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Yash sharma
Yash sharma

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Drawbacks to Using Rack Server Unit as Desktop Computer?

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!

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moopet profile image
Ben Sinclair •

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 :)

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