Finding a good rack-mount case that doesn’t completely
strip the bank account isn’t an easy task. Most rack-mount cases are sold to
industry, and cost more than most consumer cases. In general the extra money
buys a very solid, well built cases that should protect your components while
being drag to and from gigs or LAN parties (not to mention they look menacing,
which I like). The down sides can be limited space and a fairly hefty weight.
I found my rack-mount case on Ebay (just FYI, I do not
work for Ebay). I also picked up a 4 space (just enough for the computer) SKB
rotomolded music equipment carrying case to install the rack-mount case into.
This isn’t necessary, but the SKB cases are lightweight, very durable, easily
carried, have rubber feet on 2 sides, are stackable, and provide some moisture
resistance. You can’t put this case in the bathtub, but if you want to carry the
case to your friends in the rain, you should have no worries.
The Rack-mount case I found has a great layout for what I
needed. All of the interface connectors are to the front side (where the drive
bays are). It keeps me from having to dig behind to hook up anything other than
the power. Unfortunately I can’t tell you who made this case. The company I
bought it from had no idea, and I can find no identifying marks, stamps,
stickers, or numbers anywhere on or in the case. The case has a space for a
single hidden 3 ½" drive bay, and accessible 5 ¼" and 3 ½" bays (one each).
There is also a lot of space inside the case if one wanted to add another hard
drive, or other cooling options. The case came with dual fans in the back, and
seems to do a good job of evacuating the air from my dual chips.
I paid about $150 for the rack-mount, and another $50 for
the carrying case. This isn’t the cheapest setup you can find, but it suits my
needs, was easy to assemble, and is definitely different from the average case I
see around. From what I can see, this thing will take a serious beating and be
no worse for the wear. Please let me know if you have any questions or comments…
pkoenig@theshop.net
Additional pictures below…
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