How I built my own "MONSTER" Rack Server. - [Main Site]
JS-ExamplesMY MONSTER RACKCONTACT

Costs & Parts


While building this rack, I kept a record of parts purchased. The actual computer parts I already owned and was using. I did purchase gigabit ethernet cards and the gigabit switch just before the start of this project. I also puchased the 8 port KVM (with cables) earlier on as I had a 4 port KVM that worked nicely, but didn't enable me to connect directly to the Smoothwall PC (as it only had 4 ports and I have 5 PCs).

Parts:
  • SMC SMC9452TX 10/100/1000Mbps PCI Copper Gigabit PCI Card ($19/ea) x4This had really good reviews on newegg:
    NewEgg.com item # N82E16833338002
  • Avocent Switchview OSD 8 port KVM Switch (520-182-005) ($130 off ebay)Manual
    Supports PS/2 compatible computers, VGA, SVGA, XGA, XVGA-II(with adaptor), and PS/2 Mice (with wheel)
  • 80MM Small 4Pin DC Brushless Case cooling FansPurchased 20 at $1.96/ea from TheNerds.net
  • Airnet AEG108 10/100/1000Mbps Gigabit Switch - $60Again newegg had good reviews: N82E16833338008
  • Outside Acrylic Glass:0.375" thick Bronze Exterior Acrylic
    20"x36" at $62/ea x4
    20"x20" at $45/ea x2
    Purchased from www.professionalplastics.com
  • Acrylic Glass Shelves:0.25"x15.75"x18" at $9/ea x 6
    Purchased from www.estreetplastics.com/
  • Wood for Rack Frame:$10 from Home Depot
  • Screws to Rack and Shelf attachment$33 for screws, nuts, bolts, angle brackets
  • 2 Angle Irons made from Alumumn:8 foot of 0.5"x0.5" - $3
    8 foor of 0.75"x0.75" - $5
  • LEDs: 5 Green, 5 Yellow$1.20/each from Mouser.com
  • Quick Connect (RECTP & PLUG): 75 pairs$8 for all from Mouser.com again

Total cost was about $750
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