My experience buying a 4U case
This article is a translation of the following my article:
Original: ４Uケース買ったときの話
* Translated automatically by Google.
* Please note that some links or referenced content in this article may be in Japanese.
* Comments in the code are basically in Japanese.
by bokumin
My experience buying a 4U case
Introduction
Up until now, I had been operating a web server using a tower-shaped PC case, but there were a number of things I was concerned about. Personally, PCs are generally used in a vertical position, and I’ve always wondered about the strain on the graphics board and motherboard.
The biggest problem is the burden on the PCIe slot due to the weight of the graphics board. In addition, if the CPU fan is large, I was worried that its weight alone would put stress on the board, causing gradual damage over the long term.
There is a disadvantage that it takes up space when placed horizontally, but since the lifespan of the PC is paramount, I have been looking for something good for the past few months.
What I found there was AIC RMC-4S. Amazon sells it for over 70,000 yen, but for some reason Rakuten sold a new one (with some explanation) for just under 7,000 yen. Moreover, since shipping was free, I thought I had no choice but to buy it.
This is for a standard motherboard, so I would like to replace it with the one I am currently using as a server.
4U case arrives
Here is what I actually received. As it is a 4U rack, it is quite heavy and large.
The reason was not specified, but it was probably due to inventory clearance. The product that actually arrived was brand new, all accessories were included, and no problems were found.
After the setup was completed, I tried to operate it, but since it was a server fan, it was quite loud when operated from the 12V power supply from the peripheral terminal.
My housemate was about to get mad at me, so I replaced it with a 92mm 3-pin fan I had on hand, and changed the power supply from the motherboard instead of the power supply. In order to dissipate heat even more efficiently, I purchased two additional 60mm 3pin fans and installed them on the back.
This is the fan I removed. The one I replaced was also from SUNON.
As for where to install the storage, this case only had a place near the top where two 3.5-inch HDDs could be installed, so I used ICY DOCK‘s product for 5-inch bays.
*The fan controller attached to the bottom has been removed.
Incidentally, the power supply area was becoming complicated, so I changed to a power supply with fewer cables for experts. I tried to make the wiring somewhat neater, but this is probably my limit…
Having a rack mount server at home is very romantic and nice, but since I don’t have a rack to attach it to, I currently place it directly on the floor. I think I have to think about something else.
I think the power consumption is quite low at 71W with ASUS X99 S (6th generation), DDR4 8GB (2400Mhz) x 8, 2.5 inch HDD x 2, SSD x 1, fan x 4. Electricity bills are high these days, so it costs about 1,500 yen just to run it for 24 hours.
In terms of temperature, I’m glad that the cooling efficiency hasn’t decreased compared to the previous case.
Previous case (full tower)
$ sensors
coretemp-isa-0000
Adapter: ISA adapter
Package id 0: +36.0°C (high = +63.0°C, crit = +73.0°C)
Core 0: +29.0°C (high = +63.0°C, crit = +73.0°C)
Core 1: +29.0°C (high = +63.0°C, crit = +73.0°C)
Core 2: +29.0°C (high = +63.0°C, crit = +73.0°C)
Core 3: +30.0°C (high = +63.0°C, crit = +73.0°C)
Core 4: +30.0°C (high = +63.0°C, crit = +73.0°C)
Core 5: +30.0°C (high = +63.0°C, crit = +73.0°C)
Core 6: +29.0°C (high = +63.0°C, crit = +73.0°C)
Core 8: +30.0°C (high = +63.0°C, crit = +73.0°C)
Core 9: +30.0°C (high = +63.0°C, crit = +73.0°C)
Core 10: +30.0°C (high = +63.0°C, crit = +73.0°C)
Core 11: +29.0°C (high = +63.0°C, crit = +73.0°C)
Core 12: +29.0°C (high = +63.0°C, crit = +73.0°C)
Core 13: +29.0°C (high = +63.0°C, crit = +73.0°C)
4U case
$ sensors
nouveau-pci-0100
Adapter: PCI adapter
GPU core: 900.00 mV (min = +0.90 V, max = +1.11 V)
temp1: +39.0°C (high = +95.0°C, hyst = +3.0°C)
(crit = +105.0°C, hyst = +5.0°C)
(emerg = +135.0°C, hyst = +5.0°C)
pwm1: 20%
coretemp-isa-0000
Adapter: ISA adapter
Package id 0: +34.0°C (high = +90.0°C, crit = +100.0°C)
Core 0: +27.0°C (high = +90.0°C, crit = +100.0°C)
Core 1: +27.0°C (high = +90.0°C, crit = +100.0°C)
Core 2: +27.0°C (high = +90.0°C, crit = +100.0°C)
Core 3: +27.0°C (high = +90.0°C, crit = +100.0°C)
Core 4: +28.0°C (high = +90.0°C, crit = +100.0°C)
Core 5: +27.0°C (high = +90.0°C, crit = +100.0°C)
Core 6: +27.0°C (high = +90.0°C, crit = +100.0°C)
Core 8: +27.0°C (high = +90.0°C, crit = +100.0°C)
Core 9: +28.0°C (high = +90.0°C, crit = +100.0°C)
Core 10: +28.0°C (high = +90.0°C, crit = +100.0°C)
Core 11: +27.0°C (high = +90.0°C, crit = +100.0°C)
Core 12: +27.0°C (high = +90.0°C, crit = +100.0°C)
Core 13: +27.0°C (high = +90.0°C, crit = +100.0°C)
Core 14: +27.0°C (high = +90.0°C, crit = +100.0°C)
Finally
Personally, I wanted a rack mount case, so I’m glad I was able to buy it cheaply this time. The rack is certainly an issue, but I would like to consider options such as a simple rack for a 4U case or a desk rack shelf.
I decided to bring the PC case I had been using to work and use it as is. This was helpful because dealing with PC cases is a hassle.