Good, reliable source of rackmount computer enclosures for VT

[wtdedula]

Hello All;
Does anyone have a good source and reliable source for purchasing rackmount industrial computer enclosures to house a VT system ?

I am looking for a short depth enclosure (No deeper than approximately 17").

I currently have my system in a l-o-n-g and big enclosure that is too difficult for me to handle safely (Ie - remove, insert, make changes) without enlisting someone's help. I would like to be able to handle it myself.

I want something that looks nice, is built durably, has a short depth, and uses a standard ATX power supply in a 4U version.

Also, most of these enclosures have keyed access doors to restrict access to drives and controls. Is it possible to replace these keys with a latch that you can just turn to open and close the door ? I will use this in my home rather than an industrial setting.

Thanks for any advice you can provide.

Tim

[Pete Draves]

Try Jeff at
http://www.pizazzme.com/
He is a major builder of cases
Pete

[PIZAZZ]

Tim, Having built hundreds and hundreds of rack mount CPUs. You will not find what you are asking about for a VT based system. I can steer you to some shorter depth cases but none less than 20.5". 17" is pretty much impossible if you have a system board of 12x13" or any decent number of internal hard drives for storage. We have built a few 2U rackmounts for VT and a few 3U units also. The 2U units had to be longer in order to get all the storage requirements met. The 3U is pretty short (18") but you will not get any storage worth using inside it. Heat is also an issue in smaller rackmounts. We usually added extra cooling fans to assist the normally installed ones. Oh and the smaller racks are extremely LOUD due to the amount of high speed fans.

I would suggest looking at the Supermicro 745 line of cases with the rack mount rails. You can set the fans to operate at a quieter workstation speed and easily get inside the box if you leave a service loop of cables in the back. The box slides out of the rack on the rails with no effort at all. The only trick is you will need someone to help you install the rack the first time. The rails will also do best if mounted to the front and rear rack rails on your rack.

If you are not using a Dual Processor 12x13" size motherboard then there are some other options but NONE are inexpensive. I know of one Aluminum 4U that would work but it starts at $599 and is special order only.

[wtdedula]

Thanks for the helpful information, Jeff;

I can certaintly understand the option of just pulling the case out to work on it but I have always been fearful that the heavy computer will jump the rails and fall to the floor with a big crash. I know that sounds silly. The rails just don't seem that sturdy though it is possible that I installed them incorrectly.

Couple of things - First, I plan to use a dual (Or quad) core P4 but not a dual Xeon system. Too expensive for me considering this is a hobby and not a business and also I have a Dual XEON VT-3 system at work and can't see any advantage over the one I have at home.

I am fully aware that my storage options in a short length case are very limited. Could I consider using a External SATA drive enclosure for the Video HD ?

I will check to be sure the case I'm considering will accommodate the length of the VT card.

If you'd like to quote me the cost for a rackmount 4U case that you think will meet as many as my requirements (as practical) feel free. ALso be sure to include a delivery date estimate. Thanks.

Tim

[PIZAZZ]

Sorry Tim but I do not normally sell just parts. We sell complete turnkey systems with support plans that benefit from our years of experience both in the field and behind the tech bench.

If you would like me to prepare a quote for you for a turnkey system then I will be glad to. Please email me the specifics of what you are looking for. You would be surprised at the system price when you compare it to building it yourself.

If you want to build the system yourself then I wish you success in that direction also.

[wtdedula]

Hi Jeff;
I sort of figured that. I'm not prepared (financially) to make a complete system purchase at this time expecially since I've already purchased a loaded ASUS motherboard within the past few months.

I do have a rack cabinet dealer that I really like but was willing to consider other manufacturers (If I got any suggestions) which was the reason for my initial post. I did take all of your information into account when selecting a new case. I even asked the dealer to confirm that the VT card would fit. The case has good airflow front to back (2 fans with a over-temperature/fan fail alarm module). The only thing I seem to be giving up when going from the huge case to the smaller one is Drive bays but I think I'll be OK in that regard too.

I'll keep you in mind perhaps when VT-6 is released when I'll possibly upgrade my VT card. In another year or so, finances should be much better, and perhaps VT will finally be making me money.

I can't believe that 100 folks already read this post. There is obviously great interest in this area.

Thanks for your advice, Jeff. Your mini-bob still performs excellent even after I had to replace one of the BNC connectors (Which broke due to a small accident). I'll bet you remember that since I followed your helpful suggestions.

Tim