Server Case Mods

[pozativenrgy]

Hello everyone,

I am new here and was hoping I could get some advice. I am putting something together for a friend and am needing guidance. I need to put together 3 servers, a low end, med, and a beast. I think I can figure out what I need component wise, what I can't seem to find are cases. He wants very flashy looks, so an all flat sided cube wont work. I was thinking of using the HAF XB, but I am new to building a server, so not sure if it has the room for all the components.

 

[Norton]

Welcome to TPU!

This case will work with most large boards up to and including the EVGA SR-2 and SR-X (HPTX form factor)

Xigmatek Elysium Black CCC-HSA0DS-U01 All Black Al...

Not sure on any others- would be helpful if you would list the motherboard form factors you are considering,

**EDIT- here's another (supports up to HPTX):

Rosewill BLACKHAWK-ULTRA Gaming Super Tower Comput...

 

[Nordic]

Rosewill thor. Support up to E-ATX / XL-ATX. For if you want a beast.
Rosewill THOR V2 Gaming ATX Full Tower Computer Ca...

 

[sneekypeet]

What form factor is the motherboard? "server" is a lose term.

 

[pozativenrgy]

I will probably be doing E ATX setups

 

[pozativenrgy]

Any thoughts on the HAF XB?

 

[Norton]

Any thoughts on the HAF XB?

ATX only and limited space for storage- looks nice, well built, and plenty of air flow though.

 

[pozativenrgy]

I have been advised to bring another question I had to my original thread. Well, I stated before that I could figure out what I needed component wise. Well I was wrong. I thought it would be a simple google search. I don't really know anything about building a server. I can build out a PC easy. So, anyone think they could help me come up with 3 sample server builds.....

 

[tokyoduong]

First, you need to state price range for each build
Second, you need to decide AMD or Intel or a combo
Third, characteristics of each build. Performance vs power consumption....

The range for server builds are just very far apart. With the spread of such a wide range of cores multiplied by the range of sockets...you are looking at very large scale. You probably want to talk to your friend to see who he's selling to.

BTW is this supposed to be a real server or workstation that uses server grade parts?

 

[pozativenrgy]

So, I am thinking like, 3k, 5k, and 10k.

Workstation for the entry level. The other 2 I was thinking rack setups.

 

[Deleted member 3]

What kind of servers? Depending on their role specs will vary, a lot. And how is the look of the case relevant with a rack model?

 

[pozativenrgy]

So, the clientele is very flashy. So he emphasized looks are important. As far as intended use, it is unknown. So the builds can be generic and open to customization

 

[Disparia]

I don't believe they've sold any yet, gotta generalize so buyers have an idea of the price range before upgrades or specialization.

1 CPU, 2/4 core / 8GB / MHD

1 CPU, 6/8 core / 16GB / MHD, SSD

2 CPU, 6/8 core. / 32GB / MHD, SSD


I'd get familiar with Supermicro's offerings. They have a number of barebones (psu/case/board) to start you off with. Just have to add CPU(s), RAM, drives.

Ex: http://www.supermicro.com/products/system/tower/5037/SYS-5037A-iL.cfm

Could make a nice little server with that for under $1000 (hardware cost only).

 

[de.das.dude]

You need to specify the hardware first.

 

[Deleted member 3]

So, the clientele is very flashy. So he emphasized looks are important. As far as intended use, it is unknown. So the builds can be generic and open to customization

I'd refuse to answer the question in that case. It's impossible to give any useful advise without knowing the intended use. You'd be a horrible consultant if you'd come with an answer that isn't a question.

Most ATX cases can fit E-ATX boards btw, it's often not listed though and might be a tight fit.