New HAF case design changes and server build: Part 2

Published September 4th, 2010 | categories include: Featured | Share on Twitter

In the second part of this post, I will share observations and more images of the build.

Although this build is headless (no monitor), it still requires a graphics card for installation and instances where ssh is not practical. The Intel DP55KG motherboard used in this build does not have on-board graphics and requires a PCI-e video card for installation. Unless, you are really that good and know the install screens by heart.

Hard drive (hdd) installation and ThermalLake hdd coolers are a nice addition to the hdd bays. The 2009 HAF case lacked sufficient ventilation to bring the drives below 31C. The ThermalTake coolers eliminate that issue and they look sweet!

An important component of building a machine is cable management. Managing your cables in a way that is esthetically pleasing and functional is an art. I am still working on it. In the image above, I hide many of the power cables under the hdd where nothing much is happening and it is out of the way.

Managing your SATA connections with zip ties and color codes helps to identify each component. In this example, red represents the HAF case connector, dark blue are the RAID1 drives, and the light blue cable is for the DVD-ROM.

The finished HAF case increases visibility.

The finished Product!

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