Server cases are made for building a server, a storage system or any other machine that runs around the clock, usually mounted in a 19-inch rack. Our range has over 50 models, mostly from SilverStone, Chenbro and Supermicro, along with some from Inter-Tech and Sonnet.
How to choose a server case
Height in the rack. 1U cases take up the least space, but they only fit low-profile coolers and small fans, which makes them noisier. 2U and 4U cases have room for taller coolers, expansion cards and more drives. If you do not have a rack, choose a tower model.
Drive bays. Count how many 3.5-inch and 2.5-inch drives you will need now and in a few years. Hot-swap bays let you replace a failed drive without shutting the server down, which matters for RAID arrays.
Motherboard size. Check that the case supports your board's form factor: mini-ITX, microATX, ATX or the larger E-ATX. A smaller board usually fits into a larger case, but the reverse rarely works.
Power supply. Some cases take a standard ATX power supply, while others use server-format or redundant modules, which keep the server running if one of them fails. Check whether a power supply is included or has to be bought separately.
Depth and cooling. Measure the depth of your rack first: a long 4U case may not fit into a shallow network cabinet. Also look at the number of fans and the front-to-back airflow, because these decide how hot the drives and processor get.
Brands we carry
- SilverStone: known for both PC cases and rackmount and storage cases, so its models suit simpler home or office servers.
- Chenbro: a Taiwanese company specialising in server and storage chassis, often with hot-swap drive bays.
- Supermicro: a server maker that designs its chassis alongside its own motherboards, so they pair easily with components from the same brand.
- Inter-Tech: a German manufacturer known for its IPC series of 19-inch rackmount cases in various heights.
- Sonnet: known for Thunderbolt expansion chassis and equipment for connecting PCIe cards to Mac and other computers.
Also in our range: Lanberg.
Frequently asked questions about server cases
How is a server case different from a regular PC case?
A server case is designed for continuous operation and rack mounting rather than sitting on a desk. It usually has more drive bays, often hot-swap ones, and stronger airflow. Regular PC cases tend to look nicer but offer fewer places for drives.
What do 1U, 2U and 4U mean?
U is a unit of rack height, equal to about 4.45 cm. A 1U case takes one such slot, a 2U case two and a 4U case four. The taller the case, the more room for cooling, expansion cards and drives.
Will a standard motherboard fit in a server case?
Usually yes, as long as the case supports its form factor, such as ATX, microATX or mini-ITX. Also check the cooler height: a regular tower cooler may not fit in a low 1U or 2U case. Compare the dimensions of the case and the components before you buy.
Can I use a server case at home?
Yes, provided you have a rack or choose a tower model. Keep in mind that low rackmount cases with small fans can be heard across the whole room. For a home storage server, a 2U or 4U case with larger, quieter fans is often enough.
