Case options. Non-modded hopefully.

[amonster]

Hello all, I haven't been on for a long time. Just wanted to pop in and try to get some advice from you experienced builders. Im about to build a Dual Opteron sytem (Opteron 250's) and it will no doubt need a case that can fit the TYAN "Thunder K8S Pro(S2882UG3NR)" AMD-8000 motherboard I will be using. Basically the only real requirements I have are that I would rather not have to mod anything, and I want it to be as COOL as possible. The noise level does not matter to me, just airflow and cool components (I already have a PSU also). I have heard that Enlight makes a couple good server cases that will fit this bill, but I haven't figured out which one I would need, since this is the first "server" size system I have built. If you experts know the "coolest" factory case with the best airflow please chime in! Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Proposed specs (if interested, please feel free to check my post in general hardware)

Thanks again everyone

 

[Cerb]

Enlight 8950 (can also be made into a rackmount later if needed). Intel uses variants of this design in their servers (Enlight has many, but it is hard to find most for sale on their own), and while it's not the easiest to get in and out of, there are many worse cases; it's pretty roomy, and there is plenty of cooling potential. If you have the PSU, I think Monarch has the case at a nice price w/o a PSU.

 

[amonster]

Thanks Cerb, I will get on the ball and see if I can grab one. Will I need to get fans? I mean extra fans? I guess I can figure that out when I find it for sale huh?

Thanks again.

 

[amonster]

I have just seen some pictures of the Enlight 5U Rackmount (Pedestal Server), Model "EN-89500SX47". I think its the right one... says it comes with 2 80mm fans. I suppose I could put more in? Or would I have to cute metal? I am NOT experienced with cases much.

Thanks

 

[Mloot]

What amount were you looking at spending on a case?

 

[amonster]

I don't need a PSU, but really the price is not a concern for the case. The easiest-to-cool case is what I want.

 

[Mloot]

If price is not too much of a concern, then you might want to check out Coolcases.com. You can get either stock cases, or Coolcases will happily mod you a case for as much airflow as you could possibly want. I ended up getting their modded Compucase LX-6A19 (without the window), w/1x92mm intake, 1x120mm intake, and two outtake fans of same sizes, respectively, for my Opteron dually. It's a standard mid-tower, and it keeps my procs nice and cool, even under load. Of course, they offer much larger cases, if that's what you are looking for. If your mobo is EATX, then you would definitely have to get something larger.

Perhaps one of the best things is their customer service. If you have any questions, you can either e-mail Jim (store owner) or call direct. I had a multitude of questions (since this was my first build), and Jim was very patient and helpful through more than a few calls and e-mails.


Hope that helps.

 

[amonster]

Thanks Mloot, I will check them out right now!

 

[amonster]

I talked to Jim and we are working on a modified GENIE case from Chenbro. Sounds like its going to be GREAT so far anyway! Like around 500 cfm of airflow

Thanks again Mloot

 

[Mloot]

Good lord, that's alot of airflow. You shouldn't have any problems cooling that beast of a system that you're putting together.

Jim really is a nice guy, isn't he? I wish all companies had the kind of customer service that I got when I ordered my case from them, but his is the kind of service that sets his company apart from those that are merely "good."

Anyway, keep us informed on how the build comes along.

 

[amonster]

Definately a nice guy! I plan on talking with him quite a bit more before the final go! It won't be that quiet, but noise is NOT a factor for this machine.