Looking for a 2+ in 1 computer case / worklog

[BrakinDeep]

I am looking to build a new server solution but trying to keep it small (relatively speaking) and as power efficient as possible.

Currently running:
2 x Xeon L5420 50w thermal rating
36GB ECC DDR2
SuperMicro X7DCA-L
Dell Perc6i w/BBWC
Intel GB 4 Port NIC
INWIN Dragon Slayer MATX
2GB CF via CF SATA Adapter (OS)
4 x WDC 250GB Scorpio Black WD2500BEKT (RAID5 w/ Spare)
VMWare ESXi 4.1

This is a very power efficient server (under 90w with normal load) and very happy with it. Unfortunately for it, I am thinking about getting rid of it and building a new solution. Here is where I need help, I want this new solution to be a cluster but in a single case (small is preferred). I will resort to individual cases if nothing can be found but it would be great to have one.

So I am looking for a case which can house two ITX mainboards. I know that ITX will reduce my memory footprint but to be honest, I rarely peak 14GB of usage and I can trim things down if needed.

I have ideas on ITX board w/ CPU & mem but I need help finding a case. I found a case which would be perfect but no longer available and waiting for manufacturer to respond to my inquiry.

So does anyone know of a good case with can house two (or more) ITX boards?
Or anyone have a good worklog of putting two ITX into a MATX or similarly sized case?

My only requirement is ability to have a LP quad port NIC installed per ITX board.

 

[MrWizard6600]

it sounds like you know what you're getting yourself into, but just so we're clear, setting up a cluster is not a particularly elegant solution from a speed standpoint nor from a setup standpoint.

edit: no that's no good...

 

[Topweasel]

You might want to look into this.

http://hardforum.com/showpost.php?p=1036700952&postcount=9

 

[BrakinDeep]

You might want to look into this.

http://hardforum.com/showpost.php?p=1036700952&postcount=9

This is the case I am trying to get but I haven't been able find it yet. I'm waiting to hear back from the company.

it sounds like you know what you're getting yourself into, but just so we're clear, setting up a cluster is not a particularly elegant solution from a speed standpoint nor from a setup standpoint.

edit: no that's no good...

I understand the complexity, I run a 600VM farm across 30 blade hosts at work. My point here is to run a cluster at home for additional experimenting and playing at home. My challenge is making it as small as possible. There are trade-offs going this route in terms of density and scalability, which is more than acceptable since it's my home. The bonus here is making it small as my wife will not freak out.

 

[Topweasel]

This will keep it smallish, but a bit awkward.

http://www.casepro.cn/EnProductShow.asp?ID=242

 

[jeremyshaw]

you can go twin "antec isk 300 150" cases, and have less footprint than most mITX cube cases

 

[BrakinDeep]

This will keep it smallish, but a bit awkward.

http://www.casepro.cn/EnProductShow.asp?ID=242

I dig it

Found one link with this for sale and and it's from China directly so not sure on availability or shipping costs. I think that I saw another rack mounted dual ITX board, so need to pull that one up again.

The Morex company still hasn't responded about that 4 ITX boards in case so looks like that option be not be viable.
http://www.morex.com.tw/products/productdetail.php?fd_id=137

I want to avoid the multiple cases but looks like it may be the way I need to go.

Anyone else see anything viable?