2U rack case

[youph]

I'm in the market for a server case. 2U is what I'm looking at. I'm a total noob when it comes to server building though I consider myself an expert on regular PC construction.

I'm looking for a solid yet inexpensive case with at least:

2 internal 3.5" bays
1 external 5.25" bay


Any suggestions? Also, what mobos can I use with the case? What other restrictions should I be aware of in the 2U space?

 

[hooflung]

2U cases are hard to really point you in the right direction. There are cheap ones you can get off ebay for ~100 and there are expensive ones that will run you ~300. Supermicro makes good ones but they really only support their own motherboards in them. They will fit others but you have to make sure it follows a similar footprint.

Things to consider :

Internal is fan noise! Is this going to sit in a server room or in a home based rack. Trust me stock 2U systems can range from whisper to ROAR depending on the quality of the fans inside. Good fans run around 15 bucks or more so if you have to replace 3 cheap ones in a lower cost 2U why not just go for a higher cost 2U?

Air Flow! How hot is that cpu and chipset? Will there be enough clearence for a good cooling solution?

Mainboard footprint! You might never have looked at the specs of cases before other than an eyeballing or two. However, with a rack you need to know the WxLxH of both your mobo and case.

Powersupply placement! Will the server need hotswappable powersupplies? A front mounted PSU typical to many 2U cases might not work for you.

3U and 4U! Even though a 2U can look sexxxy it usually comes with greater total cost of ownership. A cheap 2U is just that... cheap. A cheap 4U however can be a diamond in the rough. If you have the room for 4U then jump on that. Even finding a lower range 3U that fits a full ATX back panel w. expansion slots is a great decision. Obviously high quality 3U and 4U will be even better.

Rails! How much will that set of Rails cost you? Even a cheap 2U server might have rails that will set you pack a pretty penny or ten. If you can get a rackmount with rails you would be in good shape.

Hope that helps.

 

[youph]

I should have been more specific.

It needs to be 2U since its going in a datacenter. Noise in not a concern.

Power supply does not need to be hot swapable.

edit:
hooflung,
thanks for the advice

now my question is do regular power supplies even fit in a 2U case?

I know know to keep the measurements of the case into consideration when getting a motherboard. Thanks.

 

[EatSpam]

This might fit the bill: Text

Servercase is a good vendor too. This case will take a normal ATX power supply and has 2 internal 3.5" bays, an external 5.25" bay, and an external 3.5" bay. The case can use normal ATX motherboards.

I have 4 of these cases. I have run everything from PIII's through Prescott P4's with no cooling problems.

 

[youph]

thanks alot EatSpam

 

[imported_Kensai]

Antec has some nice rackmount + PSU combos. Generally, a standard ATX PSU will not fit in a 1U or 2U rackmount. A few 3Us support them and most 4U use them.

 

[hooflung]

I have a cheap steel hawk ( i think thats the name ) 2u similar to the ones at that link... personally i think they are crap. Only get it if you absolutely can't afford anything better.

Paint flakage
Cheap internal fans
powersupply in the front ( depending on datacenter this can kill your hardware over time faster than normal )
bent front bezel covers
cheap electronics such riser cards and power switches/couplers

cheap 2U = more expensive in the long run

That said... the link is a store that carries some pretty good stuff if you look around.