Why is the server chassis important?
A server chassis is a large shell designed to protect server hardware, just like "putting armor" on the server. It not only allows the server to "live" spaciously, but also ensures that the machine can run stably 24 hours a day.
Main core functions
Hardware protection
Made of thick metal plates (such as steel or aluminum), it can prevent bumps, dust, and accidentally spilled liquids. Some chassis also have keyholes to prevent someone from secretly opening them.
Heat dissipation expert
An ordinary chassis may only have 1-2 fans, while a server chassis usually has more than 4 fans, and even uses liquid cooling technology to control the hardware temperature as comfortable as spring.
Expansion space
An ordinary chassis may only be able to hold 1 hard drive, while a server chassis can hold dozens of hard drives and can be filled with various expansion cards (such as multiple graphics cards or RAID cards)What types of server chassis are there?
A server chassis is like "dressing" a server. Different types of chassis are like "battle robes" of different styles to meet the needs of various usage scenarios. The following are several common types:
Features: Standing on the ground like a large safe, large in size, strong in expandability, can accommodate dozens of hard drives and various expansion cards.
Applicable scenarios: Home host, small office, suitable for users who need flexible hardware upgrades.
Rack-mount chassis：
Features: Like a slender "bookshelf", the height is in "U" units (1U≈1.75 inches), and can be stacked in the computer room cabinet like building blocks to save space.
Applicable scenarios: Data centers, enterprise server rooms, suitable for environments that require dense deployment of multiple servers.
Blade chassis：
Features: Densely arranged like "blades", multiple independent server units share power and cooling systems, and are as efficient as "twins".
Applicable scenarios: Large cloud computing centers, supercomputers, suitable for scenarios that require high-density computing.
Mini Server：
Features: As light as a small box, the volume is only 1/3 of the tower case, suitable for desktop or small computer room.
Applicable scenarios: home media center, small enterprise data storage, suitable for users with limited space.
Features: Designed for "super brain", it is equipped with multiple high-performance graphics cards, as powerful as "Iron Man's armor", suitable for deep learning, 3D rendering and other tasks.
Applicable scenarios: scientific research institutions, game development companies, to meet high computing power requirements.
How to choose a suitable chassis?
The choice of server chassis needs to be determined according to the usage scenario and hardware requirements. The following are recommended solutions for three typical scenarios:
1
Enterprise/data center scenario
It is recommended to use a rack-mount (Rackmount) or blade (Blade) chassis. Rack-mount chassis are stacked vertically in "U" units (1U≈1.75 inches), which can save 70% of computer room space and support standardized deployment and centralized management; blade chassis achieve high-density computing by sharing power and cooling systems, and are suitable for cloud computing centers and other scenarios.
2
Home/Small Office Scenarios
It is recommended to choose a tower or mini server. The tower chassis provides 3-5 hard disk slots and dual-channel graphics card expansion space, and is compatible with ATX/M-ATX motherboards; the mini server is only 1/3 the size of the tower, supports ITX motherboards and SFX power supplies, and is suitable for flexible desktop deployment.
3
Scientific Computing/Game Development Scenarios
A GPU server chassis is required. This type of chassis uses a vertical air duct design with a liquid cooling module, can install 4-6 high-performance graphics cards, and supports RAID 0 arrays and E-ATX motherboards. Some high-end models are also equipped with an electromagnetic shielding layer to meet financial-level data security requirements.
Why is the server chassis important?
The server chassis is like the "armor" of the server. Without it, the hardware is like fighting naked on the battlefield and will be defeated by the environment in minutes. The following are its five irreplaceable functions:
1. Hardware protection god
The chassis is made of thick metal plates (steel/aluminum), which can block dust, liquid splashes and even the "black hands" of thieves. The chassis with an earthquake-resistant frame can also withstand a magnitude 7 earthquake and protect the core components from damage.
2. Heat dissipation expert
The server will heat up when running at high load for 24 hours. The chassis uses fans, heat sinks and even liquid cooling systems to control the temperature within a safe range (more than 20℃ lower than the outdoor temperature). Ordinary chassis may only have 1-2 fans, while server chassis usually have more than 4 fans.
3. Expansion expert
When the business of the enterprise grows, the chassis can directly add hard drives and memory cards without replacing the entire machine. For example, some chassis can hold 30 hard drives and multiple graphics cards. Ordinary home chassis may not even be able to hold 10 hard drives.
4. Security Guard
The chassis with a keyhole can prevent thieves from stealing hardware, and the electromagnetic shielding layer can also prevent data from being eavesdropped. Some high-end chassis also support remote monitoring, and administrators can see the chassis status in real time.
5. Environmentally friendly housekeeper
Silent fan technology allows the computer room to say goodbye to the "buzzing" sound, and some chassis can also save 30% of electricity through intelligent temperature control. Data centers can also use it to reduce air conditioning energy consumption, which is green and saves money.
Summary: Through the above article, we can see that Chassis Server is an important component in the server system, which plays the role of protecting, installing, connecting, managing and powering internal hardware components. Chassis Server is an ideal solution for organizations that need a flexible, efficient, and highly scalable system to support important applications and services.