Redbacks: emu's Budget Cruncher Farm Build

[123bob]

Wow, don't know how I've missed this thread for so long.....

Go Emu, Go!!!

Always nice to see a new "permanent resident" in the cruncher asylum....Don't worry though, SiG has us covered. Just keep taking two quads in the morning and you'll be up to adding two more shelf units before you know it.

In hindsight, the shelf approach with open boards is very good. I have switched to that with my new machines. I had done two racks with server cases, but find I really don't need them and they make maintenance more of a PITA.

One suggestion is to secure the shelf to the garage wall so it can't fall down. This is not just for seismic issues. It also helps when you try to pull the shelf down because you're trying to service the top shelf when you've had one (or six) too many beers. I know, I've done it. If it weren't for the seismic braces I put on my racks, I'd have something to cry about.....

EDIT: I'd also suggest you get a few 120mm fans and put at least one on each machine. Just blow the air across the critical parts like the NB, SB and RAM. Set the fan up on edge and just blow the air across. You can secure them with zip ties or even tape if they want to "walk" around the shelf. It is cheap insurance to avoid overheating parts. Try to cover your HDs as well. I recently lost a HD in an open rig, I think it was due to heat. I didn't have any air going over it.

Regards,
Bob