Recommendation for a SM 4P Case or Not?

bowlinra

Limp Gawd
Joined
Apr 30, 2012
Messages
195
That SuperMicro H8QGi+-f motherboard looks huge.. with a full load of CM 212 CPU fans can you fit it into a CM HAF 932 or other cases? Should you even try?

I believe I even hear folks using like plywood to support the MB? If so should you use the little motherboard case post to create some air gap?
 
You can always fold nekkid. I do. My SR-2 is simply resting on a table. My firewall computer is hanging on the wall.
 
yes the 212's will fit in the haf case, i have mine in a haf case right now.
 
What form factor? I have an 800D lying around for a future behemoth. :p
 
There are some important things to look for in a case for the 4P Supermicro boards, and thats the equivalent of a PSU space above the motherboard i/o plate area, unrestricted access to that space preferably (but not necessarily**) with a flat surface from the metal for the motherboard tray up to the roof and enough length in that area for the boards Form Factor: SWTX imensions: 16.48" x 13" (41.9cm x 33.0cm)

** I say not necessarily because you can get around it with piggyback standoffs etct.

One thing to watch out for is that you will very likely have to drill extra standoff holes.
 
You should probably keep the case horizontal as well. I doubt the motherboard was designed to support the weight of 4 212+ in the vertical position.
 
You should probably keep the case horizontal as well. I doubt the motherboard was designed to support the weight of 4 212+ in the vertical position.

I am running 212+ with the musky mounting system in a vertical positioning and they are working just fine.
 
yes the 212's will fit in the haf case, i have mine in a haf case right now.

Are you having any cooling issues? and if your are buying a case, would you buy another HAF for the 4 Proc box?

I have 2 HAF 932 already for my GPU rigs, so I kinda favor those myself, unless there a good reason to look else where.
 
I hate to create another thread on PSU, but what kinda power supply do you need to run this 4 proc board? Can I start out with a OCZ 700w ModXStream-Pro I have laying around?
 
should probably keep the case horizontal as well. I doubt the motherboard was designed to support the weight of 4 212+ in the vertical position.
I'll echo what 402 wrote above - it's no problem. The 212+s are relatively light weight and mount very securely with low-cost DIY method, "Musky" mount.

pics
402's pictures are in here somewhere as well

I recommend a case in a horizontal orientation:
- takes up less deck/bench space
- easier to cool motherboard components - important! (fans stay in position)
- less potential for damage to the system, especially if on a general purpose workbench
- noise reduction

But then, mounting horizontally on a board anchored to the wall, with a fan bracket for motherboard cooling, would accomplish the same. Then it's simply a matter of securing the PSU.

Update: I should mention, not only is the SWTX format motherboard really big, it's also heavy. It's stout, strong, and rigid, thicker than an ATX board. The first time you pick one up, it's "oh my, this is serious, commercial grade hardware!"
 
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If you have anymore guides I should be reviewing, please share. My motherboard is coming Monday and I'm still working on the CPUs. If anyone has a good source, please let me know. I'm think 6166HE or 6168 to manage the cost better.
 
4th "Sticky" thread on this page - tons of data, the most 4P Folding info in one place, anywhere on the Internet
 
Mine is mounted on a shelf in a 19" rack. I used 12mm nylon standoffs and custom drilled mounting holes.
 
Mine sites on a piece of cardboard on one of those poly Rubbermaid shelves with the rest of the "garden".
 
I hate to create another thread on PSU, but what kinda power supply do you need to run this 4 proc board? Can I start out with a OCZ 700w ModXStream-Pro I have laying around?

It will depend on what procs you end up with. 700W will be fine up to probably 6172 or 6174s. My 6180 machines pull close to 800W, so I needed more PSU.
 
Where do you get the 12mm standoffs?

I used rapidonline.com; bear in mind I'm in the UK. These are the parts I used:

Code:
1	33-4400	Nylon Insert Lock Nut M3 Pack Of 100			£1.990
2	33-3640	Pack 25 12mm Nylon Spacers				£0.870
3	33-2325	Pozi Pan Head Machine Screws BZP M3 25mm Pack Of 100	£1.530
4	33-1760	Steel Washers BZP M3 Pack Of 100			£0.500

Shipping ended up costing more than the parts, but having the right bits helps your sanity on a custom build. :D

I drilled the holes to allow the M3 screws through but smaller than the spacers' diameter. Washers on the bottom of the shelf, then lock nut. Went with lock nuts so I didn't have to torque down, use lock washers or worry about vibration working things loose. With four enormous Noctua 120 HSFs, I wanted to be certain about nothing shifting.

Good luck with the build and feel free to ask questions. No point re-inventing the wheel, odds are someone here has done it or knows someone that has. :cool:
 
For those without a case, what are your using to turn off / on the computers?
 
A few options to choose from:
  • shorting power pins manually (with whatever is handy; I ripped couple switches from old case but a screwdriver will do too)
  • IPMI
  • wake-on-lan (needs simple setup) [with kudos to firedfly]
 
I have a screw driver on the shelf I use to ground the pins out.
 
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