Putting a sever, switch etc in a cupboard

chipperhead · 30 Apr 2012 at 11:52

I'm doing my utility room soon and want to relocate my equipment into a cupboard and sort all the wiring out.

This is how it looks now with server, matrix, pvr and also tv booster is amongst that lot aswell.

For ventilation, would cutting a hole in the top be adequate or would it be best to get a fan?

I was going to leave about 20cm next to the wall and just fit a panel for the wiring which from there goes down under the house or up to the first floor.

I've drawn a shocking picture to illustrate what I plan to do, is there a set way to go about doing this kind of thing?

Cheers

HEADRAT · 30 Apr 2012 at 12:55

Wouldn't you be better off with a Server Rack/Cabinet which you can mount to the wall?

Much neater and I'm sure you can get some fans to cool if needed.

Destination · 30 Apr 2012 at 13:37

Looks like the cabinet we have in work, how much do those cost?

HEADRAT · 30 Apr 2012 at 13:56

Just Google, around £60

chipperhead · 30 Apr 2012 at 14:33

HEADRAT said:
Wouldn't you be better off with a Server Rack/Cabinet which you can mount to the wall?

Much neater and I'm sure you can get some fans to cool if needed.

I'm not sure it would look better, putting it in a cupboard you wouldn't be able to see anything.
Also it would require a ladder to access it if I put it in a cabinet.

HEADRAT · 30 Apr 2012 at 15:57

I'd be worried about the ventilation in a cupboard.

Martynt74 · 30 Apr 2012 at 16:01

I'm sure it'd be fine. Loads of people chuck home servers in cupboards under stairs or in wardrobes.

Its only a very low power Microserver so i would say it'll be fine and won't get anywhere near its thermal limits. If you're worried put a hole with some vents in but i don't think i'd bother.

Nick1881 · 30 Apr 2012 at 20:10

I put my HP Micro Server in a cupboard and it got very hot, the drives were running around the max safe temp while it was idling. I have since moved it. A fan probably would have helped but I couldn't be bothered.

chipperhead · 30 Apr 2012 at 22:24

Thanks for all the comments, it really needs to go in the cupboard so will ensure adequate vents and also maybe use an ac molex adaptor to power a couple of 12v fans.

edscdk · 30 Apr 2012 at 22:27

if anythign you probably jsut need a hole, its not like that server kicks out much heat

TheVoice · 1 May 2012 at 00:20

Best bet would probably be a hole in the top to allow warm air to escape, and maybe vents or something on the front to let air be drawn in. Maybe some holes cut out or put some sort of material or something over the front to let air through.