2U Rackmount Case for Dual Mini-ITX MB 14" Deep
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AI Verdict
This 2U rackmount case houses two Mini-ITX boards and four 3.5" drives in a 14.17" deep chassis, ideal for compact dual-server setups.
This case is a situational fit for specific users who need to consolidate two Mini-ITX systems into a 2U rack space, especially given its 14.17-inch depth which is shorter than many alternatives. The dual 1U Flex PSUs and 80mm fans, however, suggest it's not designed for quiet environments or high-power components.
If noise is a concern, look for 3U or 4U rackmount cases that can accommodate larger, quieter fans and standard ATX power supplies.
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Pros
- Supports two Mini-ITX motherboards in a single 2U chassis, maximizing rack density.
- Includes four 3.5" internal drive bays for storage expansion.
- Features four front-access USB 3.0 ports, compatible with USB 2.0, for convenient peripheral connection.
- Equipped with four 80mm cooling fans and dust filters for air circulation.
- The 14.17-inch depth is shallower than many rackmount cases, fitting more compact rack setups.
- A keylock door provides physical security for internal components.
Cons
- Requires riser cards for any PCI/PCIe expansion cards due to the 2U form factor.
- Uses two 1U Flex PSUs, which are commonly reported by users to be loud.
- The four 80mm fans may generate significant noise, as 80mm fans in 2U cases are often described as loud by users.
- The four 3.5" drive bays might be considered wasted space for users building M.2-only systems.
- Limited space for larger CPU coolers, typical for 2U chassis.
Dimension Scores
The case supports two Mini-ITX motherboards, allowing for dual system operation within a single 2U footprint, which is efficient for rack space.
The use of two 1U Flex PSUs and four 80mm cooling fans is frequently associated with high noise output in user feedback for similar rackmount cases.
While no specific complaints about this case's build quality were found, the mid-range price band and general user feedback on similar cases suggest it's likely average, with potential for issues like rattling in cheaper options.
2U rackmount cases typically offer limited space for cable management, and the internal layout with dual motherboards and 1U PSUs suggests it will be challenging to keep cables tidy.
Best For
- Homelab enthusiasts needing two low-power Mini-ITX servers in a single 2U slot.
- Small businesses requiring compact server solutions with dual motherboard support.
- Server administrators managing small servers in space-constrained racks.
- Users prioritizing rack density over quiet operation for their server builds.
Not Recommended For
- Users sensitive to fan noise, as 1U Flex PSUs and 80mm fans are often loud.
- Gaming PC builders, due to limited space for high-performance GPUs and cooling.
- High-performance server builds requiring extensive cooling or full-height PCIe cards without risers.
Watch Out For
- The included 1U Flex PSUs are frequently criticized by users in similar setups for their high noise levels.
- You'll need to buy separate riser cards for any PCI/PCIe expansion, as the 2U height doesn't allow direct card installation.
- Expect to potentially replace the four 80mm stock fans if quiet operation is a priority, as 80mm fans in 2U cases are often loud.
- If your build is M.2-only, the four 3.5" drive bays will be unused space.
Full Specifications
| ASIN | B0BJ6V89HD |
| Brand | rackchoice |
| Color | black |
| Series | m236 |
| Fan Size | 8E+1 Millimeters |
| Case Type | Unknown |
| Model Name | m236 |
| Item Weight | 14 pounds |
| Manufacturer | Rack Choice |
| Cooling Method | Air |
| Item model number | M236 |
| Product Dimensions | 14.17 x 19 x 3.5 inches |
| Item Dimensions LxWxH | 14.17 x 19 x 3.5 inches |
| Number of USB 2.0 Ports | 4 |
| Number of USB 3.0 Ports | 4 |
| Motherboard Compatability | Mini ITX |
| Power Supply Mounting Type | Rear Mount |
What Buyers Say
This rackchoice 2U case for dual Mini-ITX motherboards is a niche product, often discussed in homelab communities for its compact 14.17-inch depth, which is a significant advantage over deeper alternatives. However, the primary recurring concern among users for this type of chassis revolves around noise, specifically from the 1U Flex PSUs and the smaller 80mm fans. The requirement for riser cards for any PCIe expansion is also a consistent point of discussion. While it offers good density with four 3.5" drive bays, some users find these bays unnecessary for M.2-centric builds.
“Man, I needed something shallow for my rack and this fits, but those little fans and PSUs are gonna make some noise, I just know it. Hope I can swap 'em out later.”
Common Praise
- The 14.17-inch depth is convenient for shallower rack setups.
- Ability to house two Mini-ITX systems in a single 2U unit saves rack space.
- Includes four front-access USB 3.0 ports for easy connectivity.
- Comes with four 80mm fans and dust filters for cooling.
Common Complaints
- The 1U Flex PSUs are often described as loud, like a 'jet engine'.
- 80mm fans can be noisy, prompting users to consider replacements for quieter operation.
- Requires riser cards for any PCI/PCIe expansion, adding complexity and cost.
- The 3.5" drive bays are considered wasted space by users who only use M.2 storage.
Ownership Tips
- The 1U Flex PSUs are likely the loudest components and might need immediate replacement if noise is a concern.
- Plan for additional purchases of PCIe riser cards if you intend to use any expansion cards.
- Consider the actual need for 3.5" drive bays; if you're M.2 only, they're just taking up space.
- The dust filters on the 80mm fans will need regular cleaning to maintain airflow and reduce potential noise from clogged fans.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this case come with power supplies?
Yes, the case includes two 1U Flex PSUs, one for each Mini-ITX motherboard.
Can I install a full-height graphics card?
No, you'll need to use a riser card for any PCI/PCIe expansion cards, as the 2U form factor does not support full-height cards directly.
How many hard drives can I install?
The case has four internal 3.5" drive bays.
Is this case quiet for a home environment?
Users often report that 1U Flex PSUs and 80mm fans, common in 2U cases, can be quite loud, so it might not be ideal for noise-sensitive home environments.
What are the exact dimensions of the case?
The case measures 14.17 inches deep, 19 inches wide, and 3.5 inches high (36 x 48.3 x 8.9 cm).
Buying Guide
When you're looking at a 2U rackmount case like this, you need to think about more than just fitting it in your rack. You're cramming a lot of hardware into a small space, so noise and cooling are big deals. Don't assume 'rackmount' means 'silent' – especially with smaller fans and power supplies. Also, remember that 2U height means you'll almost always need special riser cards for any expansion cards you want to use.
2U Height
This refers to the case's height in rack units (1U = 1.75 inches). 2U is compact, but it means you can't install full-height PCIe cards directly; you'll need a riser card to orient them horizontally.
Dual Mini-ITX MB Support
This is the main draw – it lets you run two separate, small computer systems within one physical case. Think of it like having two small servers sharing a single rack slot, saving you space.
14.17" Deep
This is the case's front-to-back measurement. Many server racks are shallow, so a shorter depth like 14.17 inches means it will fit in more racks, especially home or network racks, where deeper cases won't.
1U Flex PSU
These are compact power supplies designed for slim server cases. While they save space, they often use smaller, higher-RPM fans, which means they can be significantly louder than standard ATX power supplies.
Alternatives
If noise is a major concern, search for 3U or 4U rackmount cases that can accommodate standard ATX power supplies and larger, quieter case fans. If you don't need dual motherboards, a single Mini-ITX 1U or 2U case might offer more specialized features or better cooling for one system.
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