I need a black 1U server case for my next project. I was wondering WHY they are SO EXPENSIVE? I can't seem to find any for under 200 dollars! I was just wanting to make a lan box, and use an AGP riser card for the video card.

So, a couple of questions:

1. Does anyone know where cheap 1U server cases can be found?

2. If I could find a cheap case, do they make AGP riser cards and horizontal slots in those cases that leave enough room for a full-sized graphics card?

Any help appreciated...Thanks.

I had a similar idea. I was planning on making an HTPC in a 1U case that mounted to my entertainment center. But like you've noticed the 1U rackmount's are pretty pricey. I'm thinking about making my own from some scrap sheet metal.

I did a quick hit at Pricewatch and came up with one for $98.50US which is about the best I've found so far. LINK

As far as the riser cards are concerned, a quick Google yielded this: LINK.
Bear in mind that this was just the first hit, so if you try Googling for agp riser card, you may find some deals.

Good luck.

I'm thinking the high price might have somehing to do with the PSUs...I don't know though. Thanks

Everything you put into a 19" rack is expensive even the rack

If you want to make a LAN rig in a 1U case then you could just build an aluminium case if you have access to the right tools

my 19"

EDIT: youre prob right about the PSU cost

Is a big sheet of aluminum expensive? IS it hard to work with? ...how would I mount hte motherboarD?

there are some AGP risers here if ya want. also on the site they have 1U powersupplies
this is the risers
@ Adex Electronics
power supplies

they also have 1u Cases at that site, but i do not know what the cost is :-\

brandon

Do you guys think that IFI got a 1u chassis that I would be able to use a normal atx motherboard and have an AGP riser card to accomodate a full-sized graphics card? I think that would be cool...It might work if I modded the back...I can't seem to find any 1u cases with a place for the agp card, I can only find ones with space for the PCI cards..hm.....

Something to consider, is the fact that these rackmount cases are designed for server use, not workstation use. So while they use a standard atx factor board, they don't tend to need a bulky high-end graphics card since under normal usage, about the only need for a UI is to pass and return the results of console-type commands.

Even when a server is hosting a graphically intensive app like a game, the bulk of the graphics are handled by the client workstation and whatever card is used there.

Working with sheet metal isn't hard, especially if you have the right tools. And, if you look around, you may find a metal shop (or have one at school) that will do most of the tool work for you if you have a good idea of what you want.

Mounting the hardware would be accomplished in the same way it is in just about every other case: die-tapped holes for your standoffs to mount the mobo, and whatever you can dream up for mounting everything else.

check this website out, ant-computing.com they make a half 1u server, (not workstation) and its pretty cool, you should check it out, but there hardware is really old.