FAQ: List of "3U, 4U, 5U Rackable Towers" and "Full Tower" Chassis (Cases) for HPTX, MEB, and SWTX size Motherboards.

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FAQ: List of "3U, 4U, 5U Rackable Towers" and "Full Tower" Chassis (Cases) for HPTX, MEB, and SWTX size Motherboards.

Here is a list of LARGE Tower (and rectangular Cube) Chassis for VERY large Motherboards. More often than not these Motherboards go into Rack style Chassis (1U or 2U) as they are used in Servers but sometimes these Motherboards are used in Workstations since they can hold 2 or 4 Processors. Scroll down to the Images to get a glimpse of the Chassis if you must, then come back and read the Posting Criteria.

It is usually difficult to find a list of Tower Chassis (Cases) for these extra large size Motherboards and the Chassis are usually expensive due to the smaller Market for them. The purpose of this list is to feature the (possibly) 2-3 dozen Chassis that are know to exist.


Examples of Motherboards that we are trying to find Chassis for:
SSI MEB - Tyan S8232WGM4NR http://www.tyan.com/product_SKU_spec.aspx?ProductType=MB&pid=696&SKU=600000216
SWTX - SuperMicro H8QG6-F http://www.supermicro.com/Aplus/motherboard/Opteron6100/SR56x0/H8QG6-F.cfm
HPTX - EVGA - Classified Super Record 2 (SR-2) http://www.evga.com/products/moreInfo.asp?pn=270-WS-W555-A2&family=Motherboard%20Family&series=All%20Motherboards&sw=5

These size of Motherboards can accept 2 or 4 of the LGA-1974 (G34) Bulldozer Chips that will soon be available, or multiple Socket 1366 Intel Xeon Chips. Some of these Chassis will also accommodate "Passive Backplanes" (http://www.chassis-plans.com/backplanes.html#BackplanePrimer), that is a "Board" with "Card Slots" and no memory or Processor Slots (those go on Cards that plug into the Backplane).


All Chassis listed here should be of at least "great quality" (if not better, since they are expensive) and ought not to require "user modification" in order to fit a "SSI MEB", "HPTX" or "SWTX" sized Motherboard.

A few of these Chassis do require an Accessory Plate to accommodate these Motherboards. These can be purchased for a low cost from the Manufacturer and are easy to install. Chassis that do NOT fit the above Specifications ought not to be listed in this Thread but can be found very easily by using the Search Tools or in OTHER Threads.


Here is some info on what sizes we are talking about:

A "Full Tower" means the Chassis is very tall, always over 26" high so it can accommodate both the Motherboard and a Power Supply either above or below it (or both if there are two). Some Motherboards have more than several PCI-e Slots, extra space is allowed for additional internal Hard Drives, or there is room for internal Radiators; these factors, along with the larger Motherboards, will contribute to the large size of these Chassis.

A 3U, 4U, or 5U Tower means that the Chassis is a certain width (multiples of 1.75"). When it is laid on it's side and slide rail mounts are added the Tower Chassis can be converted into an (expensive) Rack Mount Server. A 3U width Chassis is 3 x 1.75" = 5.25", a 4U width Chassis (most common) is 4 x 1.75" = 7" and a 5U width Chassis is 5 x 1.75" or 8.75". These Rackable Towers are a little shorter than 19" and less deep than 29" to allow for racking. Their size is much like a "Full Tower" laid on it's back but the availability of Rails and the ability to rotate the Storage Bays by 90 degrees allows them to be rackable whereas a "Full Tower" (something not a "3U, 4U, or 5U Tower") is not rackable.

Caution: Some Manufacturers are calling "Extended ATX" Chassis that fit only 12" x 13" sized Motherboards compatible, whereas other Places allow E-ATX sized Motherboards of 16.48" x 14.3". Always check Reviews before purchasing. I have checked forums to ensure than any E-ATX Chassis listed here will actually support a Workstation / Server Motherboard as this is sometimes an issue due to Standoff layout, Power Supplies or Hard Drive Cages being in the way.

A larger sized Chassis will allow room for longer Graphics Cards and more Hard Drives whereas a smaller Chassis might have less airflow and will not permit upgrading to a larger sized Motherboard or adding internal Watercooling Radiators on top.

Make certain the Chassis is compatible with the Slots on your Motherboard. This is especially true when using a SR-2 Motherboard or trying to fit a Workstation / Server Motherboard into an E-ATX sized Case.

You will need to check:
* How far the Motherboard extends above the "I/O Area".
* How many Slots there are on the Motherboard and how many the Chassis will allow.
* If it extends behind the Hard Drive Cages (not a good idea) that there is enough clearance for RAM Heatsink Fins and the CPU's Heatink Fan.
* Make certain the connectors for SAS, SATA, and Power are accessible when the Motherboard is in the Chassis.
* Clearance behind the Motherboard Mounting Plate (if that is where you will hide your Cables).
* If there is a "Center Brace" can it be repositioned to avoid Power Connectors on lengthy (and shorter) Graphic Cards.
* If there is a separate RAID Card or "PIKE Card" can you use it along with a Power Supply (or internal Hard Drives) on the bottom of the Case.


More References About Standard Sizes of Computer Components:

Computer Form Factor
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Computer_form_factor

Comparison of computer Form Factors
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comparison_of_computer_form_factors

Motherboard Form Factors
http://www.orbitmicro.com/company/blog/166


ATX Motherboards compared to Workstation or "Server Sized" Motherboards:

NO:

  • AT "Origonal Full AT" = 12" x 13.8" (305mm x 350mm)
  • ATX 12" × 9.6" (305mm × 244mm)
  • SSI CEB = 12" × 10.5" (305mm × 267mm)
  • SSI EEB - 12"× 13" (305mm × 330mm)
  • WTX = 14" × 16.75" (355.6mm x 425.4mm) (Discontinued, need a mounting Plate for current Workstation Motherboards)
YES:

  • E-ATX = 16.48" x 14.3" (SuperMicro Quad-processor motherboards)
  • HPTX = 13.6" x 15" (345mm x 381mm) (EVGA SR-2 Motherboard)
  • SSI MEB = 13" x 16.2" (330mm x 411mm)
  • SWTX (Server Workstation Technology eXtended) (SuperMicro) = 13" x 16.48" (330mm x 418mm)
  • X8 = 16.48" x 16.8" (SuperMicro X8 motherboards)


If you know of any Chassis on this List that are discontinued by the Manufacturer they should be removed. None of the listed Chassis can require the use of a Hacksaw or other cutting Tools in order to fit the Motherboard within the confines of the Chassis. If you know of any that ought to be on this List please add them. Please do not add "plywood Cases" or other homemade gizmos, we want a List of Chassis that people can (and would) buy.


Also not on this List are "Micro Racks". They are too big and (usually noisy) for a Workstation, try another Thread. These may look nice but make a different Thread for them please. For example, exclude these type of Chassis from this List:

Norco "9U 450mm Depth Wallmount 19" Cabinet W-609"
http://www.norcotek.com/W-609.php

w609f.jpg




Note: Prices are lowest base price, usually without extra required accessories. Some Chassis include a Power Supply and many other Components and some are completely bare. You may find better pricing as more Units are manufactured. These prices are only a general guide, always expect to pay more unless you want to be unable to finish your build (there are a lot of Posts from people who do just that!).

Where there is a "Review Link" given I have tried to find a Review which gives you an idea of some of the Pros and Cons of the Chassis in question so you will know what to look for in your own search for Reviews. Do not rely on one Review any more than you would rely on the single Photo or the Prices that I have quoted.

Do your own research:
* Understand that some of these Chassis weight over 100 pounds and cost a lot of money to have shipped.
* It might take weeks or months of your spare time to order (and re-order) Parts (if you do not know what you are doing).
* Some Chassis will only accept Parts from the Manufacturer and you may have trouble fitting standard Fans or Power Supplies into them.
* You get what you pay for (sometimes) and a cheaper Chassis may need a lot of extra bits and pieces that more expensive ones include.
* A really cheap Chassis (or anything else for that matter) does not pay the Manufacturer to stay in business unless they can make it from waste.



Here is the list:


Akiwa (Guanghsing Industrial Co., Ltd.) - GHS-2000 $450
http://www.akiwa.com/product_detail.php?pid=2&id=713&img=pimages/rackmount/GHS-2000/GHS-2000-1.jpg
GHS-2000-1.jpg

DSC00776.JPG




BitFenix - Colossus (EATX) $170
http://www.bitfenix.com/global/en/products/chassis/colossus/
Review: http://www.fudzilla.com/reviews/ite.../21371-bitfenix-colossus-computer-case-tested
3.png

Case Labs (Website not setup) $400-650
http://www.caselabs.net/
Prices: http://www.overclock.net/case-labs/964288-magnum-case-comparisons.html

170883_177989572239723_177984762240204_361684_4637707_o.jpg




Chenbro - SR11069BK-1140R (E-ATX)
Discontinued


Chenming - 26" tall Chassis
Discontinued



Coolermaster - HAF X - (EATX / XL-ATX) $200
http://www.coolermaster.com/product.php?product_id=6653
Review: http://www.legitreviews.com/article/1311/1/

cooler_master_haf_x_001.jpg




Corsair - Obsidian Series 800D (EATX) $270
http://www.corsair.com/cases/obsidian-series/obsidian-series-800d.html
Review: http://www.guru3d.com/article/corsair-obsidian-800d-review-test/1
800d-threequarterview.png


Cubitek - HPTX Tank (E-ATX and EVGA SR-2) $310
http://www.cubitek.com/products/chassis/hptx-tank/features.html
Review: http://www.vortez.net/articles_pages/cubitek_hptx_tank_review,1.html
hptx-tank-01.jpg




Danger Den - Black-Series - LDR - Tower 29 $380
http://www.dangerden.com/store/black-series-tower-29.html
1184297750_rFaDe-S.jpg


Danger Den - Double Wide Tower - 21 Black Series Edition $380
http://www.dangerden.com/store/dd-double-wide-tower-21-black-series-edition.html

611009250_fjre6-S.jpg




Gigabyte - 3D Mercury - (EATX) $400
http://www.gigabyte.com/products/product-page.aspx?pid=2327#kf
Review: http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Gigabyte/3DMercury/
2730.jpg




Ikonik - Ra 2000 (EATX) $150
http://www.ikonik.com/Ra2000/features.php
Review: http://www.tweaktown.com/reviews/32..._ic_rbdab_c000_full_tower_chassis/index1.html
Ra2000_HeroShot.jpg




Lian Li - PC-V2120 (HPTX) $420
http://www.lian-li.com/v2/en/product/product04.php?cl_index=1&sc_index=25&ss_index=138
v2120-01.jpg




MountainMods - Pinnacle 18 - CYO (HPTX) $270
http://www.mountainmods.com/pinnacle-18-cyo-p-499.html
PINNACLE18.jpg


MountainMods - Pinnacle 24 - CYO (HPTX) $280
http://www.mountainmods.com/pinnacle-24-cyo-p-498.html
PINNACLE24.jpg




NOX Extreme - Hummer (E-ATX, XL-ATX) $150
http://www.nox-xtreme.com/hummerseries/
13.jpg



NZXT - Phantom (E-ATX) $140
http://www.nzxt.com/new/products/crafted_series/phantom
IMG_7593.jpg
 
Re: FAQ: List of "3U, 4U, 5U Rackable Towers" and "Full Tower" Chassis (Cases) for HPTX, MEB, and SWTX size Motherboards

SilverStone - TJ05 $135
SilverStone Technology Co., Ltd - Designing Inspiration
tj05-v1.jpg


SilverStone - TJ07 $310
SilverStone Technology Co., Ltd - Designing Inspiration
TJ07B-3-4-01.jpg


SilverStone - TJ09 $245
SilverStone Technology Co., Ltd - Designing Inspiration
TJ09B-3-4.jpg


SilverStone - TJ10 $280
SilverStone Technology Co., Ltd - Designing Inspiration
tj10b-3-4view.jpg




SuperMicro (Many Chassis - that fit their own Motherboards better than other Brands) $600-900
Supermicro | Products | Chassis

SC743TQ-865B-SQ_spec.jpg

SC743TQ-865B_alt.jpg


AS-4041GA-62R_F.jpg

SC747TG-R1400B-SQ_rear.jpg




Xigmatek - Elysium (HPTX only 13.6" x 15" (345mm x 381mm)) $200
XIGMATEK

xigmatek-elysium.jpg




Zalman GS1000 Plus (E-ATX) $175
::: Zalman, leading the world of Quiet Computing Solutions :::

GS1000plus_img00a.jpg
 
Re: FAQ: List of "3U, 4U, 5U Rackable Towers" and "Full Tower" Chassis (Cases) for HPTX, MEB, and SWTX size Motherboards

These Cabinets are an alternate choice to the Chassis that are the subject of this thread.

These silent "Rack Cabinets" claim to reduce the noise of "Rack-mount Chassis" by up to 80%.

They are certainly a tempting alternative but I do not know enough about "Audio and Video Studios" to write a Thread that these fine Products deserve. I wish someone else would create a new Thread and do a writeup of these types of Systems. You are welcome to post a "Tech-Forums.net" Link to your Thread here.

XRackPro2 - 4U Server Rack Noise Reduction Rackmount Enclosure Cabinet (Any MB) 4U=$600 6U=$800
http://www.xrackpro.com/v/vspfiles/V4_Backup/xrackpro4U.htm
View attachment 4741View attachment 4742



If you have $1000 and an idea worthy of it you can design your own Chassis and get just one manufactured very fast.
Want to put a few Motherboards in one Chassis or have a Wine-Cooler Refrigerator Pump fit easily, now you can.

Here is one of many places, you can find others by Googling. They have a great Technical Section to help you design
your own Case or will do all the work for approx. $100. They have a free CAD Program that gives instant pricing.This
is their Resource Page with FAQs and How-Tos:

Protocase - Technical Resources
http://www.protocase.com/resources/index.php
 

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Re: FAQ: List of "3U, 4U, 5U Rackable Towers" and "Full Tower" Chassis (Cases) for HPTX, MEB, and SWTX size Motherboards

I found out that the "Ikonik Ra 2000" shown above is the same as this:
LogiSys - Extreme Water Cooling Case Model # CS8009BK
http://www.logisyscomputer.com/viewsku.asp?SKUID=CS8009BK&DID=C001



AVA Direct is using these Chassis with Supermicro Motherboards in this System:

Workstation Dual Six-Core Opteronâ„¢ 2000 Teslaâ„¢ HPC Personal Supercomputer
http://www.avadirect.com/custom-workstation-configurator.asp?PRID=17260

Chassis:
LIAN LI, Armorsuit PC-P80 Black Tower Case, EATX, 10 slots, No PSU, Aluminum
LIAN LI, PC-V2120B Black Full Tower Case, HTPX, 11 slots, No PSU, Aluminum
LIAN LI, TYR PC-V2120A Silver Full Tower Case, HTPX, 11 slots, No PSU, Aluminum
LIAN LI, PC-V2120X All Black Full Tower Case, HTPX, 11 slots, No PSU, Aluminum
THERMALTAKE, Armor+ Black Full-Tower Case w/ Window & 230mm Fan, EATX, 10 slots, No PSU, SECC
THERMALTAKE, Xaser VI Silver/Black Full-Tower Case, EATX, 10 slots, No PSU, Aluminum
THERMALTAKE, Xaser VI Black/Red Full-Tower Case w/ Window, EATX, 10 slots, No PSU, SECC
THERMALTAKE, Xaser VI Silver/Black Full-Tower Case w/ Window, EATX, 10 slots, No PSU, Aluminum

Motherboards:
SUPERMICRO, H8DAi+, AMD® SR5690, SATA RAID 10 /6, VGA, HDA, GbLAN /2, EATX, Retail
SUPERMICRO, H8DAi+-F, AMD® SR5690, SATA RAID 10 /6, VGA, HDA, GbLAN /2, IPMI, EATX, Retail
SUPERMICRO, H8DA6+, LGA1207 /2, AMD® SR5690, SAS RAID 10 /8, SATA RAID 10 /6, VGA, HDA, GbLAN /2, EATX, Retail



Report of a "Thunder n4250QE (S4985)" http://www.tyan.com/product_board_detail.aspx?pid=271 SSI MEB
sized Motherboard fitting in a Coolermaster HAF 932 with Pictures here:

Post pictures of your 2p and 4p -bigadv rigs here
http://www.amdzone.com/phpbb3/viewtopic.php?f=521&t=137455&start=42



I spotted this old Tyan Server, which is discontinued:
Tyan - FT48B4985-SI (B4985F48V8HR-SI) (End Of Line) - SSI MEB
http://www.tyan.com/product_SKU_spec.aspx?ProductType=BB&pid=396&SKU=600000102

It uses the "Transport FT48 (B4985)" Chassis. You might find these online somewhere. A list of discontinued Tyan Chassis is here:
http://www.tyan.com/archive/products/html/barebone_amd.html
 
Re: FAQ: List of "3U, 4U, 5U Rackable Towers" and "Full Tower" Chassis (Cases) for HPTX, MEB, and SWTX size Motherboards

I found a couple of Chassis and while I would greatly prefer no more "puny" EATX sized Chassis these may appeal to some people and it is getting really tough to expand this List. If you know of a HUGE Chassis, that would be suitable for a Workstation AND that accepts "Server Sized" Motherboards then please add an Entry of a Chassis that you have checked carefully in multiple Reviews or are an owner of. Thanks.

Note: "Hurrican" does NOT have an "e" in it.



AZZA - Hurrican 2000 (EATX) $130 (Red LEDs available)
http://azzatek.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=1&products_id=16
Review: http://www.legitreviews.com/article/1435/1/

hurrican2000_b.jpg





Here is an all polycarbonate EATX Chassis priced at $250 (from Amazon):

US Local: MyOpenPC - CRYSTAL Duo - http://www.amazon.com/MYOPENPC-Tran...erboard/dp/tech-data/B0042RRU3M/ref=de_a_smtd - $250
or http://www.clearcomputercasebay.co....-duo-acrylic-transparent-clear-ful-B0042RRU3M

51Z1YkubadL.jpg

myopenpc-crystal-duo-acrylic-transparent-clear-ful-B0042RRU3M



There is an even larger version but it doesn't seem to be available Stateside yet.

Korea: Turex C3300 Big Tower - http://www.turex.co.kr/default/product/icecubex/c3300.php?type=aa7 - $???

c3300_tit.jpg




Here is one that got missed from the first Post. It is still available on their Site (unlike the "Cooler Master Stacker RC810") but "Sold Out" at all their suggested Retailers. It includes a "Real Power Pro 850W (RS-850-EMBA)".

The "810 ATX" actually gives a Motherboard size for "E-ATX" of 13"x16" so it may not hurt to ask them about the other Motherboards (like the "ATCS 840") that they have that are listed as "E-ATX" but without actually specifying a Motherboard size.

Until I see a few Reviews
that report that a particular Chassis works with a particular large size Motherboard I do not list them here (and even then you will want to read the Reviews yourself, as some Units are not what the Buyer expected when they arrived).



CoolerMaster - CM Stacker 810 ATX w/ Real Power Pro 850 SLI - (E-ATX 13"x16") - ~ $200
http://www.coolermaster-usa.com/product.php?product_id=2705

1.jpg




I found a 'hidden' SuperMicro Page. I could not get to this Page from the Menus. I found it after a week of Googling.
It shows their "Pedestal Series" for 13"x18" (yes, 18) SWTX Motherboards. Some places sell these for only $300 plus
$100 shipping http://cgi.ebay.com/Supermicro-Supe...753?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3366095cf9 and sometimes a lot more.


SuperMicro Pedestals: http://www.supermicro.com/products/chassis/pedestal/

SC850_spec.jpg
 
Re: FAQ: List of "3U, 4U, 5U Rackable Towers" and "Full Tower" Chassis (Cases) for HPTX, MEB, and SWTX size Motherboards

I found a couple of Chassis and while I would greatly prefer no more "puny" EATX sized Chassis these may appeal to some people and it is getting really tough to expand this List.

...

CoolerMaster - CM Stacker 810 ATX w/ Real Power Pro 850 SLI - (E-ATX 13"x16") - ~ $200
CM Stacker 810 ATX w/ Real Power Pro 850 SLI - Cooler Master

1.jpg

In regards to the "CM Stacker 810 ATX" (slightly different from the above) at http://www.coolermaster-usa.com/product.php?product_id=2698, this Post http://www.amdzone.com/phpbb3/viewtopic.php?f=521&t=137455#p184608 says:
"The motherboard is a TYAN S4985 with bios version v300. The only modding required was to add 8 3/8 inch standoffs to attach the CPU coolers to". The Thread shows a Picture of the Board inside this Chassis. It is a very tight fit.

100_0266_web.jpg


This Webpage http://urun.gittigidiyor.com/OPTERON-8356-X-4-QUAD-2-3-GHZ16-CORE-240-SSD_W0QQidZZ36554946 (translated: http://translate.google.ca/translate?u=http%3A%2F%2Furun.gittigidiyor.com%2FOPTERON-8356-X-4-QUAD-2-3-GHZ16-CORE-240-SSD_W0QQidZZ36554946&sl=tr&tl=en&hl=&ie=UTF-8) shows an unidentified Chassis (that looks the same) with a TYAN S4985G2NR Thunder n4250QE (S4985), an old Socket F 8000 Series Quad-Core Server, installed; there is no mention of modifications.

View attachment 4751

So if you get one of those Chassis you may or may not have to drill and tap a couple of holes and purchase additional Standoffs. If you want a "small" Chassis (for a low cost) this is one option. The CoolerMaster site says the Chassis dimmensions are 22.99 x 8.94 x 21.10 (L x W x H) and that it supports "E-ATX 12" sized Motherboards.

I prefer "no-mod" Chassis to be listed in this Thread.
 

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Re: FAQ: List of "3U, 4U, 5U Rackable Towers" and "Full Tower" Chassis (Cases) for HPTX, MEB, and SWTX size Motherboards

I found a really great un-boxing of a SuperMicro Chassis at Nate Carlson's Site:
http://www.natecarlson.com/2010/05/07/review-supermicros-sc847a-4u-chassis-with-36-drive-bays/

This shows the quality that you could expect if you were to order the Rackmount SuperChassis 847A-R1400LPB (http://www.supermicro.com/products/chassis/4U/847/SC847A-R1400LP.cfm) for over $1400 (their 4U Tower Chassis are much lower priced). It is indicative of what one would expect from a 4U Tower purchased from them. If I could find as great a Review of a 4U Tower from SuperMicro I would post that Link (instead of this one of a noisy Rackmount).


Please also notice the 10th Image where it show that SuperMicro uses PEMs and Adapters (instead of threaded holes that you would screw standoffs into). This might mean that you will have trouble installing a non-SuperMicro Motherboard into some of their Chassis.

Standards adhering Chassis from SuperMicro (EG: EATX) ought to fit Standard sized Motherboards but SuperMicro Chassis intended for SuperMicro's SWTX sized Motherboards might not allow the installation of SSI MEB sized Motherboards (even though they would fit) due to the holes being PEMmed and drilled for the SWTX hole layout. This would likely prohibit drilling and tapping (for regular height Standoffs) in the necessary locations.

The Chassis will work fine for the Motherboard that each one was specifically designed for but you need to check before you buy if you intend to install another Manufacturer's Motherboard.

The Image to which I refer is this one, you can click on it in the Review to download a very large Image (where this mounting method is clearly visible) or click this Link:

Link: http://www.natecarlson.com/wp-conte...847a-r1400lpb-motherboard-tray-with-studs.jpg

supermicro-sc847a-r1400lpb-motherboard-tray-with-studs.jpg
 
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