Rack mountable server/desktop - VERY QUIET

edanto

We have a small cabinet in a meeting room which has a DVD player, audio mixer & video conferencing unit in it already.

I'd like to source a computer to add in there, which could be controlled wirelessly by attendees.

Requirements:

QUIET
No deeper than 40cm
Can be several U high, no shortage of vertical space
No requirements for redundant PSU/ethernet

Anyone know where I might source something like that please?

Gyck

How powerful a machine do you need? If the answer is not very then you could go for something with media center specs. Some of the big manufacturers do small form factor low spec machines that are pretty quiet (I'm thinking Dell in particular). Or you could stick a laptop in and attach a wireless keyboard?

edanto

Doesn't have to be very high spec at all - it will only be used for presentations/ WebEx / videos etc. But it will have W7 and I want 4GB of RAM.

I would prefer it it were rackmounted, instead of a laptop plonked on a shelf, for the 'giving a good impression' reason, but obviously cost is the most important factor.

I'm liking the look of these fellas http://www.logicsupply.eu/caratom1ur/ (Edit : talked to them and they don't have a silent model that will take 4GB of RAM)

But have also got a more expensive quote from http://eracks.com/products/Quiet%20Systems/config?sku=QUIET They guarantee the decibel level to be lower than rustling clothes! That would be just what I want, it's an important meeting room and a fan noise would be most unwelcome.

bhickey

You could try something from here with a fanless motherboard and a small SSD drive.

edanto

Thanks - great suggestion. Made something on their site which is coming in at €818, but I'm not sure just how quiet it would be. I'll have to call and ask.

1U Atom Bundle 16: 4GB RAM; C2-RACK-V2; JNF99-525 Board €366.85 €366.85

Intel 320 Series 120GB SATA 2.5in SSD * Lead time approx 1-3 days €166.75 €166.75

Sony Optiarc AD-7710H-01 SATA Trayload Slimline DVD+-RW Drive * Lead time approx 3-5 days €40.25 €40.25

40cm Mini SATA Power/Data Cable for SATA Slimline Optical Drives €10.93 €10.93

Build and Test for 1U Atom Bundle €57.50 €57.50


I can source something similar from the states for slightly cheaper, €770 and the guys in the states guarantee it's max 37dB loud, which is about the same as rustling clothes. At this stage I've got 4-5 quotes and I think I'm leaning towards the eracks guys linked above.

Really appreciate the advice guys. (people on Spiceworks have also helped) http://community.spiceworks.com/topic/168593-a-quiet-rack-mounted-shallow-computer?page=1#entry-1026437

bhickey

edanto wrote: »

Thanks - great suggestion. Made something on their site which is coming in at €818

Depending on the options picked you should come in around ST£400 before VAT. For example, the following works out at ST£378.50 :

1U Atom Bundle 12: 4GB RAM; C2-RACK-V2; D525MW Board £259.00 £259.00
OCZ Vertex 2 50GB 2.5in SATA II Solid State Disk (SSD) * Lead time approx 1-3 days £75.00 £75.00
Sony Optiarc AD-7710H-01 SATA Trayload Slimline DVD+-RW Drive * Lead time approx 3-5 days £35.00 £35.00
40cm Mini SATA Power/Data Cable for SATA Slimline Optical Drives £9.50 £9.50

bhickey

Sorry, just spotted that it has to be less than 40cm deep. Ouch!

edanto

Yeah, the shallowness/quietness and 4GB are fairly difficult to satisfy until I get to the price of about 750/800. I think we're gonna be happy enough with the eracks one, they have a bit of experience building these silent machines.