Got 4U server case, Need rack ideas...

[Jagercola]

I just got this Codegen Rackmount Case to use as a fileserver. Now I need to find a good home for it. I'd like to eventually move my HTPC to a similar, if not the same, case. Therefore, what are some suggestions in where they should reside?

Ideas


I googled the Codegen and this came up. While I'm not into triple boxing playing videogames, that rack would be neat for a file server and a HTPC. The only problem is, when looking for something like that, the prices are $300-$800.

The next idea is to just lay the case on the floor. It's cheap, looks sloppy, but works.

Third, I could try to build something that resembles the first steel case. I must say though, that power tools aren't my specialty, and I only have a power drill and miter saw.

What ideas would you guys have?

 

[Zap]

Strange choice of case, but ah well.

Cheapest way is to either build your own (plywood box?) or buy a used one from some liquidation. I've heard of racks going for $20. I've also gotten "open" racks for free. These are meant more for telecom stuff and not a deep chassis.

 

[DerwenArtos12]

Originally posted by: Zap
Strange choice of case, but ah well.

Cheapest way is to either build your own (plywood box?) or buy a used one from some liquidation. I've heard of racks going for $20. I've also gotten "open" racks for free. These are meant more for telecom stuff and not a deep chassis.

I actually kinda like that case for a file server. I'm obsessed with having too much airflow ove rmy hard drives to make them last a little longer but, thats what kept my pair of first gen 36gb raptors still runninng today so, don't fix what aint broke.

 

[MichaelD]

I've often thought about getting a 4U server case for my PC case. The space inside would be great to work with. Three things have kept me away though; the noise, where to put it and the dust (lack of a filter.)

Server cases are not meant to be quiet; they are meant to be cool. There are some servers that are quiet, but they are 2U OEM and expensive.

Putting the case on the floor is just...tacky. Plus, it's going to get dirty and stuff spilled on it and kicked, etc.

Racks are indeed expensive, unfortunately.

I found these small racks but again, not cheap. Good luck. Let us know what rack you buy if do do buy one.

 

[wwswimming]

surplus electronics places have racks like that used,
pretty often.

 

[MichaelD]

Originally posted by: wwswimming
surplus electronics places have racks like that used,
pretty often.

Links to surplus places? I've also heard of folks getting used racks ridiculously cheap...but I always seem to not be around/aware of these sales when they happen.

 

[dedwards]

For a single server, I like this design.

Wall-mount rack

If you're handy, you could probably make something similar.

DE

 

[DerwenArtos12]

Why not swing by home depot and pick up some steel studs or some steel stock and build your own? It may not look exactly like all the other rack out there but, it could easily work as well.