can any of you PC savvy folks recomend a server case / rackmount PC Chassis

[Adam in TX]

This is a pet project of mine...

I've never tried to build up a PC before (I know, I know...) so I'm taking a crack at it now. I'd like to put everything in a rackmount chassis, which I'm learning basically means a server chassis, but I'm having a tough time making my mind up about something.

Can any of your more pc savvy persons point me in the direction of a relatively inexpensive (100-150) server chassis (I assume it will have to be 3-4ru) that will support an ATX mobo, one front mount 5.25" drive, and 2 internal 3" drives?

Also, this may or may not be relevant... but the mobo I selected does not have an integrated video card, so the chassis must have a cutout for a PCI-Express video card in addition to the PCI expansion slots.

[cduarte]

this should work, and PCI-E doesn't require anything super special case wise, so you should be fine.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811165082

This is a 2-U case, check out their other offerings and you might be able to get away with a 1-U case

[Schmitty]

I've used two NORCO cases from Newegg to build a couple of computers in the past.  Not the greatest quality, but you get what you pay for.  I see there are ~18 different cases on Newegg form NORCO, so you should be able to find something that works.  The sizes are not particularly important, since you are getting something that is ATX, but don't forget about the possibility of suture expansion.   I started using one of the cases as a fileserver, and I might have been better served by getting a larger case.

[Adam in TX]

cduarte,

You're the second person to suggest that particular case, so I just ordered it, thanks!

I ask about PCI-e because it looks to me like the expansion ports on that chassis are parallel with the mobo. I assume there's some sort of an adapter available to allow the mounting of expansion cards in that configuration, but I have no idea how to go about finding it...

[cduarte]

hmm, looks like you'll need a riser card to use expansion cards with that case, you may want to call newegg and exchange it for this one if you don't want to get a riser card....

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16856999301

http://www.istarusa.com/rackmount_chassis/dstorm/2u/d-200-pfs.aspx

[Mad Duc]

Go with a 3-4 U height case. Anything smaller and it might limit what kind of cards will fit in it. 1 and 2 U heights are really limiting in the number of cards you can fit in and the physical size of those cards. 

[Grampa]

http://thehottestgadgets.com/2008/05/25-computer-case-mods-00432

[ZLTFUL]

Some of my favorite cases...

[erkishhorde]

Some of my favorite cases...

While I do think the Doom case is kick ass, I like these ones better



What? Doesn't look like a case? Of course it doesn't. http://www011.upp.so-net.ne.jp/kat2/pc/ern005/ekana.htm





A little on topic: I'm curious why you want to build a server as your first DIY pc.