Server chassis (RACK)

The chassis is the case in which the server is assembled, and it determines the number of disks, video cards, and cooling of the entire system. Rack chassis are mounted in standard 19-inch cabinets and are measured in height in units (1U, 2U, 4U). Here you can find server chassis from Gigabyte and other manufacturers – including systems with a ready-made board and power supply, into which processor, memory, and disks are added.

How to choose

• Height. 1U chassis are the most compact and take up the least space in the cabinet, but accommodate fewer disks and cards and are noisier. 2U and 4U provide more space for disks, video cards, and quieter cooling.
• Disks. Check the number and size of the slots – 2.5 or 3.5 inches – and whether they support hot-swapping. For NVMe disks, look for slots that support U.2 or a suitable controller.
• Board. The chassis must accommodate the form factor of the motherboard. Some chassis come with a built-in board and are a ready foundation for a server.
• Power supply. Check the wattage and whether there are redundant power supplies. A chassis with two power supplies is more reliable.
• Cooling. Server chassis rely on strong airflow from front to back. Check the number of fans and whether they support passive video cards if you will be using them.
• Depth. Compare the depth of the chassis with the depth of the cabinet, leaving space for cables at the back.

What to watch out for

• Rack chassis are noisy and not suitable for a workspace without a separate cabinet.
• Mounting rails are sometimes purchased separately – check the kit.
• A chassis with a built-in board supports only certain processors – check the sockets.
• Leave free space at the front and back of the cabinet for airflow.
• Heavy chassis should be mounted at the bottom of the cabinet for stability.

Compatibility and consultation

You will need compatible processors, memory, and disks from server storage for the chassis. If you are looking for a different size or configuration, contact us – we will help you choose a chassis and components that work together.