A while back, I installed a 10" rack in one of the closets of my flat. In fact, I had most of the non-AC wiring (phone, TV, ethernet, alarm) pulled into that closet, so it was the only really logical place to put the rack.
However, I soon discovered that although it's easy to find suitable patch panels and shelves, it's not terribly easy to find computer cases that will fit a 10" rack -- 18", sure, but for 10" there's virtually nothing available. I suppose that traditionally there simply weren't many standard PC-type computers that would agree to be squeezed into such a confined space, and if you nevertheless would manage then their dissipated power would soon cause overheating.
Interestingly, with the rapid advance of lower power/ small form factor motherboards such as the Intel Atom-based ones, or the Via solutions, this is all about to change for the better. Now, it's suddenly completely feasible to buy a 6.7x6.7 in (17x17 cm) motherboard that will be a perfect fit for this idea of "closet computing" -- as well as for a vast array of other potential applications.
So, I have now decided to set up this blog in order to keep better track of the rack :o)
That is, I will try to regularly post some status updates, solutions to problems, links to retailers, and other related titbits -- things that may come in handy for other people wanting to create their own rack-based computing solutions, or indeed to implement any other, similar type of small form factor application.
Good night, and good luck :o)
/M
No comments:
Post a Comment