Case Suggestion - 19" Rack-mounted | 4U | Airflow | CAD+Gaming Build

ankmanu · April 19, 2017

Hello!

Im planning a new build of a CAD-Workstation and Gaming-Rig. But even before I decide on the Graphics (will probably get a workstation card and a gaming card), RAM etc, I like to choose a case.

I'm searching for a rack-mounted case, which means I'm searching for a 4U Server case. I like to have as much airflow as possible, something like 2-3 120mm fans on the front and a few 80mm on the back. It should fit an ATX-board and 2 GPUs, as well as a decent power supply and an SSD (no HDD required). I'm also thinking about using a AIO-Watercooler with Rad, but I'm not sure to this date if it's worth it.

Do you have any suggestions for a 19" case? I think 4U is standard (to fit the GPUs), the second thing is the depth, I like it as short as possible, max. 500mm if possible.

I found this one (ROSEWILL RSV-R4000): https://www.amazon.com/Rosewill-Server-Chassis-Rackmount-Metal/dp/B0055EV30W?tag=linus21-20

But here, there are only two 120mm fans on the front and it's slightly longer (depth). If I go with the one with three fans on the front, the case depth increases even more.

Another one is this one (NORCO RPC 431): http://www.norcotek.com/product/rpc-431/

But here I don't know if it isn't too short for all the stuff I like to put in.

This one seems interesting too (ADVANTECH IPC 631): http://www.advantech.com/products/1-2jkd4b/ipc-631/mod_4088ba6f-9779-4901-9620-16ffa2143ce1

But there are only small ventilation cut-outs, so I think this won't work... right?

I previously owned the ARK 4U-500-CA (https://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811182566&cm_re=ark_case_4u-_-11-182-566-_-Product), which was nice, but I like to have more ventilation upgradability, when I plan this new build

Thanks in advance!

Manu

pbx2 · April 19, 2017

Highly suggest Norco, besides most server cases need good airflow for servers with lots of heat output

ankmanu · April 19, 2017

Okay thanks! I looked at NORCOs website again and found the following:

1) These cases: (http://www.norcotek.com/product/rpc-450b/ and http://www.norcotek.com/product/rpc-450/): They are a bit longer than I like, 550mm. But that would mean a little bit more room to work with. But where is the difference between the 450 and the 450b? b for black? I cannot find a spec-difference.

2) Again, this one: (http://www.norcotek.com/product/rpc-431/). This looks pretty amazing to me, I think I could also put three 120mm front fans in if i like, or put a 360mm-Rad in the front. The only question which I have here: Would a big GPU fit? (The 1080 is 10.5" long, the whole case is only 15", and there has to be room for the fans and rad). Somebody tried that? Or should it work easily?

Manu