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WE TACKLE TOUGH READER QUESTIONS ON...

Server Rack System? Hey Zak! Glad to see Maximum PC is back to full length, and I hope you're staying safe and healthy. I had a quick question about a rack-mounted chassis. The parts I'm using are essentially a gaming PC build, but I can't recall MaximumPC ever covering this type of funky build. I'm looking at cases, but there's a lot to cover in terms of what size (2U, 4U—how much clearance will I need and what should I prepare for?); I'm not even sure if I can mount an AIO in a rackmount. I'd love a recommendation (or even a full-length article with the amount of confusing options out there) if you know of any?

I work in sound design, so also any way of reducing the sound from the chassis would be a plus!

–Tzvi

EDITOR ZAK STOREY

RESPONDS: Oh this is a tricky one, I've actually toyed with this idea a few times, but it's so difficult getting server racks in for review, it's just never been possible on our end. So ideally you'd need a 4U rackmount case. 3U does support full-size GPUs to my knowledge, but if you're looking to install an AIO liquid cooler, then 4U is the way to go, as the extra height/internal volume gives you more clearance for larger fans. Most 4U units support a single 120mm fan up front, and then multiple 60mms or 80mms in the rear. That said, there is a Rosewill 4U server chassis on Amazon that does have support for 2x120mm intake fans up front, so you could theoretically stick a 240mm AIO in that. It's affordable(ish) too, $138.44 at the moment. The front end of it is intense though: A locked filtered grille.