Building a 1U server

S

Sarekai

n00b
Joined
Mar 30, 2003
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32
Hi,
I haven't posted on the [H] forums much before, but I though I'd run my ideas by you all for feedback.

I want to build a 1U server, for running a game/email/web server for myself and some friends. I am looking at co-location services to house the server. I'd view this as 1. fun for my friends and I and 2. a learning experience, building the server and configuring it.

I've got tons of experience with purchasing/installing servers (dell/hp stuff), as well as building desktop/server machines. I've just never build my own rackmount server.

What are some resources for building a 1u server? Can I slap a regular ATX motherboard in there? I realize that with a 1u server, I'll get just one PCI card mounted on a riser card. Are there any forums/web sites that deal specifically with custom rackmount hardware?

What sort of pricing should I consider/look at for coloc?

this is rambling, but any feedback is welcome. Thanks.

-Sarekai:D
 
If you use a typical ATX motherboard, you'll need to purchase low profile DIMMs for a 1U case. They aren't too hard to find; just look for "low profile" in the description while shopping for RAM. The riser card shouldn't be very difficult to procure; eBay and various stores on the web sell them for $5-20 usually. Other than that, don't forget to buy a sufficiently powerful 1U power supply.
 
As for the co-loco part, I can personally recommend he.net, as me and some friends have a 1u living down there in cali. $80/month for our plan, dunno the specifics as I just use it, but they've got real nice facilities. Also, consider a low-profile CPU cooler. No SLK-947 :D
 
hey --
thanks for the follow ups. That was my next question - if Ican go with a standard ATX MB, what are my options for heat sinks? I like this swiftech HS (http://www.swiftnets.com/products/mcx462-V.asp), but I dunno if that'll fit in a 1U case. Where can I find "low profile" heat sinks that can dissipate heat off a P4/Athlon proc?

As for the actual 1u case - any recommendations? I like the Dell style - any OEM manufacturers I can snag one from? I've got a resellers license, but my wholesaler doens't really carry and rack stuff..Of course I'd want something that looked great too :)

-Sarekai
 
For heatsinks, you'll probably have to go with something that specifies 1U compatibility. Just search for 1U "Socket A" and you should find some options on Google.

I think that most black 1Us look pretty good. It's hard to screw up a front panel that small, and everything else probably won't be showing...
 
hey I'm doing the same thing that you are. You should go look at cihost.com, they have a special for $50/month 1U with $1 setup!
 
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