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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:
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
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
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
Case Labs (Website not setup) $400-650
http://www.caselabs.net/
Prices: http://www.overclock.net/case-labs/964288-magnum-case-comparisons.html
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/
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
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
Danger Den - Black-Series - LDR - Tower 29 $380
http://www.dangerden.com/store/black-series-tower-29.html
Danger Den - Double Wide Tower - 21 Black Series Edition $380
http://www.dangerden.com/store/dd-double-wide-tower-21-black-series-edition.html
Gigabyte - 3D Mercury - (EATX) $400
http://www.gigabyte.com/products/product-page.aspx?pid=2327#kf
Review: http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Gigabyte/3DMercury/
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
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
MountainMods - Pinnacle 18 - CYO (HPTX) $270
http://www.mountainmods.com/pinnacle-18-cyo-p-499.html
MountainMods - Pinnacle 24 - CYO (HPTX) $280
http://www.mountainmods.com/pinnacle-24-cyo-p-498.html
NOX Extreme - Hummer (E-ATX, XL-ATX) $150
http://www.nox-xtreme.com/hummerseries/
NZXT - Phantom (E-ATX) $140
http://www.nzxt.com/new/products/crafted_series/phantom
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)
- 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
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
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
Case Labs (Website not setup) $400-650
http://www.caselabs.net/
Prices: http://www.overclock.net/case-labs/964288-magnum-case-comparisons.html
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/
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
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
Danger Den - Black-Series - LDR - Tower 29 $380
http://www.dangerden.com/store/black-series-tower-29.html
Danger Den - Double Wide Tower - 21 Black Series Edition $380
http://www.dangerden.com/store/dd-double-wide-tower-21-black-series-edition.html
Gigabyte - 3D Mercury - (EATX) $400
http://www.gigabyte.com/products/product-page.aspx?pid=2327#kf
Review: http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Gigabyte/3DMercury/
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
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
MountainMods - Pinnacle 18 - CYO (HPTX) $270
http://www.mountainmods.com/pinnacle-18-cyo-p-499.html
MountainMods - Pinnacle 24 - CYO (HPTX) $280
http://www.mountainmods.com/pinnacle-24-cyo-p-498.html
NOX Extreme - Hummer (E-ATX, XL-ATX) $150
http://www.nox-xtreme.com/hummerseries/
NZXT - Phantom (E-ATX) $140
http://www.nzxt.com/new/products/crafted_series/phantom