Where (which) rackmount case to get?

[Woodie]

I'm looking to build my next workstation in the next 6 months or so, but I'd like to make it a rackmount.

I'm planning an Nvidia mobo, using the built-in sound and video (stop laughing...I don't play any games newer than 1997!)

Anyway, the way I figure it, I need:

• 2 PCI slots (token-ring NIC and SCSI RAID controller).
  Space for a CD-R and a 3.5"
  No HD space.

So, I'm thinking a 2U case, w/ risers for the PCI stuff.

Should I get one w/ a riser for the AGP as well?
What other requirements should I have?
Any recommendations?

While we're at it, I'm going to be needing a replacement gateway/firewall box too...all it'll need is a small HD (or none) and any old CPU, so I'm looking for a cheap-as-possible 1U machine here. Any thoughts?

 

[SinfulWeeper]

I always got the generic multi wave case from here. They work out good and they are not all too expensive. Thought you may find some cheaper.

 

[Daovonnaex]

I would recommend looking at Supermicro's line of rackmount cases, they're outstanding. I have no experience with their 2U cases (only their 4U cases), but everything I've heard and read labels them as outstanding.

 

[Woodie]

Thanks guys.

 

[TheSwarm]

The cheaper options are 4U cases. I got this one:

Akida Rackmount Case

I like it because it is cheap, black, sturdy, and cool looking. It comes with two fans in front, they are a bit loud though. Also has a removable filter. $140 shipped. No PSU, which is nice cause you can pick your own. Doesn't come with rails either. I have taken this case apart piece by piece and put it back together several times. PLENTY of room inside. Did I mention it is cheap?

 

[RPB]

got mine Here

 

[Hawkes]

OK- a related question -- where are you guys getting enclosures to PUT these rackmount servers in? The cases aren't too expensive, but best I can find for a half rack is $1000... I don't just want a bare rack, I'd rather have an enclosure - preferably a smaller one - no bigger than a few feet high.

Any suggestions?

 

[SinfulWeeper]

Hawkes, check out Dalco. I have done a lot of business with them. I also got one of your smaller cabinets from them for under $500 shipped. Locks up, two ways to open it, and it has a nifty looking window.
Their web site is a pain in arse. However if you get their catalog you should find it rather easy.
Also another thing I like about Dalco is they can ship by first class. No hefty shipping rates. And if you call in for a order, 99% of the time they give you a lower price then what is printed in the catalog.

 

[Woodie]

Hawkes I'm facing the same issue you are. I'm *really* cheap, so I've come up w/ the designs for my own half-height rack. My particular requirements are for cheap, must have significant ground clearance (occasional floods in my basement), and cheap.

I haven't priced out the materials yet, but it looks something like:
1 sheet of 4x8 5/8" plywood (cut in 2 for the sides.)
1 2x8 (8') (cut in 2 as joists for the base)
2 20" x 36" cabinet-style doors w/ hinges (front & back, will cut out the middle of the door, and put in furnace-style air filters)
2 1x2" (8') to frame out the top and doors
1 22"x34" counter top...not sure if one piece or just pine boards. This will make the top of the case a (PC!) work-bench.
4 30" steel shelf mounts. (hard to describe, but this is the standard part that all the railkits mount to, one at each corner, anchored to the plywood sides)
Miscellaneous hardware hinges, magnetic closures, handles, and possibly a couple large fans for the back, to exhaust air from the case.

This is for my own basement, so looks are not terribly important, but keeping dust/dirt out is. I was thinking of building a single large one, but figured it made sense to build one small one, and if I need to, I can build a second one, and mount it right next to the first one.

BTW, the Akida case (in the post by TheSwarm) is on sale now for $99 (w/o PSU)....a Hot Deal, from what I've seen.