Hello everyone,
I'm considering repurposing a rack server unit as a desktop computer and wanted to get some input on the potential drawbacks of doing so. Here are a few concerns I have:
Noise Levels: I've heard that rack servers can be quite noisy due to their cooling fans. How significant is the noise, and is it manageable in a typical office or home environment?
Power Consumption: Are rack servers generally more power-hungry than standard desktop computers? I'm worried about the potential increase in electricity usage.
Form Factor: The size and shape of a rack server are obviously different from a typical desktop. Are there any practical issues with setting it up in a regular workspace?
Peripherals and Ports: Do rack servers support standard peripherals (keyboard, mouse, monitor) easily? Are there any limitations or additional adapters needed?
Performance and Usability: While rack servers are powerful, are there any performance or usability issues when using them for typical desktop tasks like browsing, office applications, or media consumption?
Heat and Cooling: Do rack servers generate more heat than standard desktops? If so, what are the best practices for cooling them in a non-datacenter environment?
Cost and Maintenance: Are there hidden costs or maintenance challenges that come with using a rack server as a desktop?
Has anyone here tried using a rack server as a desktop? If so, what has your experience been like? Any advice or tips would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks in advance for your help!
Top comments (1)
There are sometimes weird peripheral issues. For example, back in the mists of time I had an IBM rack system that had floppy drive headers but wouldn't boot from, or read, a floppy disk until the OS was loaded, which meant that installing Windows on it was impossible, since the RAID drivers were supplied on floppy disk.
The fan noise - well, it'll almost certainly sound like a hairdryer when you turn it on, but after 20 seconds or so it'll probably be ok, especially if you put it under your desk on a pedestal or something - or better yet make yourself a Lack Rack. There's a whole community of people who do this :)