Question Build advice: Ryzen 7 in 2U rack format?

[buggaby]

I'm looking for advice on a 2U Ryzen 7 server for simulation work (well, actually 6 of them, that's why a rack). I've built plenty of desktop machines, but never a server.

From what I can, most of the components are the same, but you need to consider differences in CPU cooler and PSU to fit in a 2U case.

For the cooler, a low profile Noctua NH-L9a-AM4 33.84 CFM CPU Cooler should do the trick.

But for the PSU, there seem to be 2U server PSUs. Do they work on AM4 motherboards? Anything weird about them?

And is there anything else crazy that I'm missing?

Thanks!

 

[COLGeek]

Current, modern server PSUs should be fine, as long as they have the proper connectors. You have anything specific in mind?

 

[buggaby]

I'll just have to look at the connectors, then. Thanks.

This is my current plan, though I might extend to a Raid solution for the long-term storage.

PCPartPicker Part List

Type|Item|Price
:----|:----|:----
CPU | AMD Ryzen 7 5700G 3.8 GHz 8-Core Processor | $329.00 @ B&H
CPU Cooler | Noctua NH-L9a-AM4 33.84 CFM CPU Cooler | $44.95 @ Amazon
Motherboard | Gigabyte B550 GAMING X ATX AM4 Motherboard | $116.94 @ Amazon
Memory | G.Skill Ripjaws V 128 GB (4 x 32 GB) DDR4-3200 CL16 Memory | $549.99 @ Amazon
Storage | Samsung 970 Evo Plus 1 TB M.2-2280 NVME Solid State Drive | $124.39 @ Amazon
Storage | Seagate Barracuda Compute 2 TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive | $46.99 @ Amazon
| Prices include shipping, taxes, rebates, and discounts |
| Total | $1212.26
| Generated by PCPartPicker 2021-12-10 09:41 EST-0500 |

 

[kanewolf]

I'll just have to look at the connectors, then. Thanks.

This is my current plan, though I might extend to a Raid solution for the long-term storage.

PCPartPicker Part List

Type|Item|Price
:----|:----|:----
CPU | AMD Ryzen 7 5700G 3.8 GHz 8-Core Processor | $329.00 @ B&H
CPU Cooler | Noctua NH-L9a-AM4 33.84 CFM CPU Cooler | $44.95 @ Amazon
Motherboard | Gigabyte B550 GAMING X ATX AM4 Motherboard | $116.94 @ Amazon
Memory | G.Skill Ripjaws V 128 GB (4 x 32 GB) DDR4-3200 CL16 Memory | $549.99 @ Amazon
Storage | Samsung 970 Evo Plus 1 TB M.2-2280 NVME Solid State Drive | $124.39 @ Amazon
Storage | Seagate Barracuda Compute 2 TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive | $46.99 @ Amazon
| Prices include shipping, taxes, rebates, and discounts |
| Total | $1212.26
| Generated by PCPartPicker 2021-12-10 09:41 EST-0500 |

I think you need to show what case you are thinking about. That is the limiting factor. Most 2U cases have a lot of fans at the front and you might try to find a passive heat sink which uses the pressurized airflow through the case. That is what commercial 2U servers use.

 

[buggaby]

I think you need to show what case you are thinking about. That is the limiting factor. Most 2U cases have a lot of fans at the front and you might try to find a passive heat sink which uses the pressurized airflow through the case. That is what commercial 2U servers use.

After some reviewing, I see a couple options. One is to use a 3U case as an inbetween solution. This allows ATX power supply and somewhat reduces the overall stack size.
https://www.newegg.com/black-istaru...m_re=server_chassis 3u-_-11-165-573-_-Product

There aren't as many obvious options for 2U cases. Most of the ~$100 ones are smaller and only for micro-ATX motherboards. That's totally fine for me, though, so something like this might work for me:
https://www.newegg.com/rosewill-rsv...chassis-_-11-147-329-_-Product&quicklink=true

But I'm leaning towards the 3U simply because I'm familiar with desktop parts more than server ones, and everything could be done with desktop parts here.