine the looks you'll get at Central, especially if it takes up a seat.

Justin

[dgaust]

I've got a Ute at my beck and call.... I think it should fit in there.

But if I did catch a train, and got strange looks, I'd just hit them with it. That'd shut them up