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...Big Mother Server...

T

Tcalp

Limp Gawd
Joined
Jan 31, 2006
Messages
195
Project: Big Mother Server v1.0


Hey Guys,

My case finally arrived I've been wating to post on here ...

Here is some shots of what the case looks like. I think I'll try to get it painted black as the whole thing is metal (even the doors and the slot covers). But anyhow here we go this is going to be my new Filer Server machine....


CASE_BOX.gif

I put an A8N-SLI Premium board by the case just to show how huge this thing is...

CASE_FRONT.gif


CASE_SIDE.gif


I've got some other pics of the PSU work I've been doing, will post shortly.
 
Jeebus that is a large case, how many hard drives will that thing hold, or rather how many 5-1/4" bays are there?

Think I have case envy now lol.
 
So here is a bit of the PSU work I've done, mind you this will happen to at least one other antec psu. I plan on using 4 antec 500watt SmartPower II Power Supplies in this rig (yes that's right a total of 2000Watts or 2 KiloWatts). :D

PSU_OPEN.jpg

The PSU as it was freshly cracked open.

PSU_WIRES.jpg

A Closer look at the wires that need removing.

PSU_CUT.gif

24-Pin ATX & P4 Connector have been removed and heat shunk the ends so I don't<br>
end up with a some wires arcing to the side of the PSU and killing me.

WIRING_CUSTOM.gif



As shown above I've started work in building custom wiring to run from the modular ends on the PSU to the drive bays, although they haven't arrived yet I ordered 'Connectorz' right angled SATA and MOLEX connectors from ADPMods (along with a bunch of other toys, about $300 worth).

On another note I've recently aquired another motherboard tray and an additional PSU brackets. I haven't fully decided on what hardware will go inside but it's nice to know that I have the option to throw two machines in here...

And for those who are curious the front bay area supports 26 5.25 bays, more information about the case and for those who are crazy enough to follow my lead you can pick one up here : http://www.servercase.com/miva/miva?/Merchant2/merchant.mv+Screen=PROD&Store_Code=SC&Product_Code=CK1200C&Category_Code=Adv+Server
 
For $550 USD, you'd think they would put on some nice fan grills :rolleyes: lol
 
I got to see Tcalp's case in person, and it's unbelievably massive. I've got single width versions of these cases with 300watt dual-redundant power supplies in them, but they just don't fit in the computer room :(

I'm looking forward to seeing what this looks like when it comes together! :)
 
Are you going to sleeve all your wiring? It you are, have fun. In retrospect, it was a royal PITA when I did my last build. I'm actually not looking forward to it for my current project..

Back on topic. Big case! No envy though. Keep the pics and posts comming.

Steven
 
Stevennoland said:
Are you going to sleeve all your wiring? It you are, have fun. In retrospect, it was a royal PITA when I did my last build. I'm actually not looking forward to it for my current project..

Steven
Click to expand...

Yes, I will be sleeving the wiring (to the same extent I'm custom building all the wiring to fit) I'm also coming up with a cable pretty good cable management system.
 
I do believe we both must be competing or something, because we are both building monster of computers. Your came as prebuilt as while mine is scratch built. Oh nice case btw, and expensive too.

If you guys viewing this thread want to watch mine also, you can, I don't really care. It is the one titled Ark Of Covenant PC Mod.
 
I only paid about 180$ for my case (still brand new), including shipping...
 
Why are you using such a low end Antec PSU on a server? Should have used an Enermax or PC&P.
 
AppaYipYip said:
Why are you using such a low end Antec PSU on a server? Should have used an Enermax or PC&P.
Click to expand...

Enermax aren't great PSU, PC&P are quite expensive / and correction I'm using <b>4</b> 500W Antecs
 
What are you talking about? Enermax makes fantastic PSU's! Some of the best you can buy, along with PC&P, OCZ....
 
AppaYipYip said:
What are you talking about? Enermax makes fantastic PSU's! Some of the best you can buy, along with PC&P, OCZ....
Click to expand...

rofl...ahahaa...I had a friend that sounded the exact same...until he went through 2 OCZ and a Enermax in his 1900xtx setup. PC&P is good, but jeez...it's way too much...you'd be better off getting 2 150$ 600W psus in a case instead of a 400$ 850w PC&P one....

and thats why his 4 500W ones are the best idea i've heard of in a while. Keep at it bub!
 
Well I went out to Home Depot last night and picked up some supplies for working in the cable management system and additional PSU brackets. I have already done a good amount of the prep work since these were taken last night and will be posting photos on them shortly. I really regret getting this cheap POS dremel, the battery life only allows for like 30 minutes of metal cutting. I do have a nice dremel but didn't want to wait for it to get shipped off to where I am atm... anyhow will post photos of the cabling system (thought you will need some vision...


SUPPLIES_HOME.jpg

Various supplies, mainly the Dremel equipment and face protection.

SUPPLIES_HOME2.jpg

Work surface ($0.51 from scrap bin :p ), sheet metal and metal rods.
 
Well here is a preview of how my cable system is going to look, I had envisioned on doing the exact same thing but with rods and sheet metal but it turns out the case allows me to use it's dead space instead. Worked out quite well IMO. The main reason this type of concept works well for me is that I will be using CoolerMaster 3 to 4 bays and SuperMicro 5 SATA bay w/backplane units (each taking 3 5.25 bays). The pics should be fairly self explanitory so here we go...

CMAN_ROD1.jpg

A peice of metal rod prepped for cutting, up close and personal.

CMAN_ROD2.jpg

My dremel workbench, most of the rods have been cut..

CMAN_BAYS.jpg

The cables will be stored in the center area between the drive bays

CMAN_BAYS2.jpg

A few of the rods have been placed (not mounted perm. yet) to give a better idea, I'm hoping to have two seperate rows here, one further inside for power cabling, then the outer row for data cabling.

Let me know what you guys think.....
 
This project reminds me of an "old school" pc modder named Steve Foster. He was one of the first to use water , peltiers, and phase change cooling systems. He started with a CalPC Super Server chassis that was about the same size as your beast. Here's some shots:

DrivesCoolingPowerSupply.jpg


SystemBoards.jpg


I maintain an archive of his old website now days and am dying to find out what happened to him. You can check out more about his work here:

http://www.unofficial3d.com/atx/stevefoster.html

BTW, what is the ultimate goal of this system? Massive storage? I can't wait to see your wiring work!!
 
that thing is crying out for a 24" dell LCD to be mounted in the side panel! hell you could put two on each side! seriously though... its got the space in a lot of places for an integrated monitor. always nice to have i say!
 
Ctrl_Alt_Delete said:
that thing is crying out for a 24" dell LCD to be mounted in the side panel! hell you could put two on each side! seriously though... its got the space in a lot of places for an integrated monitor. always nice to have i say!
Click to expand...

Well I do have a 24" LCD but I don't think I'll be using it to mount inside a case :D
 
That fileserver is gonna be MASSIVE, just imagine how much pr0n you can..


i mean



how much pr0n you can have...
 
Well not much going on but a few things to say and a few new pics...


I ordered myself a Thermaltake BigWaterSE today (should arrive on friday). I know it's not the *best* or even a great water cooling system but I just wanted something simply, compact, and quiet. I may consider getting a secondary rad down the road depending on how the unit performs.

I also ended up placing my order for the 4 SuperMicro 5x HotSwap SATA bays I'll be needing, however only one was in-stock (should arrive Friday) the remaining 3 will be a few weeks.

My gear from ADPMods.com arrives tommorrow, pretty excited about this... getting a decent amount of toys and some nifty tools I've always wanted to have laying about.
Here is the stuff that is due to arrive:
20pcs - 2183 ConnectorZ 90 Degree Pass-thru SATA Connector - Black
02pcs - 4201 80mm Plastic Fan Filter
01pcs - 5716 OEM Cable Sleeving Kit - BLACK
01pcs - 7501 Round LED Rocker Switch - Red
01pcs - 7502 Round LED Rocker Switch - Green
01pcs - 7500 Round LED Rocker Switch - Blue
04pcs - 4203 120mm Plastic Fan Filter
02pcs - 5301 3/8" Blue Heatshrink per foot
10pcs - 5016 Black Thumb Screws - 10 pack
04pcs - 2179 ConnectorZ 90 Degree END CAP Molex Connector - Black
20pcs - 2178 ConnectorZ 90 Degree Pass-thru Molex Connector - Black
02pcs - 7401 3 Pin Fan Adapter PCI Bracket
01pcs - 9032 ConnectorZ 20 Pin ATX + 4 Pin P4 Connector Removal Tool V3
01pcs - 9002 Case Nibbler
01pcs - 9012 Male Molex Pin Extractor Tool
01pcs - 9018 ConnectorZ Cutter Stripper Tool
04pcs - 2184 ConnectorZ 90 Degree END CAP SATA Connector - Black
Click to expand...


I should be getting ready to strip down the case and get it jazzed up in black in the next few days.. but onto the pics of the current events.

PSU_BRACKET.jpg

PSU Bracket Adapter, still need to drill in the screwholes but all looking good here. I'll need to make another one to fit all 4PSU.

CMAN_BAYS3.jpg

All the Cable runners are in, looks pretty sloppy but not a whole lot I could do about it, kind of an awkward spot to get into with a fairly runny epoxy (some metal on metal stuff was used, it's starting to harden up now and looks like it will be rock solid stuff ones it's fully cured).

CMAN_BAYS4.jpg

Here's a close up of one of the rods, I really just wanted to show off my new digital cam :) .. this is a 'cut-out' at full res. .. first time I've used my new digital camera that I got a little while before xmas, I must say I'm pretty happy with it so far...
 
Just try and get it cleaned up a bit after it sets, and then throw some paint in that behemoth! Cable management ftw!
 
do you have any rooms up for rent in your case?

this deserves my special smiley:

bigeek.gif





/subscribed
 
from the parts list i am sure Anand at ADP is loving you! cant wait to see more pics man, dont be stingy!
 
I know it's kinda too late... but you'd probably get a pretty good seal by using a washer on the inside and sandwiching the epoxy between the washer and the inside of the drivebays. That way you could just move the washers in from the edges a bit, coat them in epoxy, then insert the bar and press the washers against the drivebay sides.

And it might look a little less like an epoxy bloodbath. lol
 
Ctrl_Alt_Delete said:
from the parts list i am sure Anand at ADP is loving you! cant wait to see more pics man, dont be stingy!
Click to expand...

I'm not sure who Anand is but I'm sure he is loving me, I know there is a huge mark-up on that gear as I work in the business. this is the first tower I've ever really bothered to put some work in...

Logan321 said:
I know it's kinda too late... but you'd probably get a pretty good seal by using a washer on the inside and sandwiching the epoxy between the washer and the inside of the drivebays. That way you could just move the washers in from the edges a bit, coat them in epoxy, then insert the bar and press the washers against the drivebay sides.

And it might look a little less like an epoxy bloodbath. lol
Click to expand...


I wish I would have thought of that beforehand :p ... oh well I'm not too worried about it now and I probably won't bother putting the effort in to clean up, it's on the lesser visible side. It's mainly the functionality I care about for those rods anyhow. My original plan was to use solder to lock the rods in place (as it was pretty tricky not to have them falling out while trying to lock em in place). Anyhow the solder wouldn't hold at all so I just got frustrated and applied the heck out of that stuff. If anyone in Edmonton wants to volenteer on cleaning up the mess I made though, feel free :p ....

Thanks for the support everyone!! it's going to be fun...
 
Oh btw, if anyone can think of that perfect peice of gear that deserves to go in here feel free to pipe up :)
 
Anand is the guy who owns/runs ADPmods. hella good guy. as far as the perfect piece of hardware goes(short of an LCD) i would have to say you need some kind of dual bay matrix orbital type display. so you can display uptime, temperature, network usage and other such cool statistics.
 
Those orbital displays seem a bit pricy for what they are.... looks like my gear shows up tomorrow, I figured the best delivery method from CP would get the stuff here next day, but it doesn't.

Oh well ... to tomorrow :)
 
W0W
That makes my Stacker look like a shuttle!
LOL

So how many HDDs are going in that?
 
There is room for about 36x3.5" and 2x5.25" the way I am configuring it, however there is still more room in the case for adding custom mounting areas :)
 
this is awesome, post alot of pictures. Im about to start a mod like this with a diff but roughly the same size case.
 
thats huge!!
I have a couple of questions:

Where did you order the case for $180.00 ?
What kind of data do you plan on serving?
To whom do you plan on serving, is it going to be on a home network or something?
How much storage is that thing going to have initially and how much of it will be used up and at what speed will the free space be taken up?


it's awesome man more pics please :)

and if you can give us anymore info on its use or purpose that would be cool too.
 
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