Critique my rackmount Linux gaming build

coughlanio

coughlanio

coughlanio

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Currently in the planning/purchasing stage of my new rackmount Linux gaming build. It will be deployed in a Sliger CX4200a chassis, which unfortunately is not in the PCPP database, so it's not listed here, but the rest of the parts are as follows:


CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D 4.7 GHz 8-Core Processor (£457.98 @ Overclockers.co.uk)
CPU Cooler: Noctua NH-D12L 60.09 CFM CPU Cooler (£93.98 @ Overclockers.co.uk)
Motherboard: ASRock B850 Pro-A ATX AM5 Motherboard
Memory: Kingston FURY Beast 64 GB (2 x 32 GB) DDR5-6400 CL32 Memory (£222.98 @ Overclockers.co.uk)
Storage: Western Digital WD_Black SN850X 4 TB M.2-2280 PCIe 4.0 X4 NVME Solid State Drive (£269.99 @ Overclockers.co.uk)
Video Card: Sapphire PULSE Radeon RX 9070 XT 16 GB Video Card (£581.48)
Power Supply: Corsair RM1000x (2024) 1000 W Fully Modular ATX Power Supply (£148.94 @ Overclockers.co.uk)
Case Fan: Noctua A12x25 PWM 60.1 CFM 120 mm Fan (£33.98 @ Overclockers.co.uk)
Case Fan: Noctua A12x25 PWM 60.1 CFM 120 mm Fan (£33.98 @ Overclockers.co.uk)
Case Fan: Noctua A12x25 PWM 60.1 CFM 120 mm Fan (£33.98 @ Overclockers.co.uk)
Total: £1877.29

As I mentioned I plan to run Linux primarily, and I've already purchased the GPU.

Thoughts, advice, critiques? Thanks in advance!
 
I would probably look at upgrading the CPU cooler if possible. Many server configurations rely on high air flow for cooling as noise isn't a consideration.

That case has a bunch of space in the front for a radiator if you go that way.
 
You want 6000mhz C30 for AM5 as this is optimal, anything above that changes the CPU memory clock from 1:1 to 2:1 making it slightly slower .

There are cheaper coolers with top tier performance which are better value like the thermalright peerless assassin or phantom spirit.
 
mickyflinn said:
There are cheaper coolers with top tier performance which are better value like the thermalright peerless assassin or phantom spirit.
Click to expand...
Just have to be careful of height as it's 4U - manufacturer says 153mm which should allow for some lower profile 120mm coolers

Up to 153mm tall
Click to expand...
RECOMMENDED CPU COOLERS: Noctua D9L, Thermalright SI-100, Thermalright Silver Soul 110, or ID-COOLING IS-67-XT
Click to expand...
 
LuckyBenski said:
I would probably look at upgrading the CPU cooler if possible. Many server configurations rely on high air flow for cooling as noise isn't a consideration.

That case has a bunch of space in the front for a radiator if you go that way.
Click to expand...

I thought about that, but there shouldn't be much if any restriction on the front intake with 3x Noctua fans. Much prefer going the air cooling route where possible.
 
Another vote for the 240mm AIO option. I also have a rack mount (SST RM 52) but that can support dual 360mm.

What rack is it going in? Are you using a UPS?
 
I don't really like AIO's but there seems to be a arguement for using one. I would take a look at the Thermalright Aqua Elite V3 or Thermalright Frozen Prism in either 240mm or 360mm sizes for around £46. They are less than half the price of the Noctua cooler and will cool better. However, reading up on this case reveals some downsides. To use a 360mm AIO you have to mount the fans in push mode so between the case and the rad plus you lose the SSD/HDD drive cage and also the USB C port so a 240mm AIO would be a safer bet but one more thing to consider is that the GPU only having warm air from the AIO to cool itself will also be running hotter so maybe it's not such a good idea after all.

If you want to stick with air cooling take a look at the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 Mini which is only 135mm high or the Thermalright Assassin X 120R SE Plus (plus has two fans compared to the normal versions single fan) which is 148mm high. The Peerless Assassin 120 mini is only £33 while the Assassin X 120R SE Plus is just £17!! If you think a £17 cooler won't cool a 9800x3d then think again. In this review the single fan normal version tamed a 14700k and beat a lot of much more expensive coolers in some tests including a Noctua D15!! The Plus version is going to be even better.

I certainly wouldn't be spending £100 on three intake fans, that's a ridculous amount of money for just three fans. If you went down the AIO route you would be killing two birds with one stone and wouldn't need extra fans. If sticking with air though consider the excellent Arctic P12 series which are unbeatable value for money. I had eight P14's on a pair of fat 240mm radiators when I was watercooling and they were very quiet even in the summer. If you want something more premium have a look at be Quiet's Silent Wings 4 at £20 each. It's still more than I would want to pay but they are very good fans.

I would be hesitant to buy the new RMx series psu as there have been quite a few failures of these new units. A 1000w psu is also a massive overkill when a 750/850w unit is already more than enough with loads of headroom. Take a look at the excellent Asus TUF Gaming 850w which is on offer at the moment for £115.

One final thing is that while I was looking for info on your proposed case I found this post from a guy who modded his CX4200a with a 3d printed dual 60mm exhaust fan holder and a extra SSD/HDD caddy. He uploaded the design for others to use but it's irrelevant if you don't know anybody with a 3d printer. I thought I would post the link just in case.
 
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