1U Custom Server Chassis

luke123 · 17 Mar 2013 at 19:57

So, I've not seen any threads on custom rack mount chassis.

Something like that is what we're aiming for, literally starting from scratch with metal and bending it, etc..

So after ordering the Cables that connect to the motherboard, for the rocker switch.. etc. I'm wondering if anyone here has the approx(or a rough estimate) dimensions of the following components:

1U Chassis, Width x Length x Height.
ATX Motherboard, Width x Length x Height.

I also have some parts I need like the fans in the picture, and the backplane in the picture.

Another question is the air flow, how would be best to do the air flow, majority of the heat is coming from the Processors and Hard Drives, so was just going to have the exact same vents as seen in the picture. (The top of the lid also has around 20 holes in to allow hot air out).

Suggestions would be appreciated. :-)

Thankyou.

luke123 · 17 Mar 2013 at 21:18

Yeah, I don't think the datacenter would like wooden servers going in the cabinet.

I am having a read through them both now, thanks!

Any recommendations on how I should do the vents for air flow.

PhillyDee said:
Well, heres a nice starting point for you:

http://www.formfactors.org/

And a rack case of someone making their own (ascii drawing of rails and rack)

http://www.lookingforbuyers.com/free/rackcase.htm

Whats it for?

luke123 · 18 Mar 2013 at 09:59

3.5" 4 Bay Barebone Chassis's are hard to buy, almost always are £150 Plus just for basics.

We don't need rails, we use rack shelves so that won't be a worry the holes being covered. It's going to be professional built.

PhillyDee said:
Just thought it would give you a drawing for spacings!

Airflow have to go front to rear, and will be like a wind tunnel. Holes on top and bottom are likely to be covered with other servers, ones on the side will add little. Are you sure a datacentre will allow you to build your own chassis? To be honest, in a critical location such as that, I would buy. For home or your own small business use (if non-critical) I would go for it!

luke123 · 18 Mar 2013 at 12:08

I assume you mean [Link Removed]

It's not the best build quality and reviews seem pretty bad.

PhillyDee said:
Well, I have found a 1U chassis (barebones) that takes

4 x hot-swappable SATA (II III) drive bays, 1 x slim CD-ROM bay, 1 x FDD bay

For £118.80 - I doubt you would get that much cheaper. Said site has a lot of cases.

luke123 · 18 Mar 2013 at 13:42

Removed, I didn't realise.

ManLoveRulesOK said:
You need to remove that link before a mod sees it.