I'm attempting to price out a rack full of low Mhz (500 to 800Mhz) processor 1U systems and realized I need to find a source for cheap as heck 1U cases. Something that'll take Mini-ITX motherboard.

Here you go:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2068364286

See, saving money with those VIA integrated mobo's might not be so easy after all. . .

But, if you're going to be buying a rack-full of 1u's (about 40?), you might want to try contacting a case manufacturer directly.

haxorboi mentioned a "book pc case," which he estimates to be less than a 2u, but I know that's not the same.

http://webhostingtalk.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=86814&perpage=15&pagenumber=1

Actually. Can be done very easily. We'll see, though.

http://compute-aid.com

It's a very low budget web site, but rock solid 1U cases. Make sure to get the 1U-C model. It has the replaceable back plane. These bad boys have 300 Watt power supplies and hurricane force fans that blow front to back.

http://store.compute-aid.com/cgi-bin/category.cgi?category=102&item=RK1U300W-TD&type=store

Well, one thing to consider is cooling!!

Many cheaper cases do not have the design/layout to provide enough cooling, and once you have a full rack, believe me, things start to get warm!!!

We were using some dodgy cases from Acme Tech, but they have had a rethink, and the new designs are much better... lot's o big fans and guud circulation throughout the system!

http://www.acmetech.co.uk/acm109.htm

Check out servercase.com. For details, email george@kricomputer.com, let him know that Grant sent you, and he'll hook you up. Great guy, great boxes, great prices -- we use them all the time.

Grant

You mention you're getting Mini-ITX boards, which are normally (if I'm not mistaken) non-upgradeable. Why not just buy a few blade servers from HP or Dell, and fill it with server blades?

In my experience cheap 1U and 2U cases are just not worth it, they are usually badly designed with poor layout and no room for cabling. You're much better off spending a little more and getting a decent case, it saves many headaches.

Originally posted by KDAWebServices
In my experience cheap 1U and 2U cases are just not worth it, they are usually badly designed with poor layout and no room for cabling. You're much better off spending a little more and getting a decent case, it saves many headaches.

I'll agree that cheap cases are usually poorly designed. However, everything I've ever gotten from servercase.com has been great. YMMV.

I cost is your number one priority, try MPC Parts (http://www.mpcparts.com). The Skyhawk 1U is decent with lots of fans. Not the sturdiest, nor the best when it comes to airflow, but I have 10 of these in a cabinet with dual P3 1Ghz CPUs and they've been fine except for one failed power supply.

i found the 49$ celeron servers on http://www.unitedcolo.com/ but they are sold out.

anyone else know any places to get servers w. no setup fee for under $80 a month?