Building 1U system

[tdawg]

I don't know if this has been asked before, but I'm curious if it is possible to build a computer that all fits in a 1U shell. If so, can it be done cost-effectively?

I'm flirting with the idea of a small server to tie into the house, and I like, or at least I think I like, the idea of a 1U server case (never actually seen these in person, so I don't know the actual size--depth--of one).

I don't really want to go the SFF route just yet, but if a 1U computer can't be done relatively cheaply, then SFF will be where I look next.

Thanks in advance,
Trevor

 

[tdawg]

Anybody? Is this a stupid question? Is this feasible?

 

[ribbon13]

1U just means one space/unit in a standard 19" IEC rack. Much like dj/studio audio equipment. 1u server on google images?

lol. never saw this coming

Anyway. 1U are usually kinda expensive. Maybe a Tyan GT20?

 

[dexvx]

I see little to no purpose of actually building a 1U server if you're not going to... rackmount it. They are extremely short, being around 40mm (less than 2") high, 19" wide, and varying depths (maybe 30"?). They are not smaller than an SFF, by volume.

If you're going to build one, you need to buy a barebones system WITH motherboard. If you mix together different chasis with an inappropriate motherboard, you might have cooling issues. They cannot use anything but onboard video and they can only use 40mm fans. Since 40mm fans dont move alot of air, they are at extremely high speeds (upwards of 10K rpm) and thus fairly loud.

 

[tdawg]

Thanks to both of you. I know there are tradeoffs with a 1u package, I just wanted to see what could be had. Maybe it's the novelty for me, or the fact that it seems a 1u rack could be hidden easily. But in that vein, I guess SFF cubes can be hidden just as easily and give many more build options. I don't know; I guess I just wanted to look into something different.

Thanks again.