Installing a motherboard into a server cabinet without a case

Feb 21st, 2018 4:45 pm

#1

PerformingAzura [OP]: Deal Addict; Nov 1, 2017; 1426 posts; 756 upvotes

Feb 21st, 2018 4:45 pm

Installing a motherboard into a server cabinet without a case

I have two headless servers that are currently running naked on my desk.

I'd like to move them somewhere safer (I'm thinking 6/10U server cabinet)
Wondering if there's anything on the market so I can do this.
(Something like a motherboard tray, but for server racks instead)

Both builds are running off ATX power supplies, but the motherboards are non-standard, which is why I can't find a case for it.

Build #1: CPU+Motherboard only
Build +2: CPU+Motherboard+2xHDDs.

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Feb 21st, 2018 5:46 pm

#2

willy: Deal Expert; Oct 13, 2002; 19332 posts; 989 upvotes

Feb 21st, 2018 5:46 pm

Just curious ... What do the motherboards designed for originally ?

Feb 21st, 2018 7:05 pm

#3

PerformingAzura [OP]: Deal Addict; Nov 1, 2017; 1426 posts; 756 upvotes

Feb 21st, 2018 7:05 pm

willy wrote: ↑ Just curious ... What do the motherboards designed for originally ?

http://www.supermicro.com/products/moth ... 9SPU-F.cfm

You're supposed to use it with their line of cases. Unfortunately, I already purchased two Seasonic ATX power supplies and I'd prefer not to switch it.
(I also don't need the 750W PSU that these cases come with)

Feb 21st, 2018 7:28 pm

#4

vkizzle: Deal Expert; Aug 22, 2011; 35645 posts; 21730 upvotes; Center of Universe

Feb 21st, 2018 7:28 pm

Provided it's mounted on standoffs, just make your own tray out of a sheet of aluminum or plywood.

Feb 21st, 2018 8:03 pm

#5

thewhopper: Jr. Member; Sep 12, 2017; 116 posts; 18 upvotes; LaSalle, Ontario

Feb 21st, 2018 8:03 pm

PerformingAzura wrote: ↑ I have two headless servers that are currently running naked on my desk.

Sounds distracting.

+1

Feb 22nd, 2018 10:29 am

#6

PerformingAzura [OP]: Deal Addict; Nov 1, 2017; 1426 posts; 756 upvotes

Feb 22nd, 2018 10:29 am

vkizzle wrote: ↑ Provided it's mounted on standoffs, just make your own tray out of a sheet of aluminum or plywood.

Does material matter?

The guys in this forum : https://www.techpowerup.com/forums/thre ... ys.181551/
were cautioning about grounding issues when using anything but metal.

Last edited by PerformingAzura on Feb 22nd, 2018 10:29 am, edited 2 times in total.

Feb 22nd, 2018 10:37 am

#7

vkizzle: Deal Expert; Aug 22, 2011; 35645 posts; 21730 upvotes; Center of Universe

Feb 22nd, 2018 10:37 am

PerformingAzura wrote: ↑ Does material matter?

The guys in this forum : https://www.techpowerup.com/forums/thre ... ys.181551/
were cautioning about grounding issues when using anything but metal.

If you're not too concerned about ESD, go with the easiest and cheapest.
I have an open air mining rig and the motherboard sits openly on an aluminum frame supported by standoffs.

Feb 22nd, 2018 10:39 am

#8

PerformingAzura [OP]: Deal Addict; Nov 1, 2017; 1426 posts; 756 upvotes

Feb 22nd, 2018 10:39 am

vkizzle wrote: ↑ If you're not too concerned about ESD, go with the easiest and cheapest.
I have an open air mining rig and the motherboard sits openly on an aluminum frame supported by standoffs.

I guess I'm hunting for a deal on aluminum extrusions:
https://hardforum.com/threads/gauging-i ... s.1618331/

Feb 22nd, 2018 11:06 am

#9

vkizzle: Deal Expert; Aug 22, 2011; 35645 posts; 21730 upvotes; Center of Universe

Feb 22nd, 2018 11:06 am

PerformingAzura wrote: ↑ I guess I'm hunting for a deal on aluminum extrusions:
https://hardforum.com/threads/gauging-i ... s.1618331/

That would work.

Feb 22nd, 2018 11:55 am

#10

Fraser River Rat: Deal Addict; Mar 4, 2007; 2004 posts; 298 upvotes; Vancouver

Feb 22nd, 2018 11:55 am

Hi,

I would make the motherboard support out of plywood instead of metal because it would be easier to work with. Then you can mount the whole thing on a shelf or on the wall.

+1

Feb 22nd, 2018 12:07 pm

#11

sexyj: Deal Guru; Feb 10, 2007; 12371 posts; 3526 upvotes

Feb 22nd, 2018 12:07 pm

Why don't you just get a 4u case.

Most 4u case can take standard atx power supplies

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+1

Feb 22nd, 2018 1:28 pm

#12

PerformingAzura [OP]: Deal Addict; Nov 1, 2017; 1426 posts; 756 upvotes

Feb 22nd, 2018 1:28 pm

sexyj wrote: ↑ Why don't you just get a 4u case.

Most 4u case can take standard atx power supplies

I was under the impression that I needed a Supermicro branded case.

4U will require me to get a bigger cabinet, but if I can get two cases for under 50$ ea, I'd definitely go this route.