rack computer cases

[mte]

hello, I was just thinking about getting a rack computer case, to simplify carrying all the stuff around (I use computer for using B4 live for keyboards, etc.) But I don't know much about them. What are the prices? What size does a motherboard in there have to be? What could you reccomend? thanks, Matej

[Franknputer]

Size-wise, plan on a 3-space height to accomodate PCI cards. There are several single-height PCs around, but typically they can only accomodate a single PCI card, which uses a special adapter to flip the slot 90 degrees. Of course, if you don't need PCI cards - i.e. you use FireWire & USB to hook up your stuff - then you can get a single-space PC. But be aware that cooling can be an issue as well, as these usually can't accomodate a typical heatsink & cooling fan stack, and usually use just a sink along with the PSU fan, which is about as big a a quarter & will tend to hose your computer if it goes.

[Audiobotica]

Rack cases can be pretty pricey. Maxtop and IPC make some that are fairly cheap ($100 to $150 range). Don't know if the quality is cheap too though. You can get Maxtop's at a good price from [url=http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProduct.asp?submit=manufactory&catalog=8&manufactory=1524&DEPA=1&sortby=14&order=1]NewEgg.com[/url]

[Chaz]

Here's some that I have found in the past that looked interesting: http://www.boomrack.com/default.htm http://www.33comix.com/sitemap.html http://www.enlightcorp.com (their 4U unit which is pretty decent quality) http://www.monarchcomputer.com (dealer carries enlight cases above) http://www.advanceddesignky.com/cases.cfm (dealer with some nice looking Skyhawk?? cases) Hope this is of some help to you. :cool:

[Dylan]

I have a rack case and to be honest, it's a PITA to work on. It's essentially just a desktop-sized case with rack ears. My Mid-Tower system is much easier to work with.

[Audiobotica]

I got a Black Chieftec Full Tower Case DX-01BD w/ Two Case Fans for $59 at newegg and it's been great. The full tower gives plenty of room for my big hands and the removable HDD bays are sweeeeeet. Plus the full tower looks very powerful and intimidating. People come in and go, "Holy s***, that's a f***ing huge computer!" It's not any more powerful than if it was in a mid tower, but Americans just love big stuff and think it's got to be better if it's bigger. (computer envy?) ;)

[phaeton]

http://www.thebookpc.com/ These are about the size of a dvd player. They have somewhat more standard parts in them. bookpc isn't the only manufacturer that makes these, but this is the only one i could think of off the top o' me head. All told, pretty much anything that has a computer crammed into a very small space will be very LIMITED in the way of expandability. But if you're going to buy a whole other computer, you also may just fork out the cash for a laptop.