How to Prioritize Space, Performance and Noise in a Custom Rackmount Chassis

Recently, The University of Texas Center for Agile Technology approached General Technics to create a rackmount chassis design. The chassis had specific requirements for space, performance, and noise that were imperative to the application.

Because every application is different, General Technics designs rackmount controllersthat meet specific application demands. The General Technics team created several layout sketches to offer solutions that would meet the most important space, performance, and noise requirements before moving on to CAD designs.

3U with touchscreen by General Technics

3U Rackmount Controller

In environments where noise level and space are critical, nothing is quieter and more efficient than the ultra-quiet 3U rackmount controller. Ultimately, the University of Texas at Austin decided on a 3U, short-depth design that would minimize noise, fit the footprint requirements, and still allow for three removable bays. The short chassis depth was imperative, so General Technics configured the system to measure 13”, ultimately making different recommendations for placement of drive bays to achieve the overall size.

As part of the process, General Technics created detailed renderings and drawings of the custom design for future University of Texas presentations and the organization’s internal communication. Final delivery included more than 50 units.

Chassis Features 

  • 13” chassis
  • Integrated 7” touchscreen LCD with front panel controls
  • Full-size ATX board
  • Small form-factor SFX power supply
  • Large, quiet, recessed 120mm intake fan
  • Optional rear exhaust fans
  • Two eSATAp ports on front panel
  • Slimline optical bay
  • Three 3.5” bays
  • Additional brackets for internal storage
  • Removable 3U rack brackets for alternate mounting
3U with touchscreen by General Technics

For more information on the complete solution including specs, tradeoffs, and custom design, visit the full project example.