Mini ITX Rack Mount

[pipeman]

I would like to build a HTPC and mount it in my central rack in the kitchen.
So far, I think I like the ASUS ION ITX Atom board, with a Blu-Ray reader/ DVD writer like the Lite-On.
Local video will be my ELO touch panel in the rack, with HDMI out to the living room big screen.
The wife is on board with this!
My problem is finding a nice looking rack case. Has anybody seen any?

Sonny

 

[electron]

The thing is, rack mount cases are not designed to be pretty. That said, I do have a 1U case which contains 2 mini-itx systems. You can find it here (and a bunch of other models):

http://www.logicsupply.com/categories/cases/rackmount_cases

 

[pipeman]

Oh, I found at least one that would suit just fine if I could get a little of that TARP green

http://www.atechfabrication.com/atech_3000_order_form.htm

 

[charliebarns]

Oh, I found at least one that would suit just fine if I could get a little of that TARP green

http://www.atechfabrication.com/atech_3000_order_form.htm

I've been researching cases for months and months now, trying to find 'sexy' rackmount cases. The best I came up with and ordered was the Antec Take 3 (3U) - which is ridiculously quiet (full atx not mini), and for my htpc I put it in an OrigenAe S16V. You could use an OrigenAE S14V or and S10V for your mini...

 

[beelzerob]

I've been researching cases for months and months now, trying to find 'sexy' rackmount cases.

Rackmount cases are sexy the same way supermodels are....simply because they ARE one. Personally, I went with a relatively cheap one from newegg, and I'm quite pleased with it. It hangs in the rack, and everything!

Silverstone also makes some very very nice looking cases, and many (including the LC17) support rack ears you can buy separately. Of course, those are all ATX, not mini....so disregard everything I said.

 

[pipeman]

Yea, I noticed a lot more options for ATX.
I wouldn't mind a slightly larger case really,I've got plenty of room.
Are the rack ears from Silverstone or generic? I can fabricate passable ears if I need to as long as the case can handle it.

http://www.silverstonetek.com/products/p_s...-E&area=usa

The big question then, is, what would be the implications of putting an ITX board in an ATX case?

Sonny

I wonder why the Silverstone site seems to show ears/handles for the LC17 only?

 

[electron]

What about buying a rack mount shelf, then you could 'mount' any type of case you like.

 

[beelzerob]

I wonder why the Silverstone site seems to show ears/handles for the LC17 only?

Hmm...my bad, I guess I assumed there was more than 1. I own an LC17, and was able to get rack ears for it...can't remember if it was from silverstone directly or not, but they were silverstone brand. Dunno if there is a generic equivalent.

 

[pipeman]

What about buying a rack mount shelf, then you could 'mount' any type of case you like.

That's my backup plan. Most of the stuff in the rack is on shelves or trays, but the direct mounts are nice.
The wife likes the Silverstone 13-E. The larger case will look better and I'll have no crowding issues.
I'm still trying to find info on installing a Mini ITX in an ATX case.

 

[electron]

Just out of curiosity, do you have a picture of this rack in the kitchen?

 

[Sacarino]

Just out of curiosity, do you have a picture of this rack in the kitchen?

And can you please provide the talking points you utilized to get approval for installing a server rack in the kitchen?

 

[pipeman]

Just out of curiosity, do you have a picture of this rack in the kitchen?

And can you please provide the talking points you utilized to get approval for installing a server rack in the kitchen?

The rack sits in a drywall "window" that has 1/4" clearances. The back is open into my central wiring closet where I have 3 cans, roughly separated into security/automation, data/telephone and Video/CATV. The living room big screen is recessed into the wall left of the Elk can. The rack is my 4th "can".
House wiring drops into the most appropriate "can" and then in-wall chases allow interconnects.

Still very much a work in progress, the remodeling of the east side of the house is on hold until the economy improves for us.

As to how I managed this with the wife... That too is very much a work in progress B)

Seriously though, she wanted a "clean" living room without any visible wiring or equipment at all. She got what she wanted, I got what I wanted.

Sonny

(adding pictures is a pain, I must be doing something wrong)

 

[zpollock]

The thing is, rack mount cases are not designed to be pretty. That said, I do have a 1U case which contains 2 mini-itx systems. You can find it here (and a bunch of other models):

http://www.logicsupply.com/categories/cases/rackmount_cases

That case is the perfect solution for something I've been looking at, it's a shame it's so expensive...