There are various aspects to consider when purchasing a rackmount PC case to guarantee you receive the finest case for your needs. All of these aspects have been incorporated in our buying guide for rackmount PC cases to guarantee you have a thorough understanding of what to look for and how to get the best deal.
Best Rackmount PC Cases
Buying Guide for RackMount PC Cases
These are the important factors to consider when purchasing rackMount PC cases
Rack Compatibility and Size
Make sure the rackmount PC case you choose is compatible with the rack you have or plan to use. This will ensure that your server can be easily installed and configured.
Rackmount cases come in various sizes, measured in U (units), such as 1U, 2U, 3U, and the most common 4U. Consider the amount of space you have in your rack and the number of components you need to install in the case.
Cooling Potential
Because servers generate a lot of heat, they require a good cooling system. Look for a rackmount PC case with built-in cooling fans or that can accept aftermarket cooling fans with empty slots.
Normally, all rackmount cases can accommodate 80mm fans; however, massive 4U cases can accommodate multiple of 92mm and 120mm fans for optimal cooling.
Power Supply
When it comes to power supply, rackmount cases often come with a pre-installed PSU. However, it’s important to check the wattage and compatibility with your components.
If you are building a gaming system with a rackmount chassis, it’s recommended to go for an aftermarket PSU with a higher wattage. Keep in mind that, rackmount server cases are large and flat, and installing a large PSU can take up space, limiting the room for additional equipment, such as VGA cards, or other PCI cards like Network Interface Cards (NICs) in servers.
Drive Bays
Drive bays are an important aspect to consider when purchasing a rackmount case as it impacts the storage capacity. It’s necessary to have multiple drive bays for additional storage and to maintain server data. Therefore, consider the number and type of drive bays you need for your storage devices.
Typically, all rack-mountable chassis can accommodate 2.5 and 3.5-inch HDDs, whereas larger ones can use 5.25-inch ODP (optical drive bay or CD drive) and it can be equivalent to old hard drive discs.
When shopping for a rack-mountable computer case, seek one that supports hot-swap drives and has an adequate number of bays. A minimum of two bays is required, although four bays is a popular portion.
Front Panel Features
When considering the front panel features of a rackmount case, pay attention to the front IO. Think about how many USB ports you require, along with audio jacks, and the ease of access to the power button and indicators such as HDD activity indicator, PSU activity indicator, fan activity indicator, and the Internet.
It’s also important to look for a rack case with a front panel lock. This feature will secure your data from unknown access and provide peace of mind. It’s useful for both personal and corporate servers to have a front lock panel with a key lock for safety.
Types of Rackmount PC Cases
1U Cases:
The smallest rackmount cases, approximately 1.75 inches tall, are commonly used for network devices or personal servers.
2U Cases:
Slightly bigger than 1U cases with a height of 3.5 inches, commonly used for storage equipment.
3U Cases:
The 3U cases are slightly larger than the 2U cases and stand 5.25 inches tall. They are popular among commercial businesses.
4U Cases:
4U cases are larger than 3U cases and can hold additional components such as multiple motherboards or storage drives. 4U cases are approximately 7 inches tall.
Final Note:
When choosing a rackmount PC case, it is critical to examine the size, drive bays, front panel, durability, manufacturer, and warranty.
Founder
Hi, I'm Adam Payne, a tech enthusiast and PC guru. I love evaluating the latest gadgets and sharing my honest reviews of hardware improvements and experiences with modern PCs from handheld to desktops. Whether you're looking to build a new workstation rig or just want some guidance on the best components to choose, I'm here to help. Join me on my journey as I explore the world of technology and all the amazing gadgets it has to offer.
