Difference between server and gaming case

brottman

Junior Member
Jan 26, 2011
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I'm putting together a custom server for my dad's business that will run ESXi. Is there any real difference between a so-called server case or a gaming case that I put a Icy Dock hot-swap cage into?
 

aigomorla

CPU, Cases&Cooling Mod PC Gaming Mod Elite Member
Super Moderator
Sep 28, 2005
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ummmm.... well...

If were looking at true server cases, they are rack cases.
So like 4U, 3U, 2U,s and 1U designed to go inside a tower rack which holds many PC's.

If your talking about a desktop server case, then no... outside it being more expensive because of the tag "Server" they are all basically the same outside some crevits like being able to hold a EATX form motherboard.

Some "Server" cases will have the hotswap cages built in.

Gaming cases are just normal cases with LED's and very abundant fan options.
Most gaming cases are not meant to be quiet. Some are, but in design they are meant to have many openings where u can cram fans into.

So to be honest, if your building a server case for your dad, and your dad's pc will not have an obnoxious GPU, ie.. 1070gtx / RX580 i would not even consider both of those cases and probably use a normal case like a fractal design R5, or a Phantek Enthoo.
 

XavierMace

Diamond Member
Apr 20, 2013
4,307
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If your talking about a desktop server case, then no... outside it being more expensive because of the tag "Server" they are all basically the same outside some crevits like being able to hold a EATX form motherboard.

Some "Server" cases will have the hotswap cages built in.

That really depend if you're looking at Rosewill level junk or actual server grade cases, regardless if rackmount or tower.

Also, building a server for a business is generally a bad idea. Especially if you're having to ask what makes a server different.
 

bfun_x1

Senior member
May 29, 2015
475
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When someone says gaming case I think of bright colors, curves, and lots of fans. When someone says "server case" I think of a case that's heavy, loud, and might fit in a server rack. What do you think the differences are? Will the system go in a data-center, closet, or on a desk?