Ark Technology ARK IPC-2U235 Black 1.2mm SGCC 2U Rackmount for Micro ATX Boards Server Case

This line of (istar) cases delivers the best you'll expect:-The front is very pretty, delivers on my highest expectation based on the photos.-The construction is solid and unremarkable, middle of the road for rack cases-The front handles are remarkably easy to grip and carry one-handed, even though they're not loops-The interior cabling is quality and reaches headers even if they're not at the closest corner of the matx board (probably would reach to where the processor socket is on most boards-Internal capacity leaves a bit to be desired, but this is a SHORT DEPTH 2u, which means 3.5" HDDs cannot be mounted vertically, or even 3 high, so I can't really think of a better inside layout-The front fans are quality, but are kind of loud and have 4 pin molex connectors, so no motherboard control. If you're planning on using this for home a/v stuff as I am, grab 2 cheap 3 pin fans and maybe a fan speed adjuster when you buy this.-If you're mounting this in an a/v cabinet, make sure there is at least 1.5 (maybe even 2) inches of clearance from the front of the rails to the inside of the door, as the handles stick out a bit further than the others I have in mine.The best thing is... Everything is screwed together, so you can easily detach the front, or the back and have either a nice plate for some ugly equipment, OR have an open rear box to house other equipment. I use this for a home brew double conversion UPS (I put the 12v PS relays on a pcb and the inverter in one of these 2Us with the back removed (as the inverter is a bit long). In fact, the look of these things and the quality/price have me searching for things I can mount in them =]Note: About the front panel... I prefer industrial, subdued / basic look, and that's what these deliver. The extrusions are all good, but of an industrial quality (very fine cut marks on tops of handles, for example), which to me is perfect for my application, but some goofballs who have never seen a rack case might have expectation of unreasonable polish. This is easily in-line with the best-finished rack cases I've seen.

If you buy a PSU with a Bottom intake fan, be prepared to "modify" your case. I just used a 110mm hole saw to make a nice intake vent for the PSU on the bottom of the case. I am using it as a DJ computer so it is inside another case and won't be seen. There are not many choices out there for short 2U cases. Despite this one thing, I am VERY happy with the case. It was a simple Mod and it can be avoided if you buy a PSU with front and rear fans.

Pros: Clean lines and nice construction. I bought three of these.Only con: A very minor thing...not the best ventilation, depending upon the PSU you use. On two of mine I decided to cut a vent hole in the top cover and then gave then about 1.5 inches of clearance (on the top).

Great 2U case. Replace the two case fans with something a little more quiet and it's the perfect low-cost rack mount case. Make sure to get a power supply with rear exhaust fan. Many desktop tower PSUs have top or bottom exhaust which are poor choices for rack mount cases.

I ordered this case for a PFsense build and its perfect. The fans that come in stock are a little loud but nothing like industrial server cases. I was defiantly surprised on the build quality, defiantly not what I expected from a case at this price point.

Stylish, strong well made...just what I need it.