Building a rack mounted computer system

[John B]

I'm building up a (semi) portable studio audio computer system based around an ATX setup. For portability, Ill be mounting it in a rack unit setup alongside an interface, audio FX processors etc.

Does anyone have any experience in the pitfalls of translating a regular ATX tower to a rack setup? I understand that a typical rack server may be larger than needed, as they house dual CPU motherboards.

Also, I have some concerns about fitting in a CPU cooler. I'd prefer air coolers only, though the larger ones seem to be around 150-160mm high. Would that require something like a 4U rack case? The processor will be a core i9 10850k, so I'm not sure whether it would be a safe idea to go for a lower profile cooler with less cooling ability.

[Foxxz]

Most rack mount cases for PCs are 4u in size to accommodate cards and coolers. But its usually not a huge hassle to do.

[Halcyon]

Rackmount cases for standard ATX boards and power supplies exist. No different to building a regular tower PC. Have a look at something like the Silverstone RM400.

[PKTKS]

Here for obvious price of the weight load...

I always use the NILKO ... check the proper 4UATX version..

Suited for such exact specification..

http://nilko.com.br/cabines/gabinetes-industriais/

Paul

[John B]

Alright it looks like it will be a 4U case, but Ill probably wait for the parts to come in first because the cooler is quite large. Oh, and it's going to be a Hackintosh system, a Rackintosh if you will. Rack mountable mac pros start at $11k AUS.....but I digress.

[nightfire]

If you "only" put ATX desktop components in a 4U industrial case, there is not much to take care for except one important thing:
The airflow. Check for the orientation of the RAM banks and make sure that the fans are venting in a consistent direction (mostly from front to back)

Also it can be worth the work to check for rubber dampers that will dampen some vibration due to the transport stress, if frequently transported.
Oh, and some robust case (Flightcase, Pelicase etc.) is definitely worth its money to prevent early failure...

In the 2U world, it is a bit different due to airflow considerations and redundant PSU- here you will need air baffles and need to worry aboutlow profile PCIe cards...