Need a 3U chassis, suggestions?

[douchecanoe]

So this summer I'm planning on overhauling my current rig and moving the majority of my guts into a rack mount chassis for use as a multi-purpose server

Thing is, I can't settle on a chassis

I'd like to keep my 5770 in there for video transcoding and perhaps some compute functions, so I would need a 3U case, unless there is a 2U that can support a full size dual slot card horizontally or something with a PCIe riser (which would actually be an ideal solution, smaller is better). I'd also want to keep it under $300, preferably around $200, and it needs to support full ATX and normal sized ATX PSU

Here are a few I've been considering

http://ncix.com/products/?sku=73675&vpn=RPC-370&manufacture=Norco%20Technologies%20Inc%2E

http://ncix.com/products/?sku=33011&vpn=RA349c00F%20%26%20SRA226K&manufactu re=Compucase

http://ncix.com/products/?sku=81590&vpn=D-350HB-T-BLUE&manufacture=iStar

And I've also been looking at this one; although the PSU isn't needed I guess I'd can't be bad to have a spare around if I need it

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811192276

So, I'm wondering if anyone has any experiences with these brands, or has any suggestions for chassis that fit my criteria. Any feedback would be helpful!

[rufee]

I don't have any experience with server enclosures, but from what i heard is that Norco is a pretty good brand.

2U's are not designed to have normal graphics in them, if you flip the card horizontally you might have overheat issues.

Also do you have a rack to put it in ? If not why not just get a normal ATX chassis and flip it horizontally and save yourself the money?

[douchecanoe]

Looking at some racks on Craigslist right now, probably just going to go with an open 4 post rack because of cost, ~16U height

The idea behind getting a rack mount case was for expandability, because next year I'm starting a program for systems administration and having my own server, routers, and switches at home would be nice to work with, and honestly I think all that stuff is neat and fun

I've heard Norco is good too, I'm just not sure about their lower end stuff

I know all this stuff is unrolled aluminum and stuff, that's fine, but I'd rather not have one just fall apart on me or something

[rufee]

All server components are made to last, no exceptions with cases as well.

and honestly I think all that stuff is neat and fun

Right there with you :)