tried a 2U desktop?

[ramnathK]

I've built several systems in the past with the usual tower cases. Was wondering if anyone has built a 2 or 3U 'desktop'. Ideally, I would love to see a 2 or 3U version of the intel rig featured in
http://www.anandtech.com/show/3723/system-buyers-guide-1700-performance-midrange

any ideas? I'm totally new to risers and stuff, so was hoping AT could give me some pointers

Cheers,
kr.

 

[Absolution75]

If you like your ears, I'd stay away from rackmount cases.

2U is just enough to fit 80mm fans in the case, but there are usually 6 or more of these fans going at once. Without them, you wouldn't get enough cooling and your CPU/GPU would start throttling.

You can, its just not recommended. If you're serious about it, you can get PCI-E ribbon riser cables that will work.


Feel free to send me a PM though when you want to sell the 2U server case, I need a new one =p.

 

[PCTC2]

There's "slim" cases with 80mm fans, but if you want to rackmount, I would suggest something like the eVGA PCoIP solution and put the computer in a rack in a well-ventilated isolated room to save your ears as Absolution said. As for slim cases, they work but they are very space limited for cable management or any large components.

But if you're serious about it, what is your plan with it anyway? We can help if we have some more info. Like how will you mount it, where, etc?

 

[ramnathK]

I dont want to build a rack, just that the ergonomics of the form factor is very appealing. I am aware of the sound issue, so was thinking water cooled CPU, and a radeon 5850, a SSD and 1 HDD. I know it might take a bit more than 2U for the radiator. Also was thinking of the coolit eco which seems quite compact. Additionally, mod the top cover to have slots and have couple of really large fans for circulation.

Would it work? another idea, though not as appealing personally is to try and water cool the video card as well and house the radiator outside the case. But diy water cooling gives me the jitters.

What say you

 

[Absolution75]

I dont want to build a rack, just that the ergonomics of the form factor is very appealing. I am aware of the sound issue, so was thinking water cooled CPU, and a radeon 5850, a SSD and 1 HDD. I know it might take a bit more than 2U for the radiator. Also was thinking of the coolit eco which seems quite compact. Additionally, mod the top cover to have slots and have couple of really large fans for circulation.

Would it work? another idea, though not as appealing personally is to try and water cool the video card as well and house the radiator outside the case. But diy water cooling gives me the jitters.

What say you

Sounds like a lot of work , but it would work. Though one quick suggestion before you go off into serverland. You should consider looking at http://www.newegg.com/Store/SubCateg...a-Center-Cases - they are more oriented to consumers and some are actually the same form factor.

 

[ramnathK]

Thanks for that Absolution75. Crazy thing is I had seen these media center cases a long time ago and said they were too crappy for what i wanted (then). But now it slipped my mind completely. I think this might actually just work.

Feeling a bit stupid right now

 

[ramnathK]

Thanks for that Absolution75. Crazy thing is I had seen these media center cases a long time ago and said they were too crappy for what i wanted (then). But now it slipped my mind completely. I think this might actually just work.

Feeling a bit stupid right now

 

[cbn]

Sounds like a lot of work , but it would work. Though one quick suggestion before you go off into serverland. You should consider looking at http://www.newegg.com/Store/SubCateg...a-Center-Cases - they are more oriented to consumers and some are actually the same form factor.

Which one of these will house a fullsize video card?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811163158

For example, this silverstone case looks large from the outside, but one reviewer is complaining that 4870 Toxic and HD5830 are too wide for the case to close.

 

[Kenmitch]

Which one of these will house a fullsize video card?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811163158

For example, this silverstone case looks large from the outside, but one reviewer is complaining that 4870 Toxic and HD5830 are too wide for the case to close.

Not sure about video card length but I always did like this Lian Li http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811112147

Judging by the MB stand offs it kinda looks like maybe a 5850 or possibly a 5870 would fit. Might have to slide the fan over or possibly move the fans towards the front of the case.

 

[Fallen Kell]

Which one of these will house a fullsize video card?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811163158

For example, this silverstone case looks large from the outside, but one reviewer is complaining that 4870 Toxic and HD5830 are too wide for the case to close.

For info on a HTPC case build, I highly suggest looking at the following thread and/or forum:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=18333748#post18333748

Personally I love my Antec Fusion Remote Max case, but you are going to hate the LCD status screen on it for desktop use. You can simply remove the power from it... My Powercolor HD5750 SCS3 (fanless) fits just fine in this case.