Description
Description: For this rack, I wanted to see how much compute I could cram into an 8U mini rack. I would likely add on a better network switch, but the idea is to use an external UPS so every rack space can be taken up with compute, while still allowing adequate airflow/cooling.
The two base units are Mini ITX cases from MyElectronics, which don't have room for a full PSU, so you'd likely use a PicoPSU or use boards that take direct 12V power input.
Above that is a mini ITX tray from DeskPi, holding a Raspberry Pi Compute Module 5 ITX board. And above that is another DeskPi tray, this time for dual SBC, which can also mount two 2.5" SSDs or HDDs below for storage.
Full parts list (I earn for qualifying purchases...):
- DeskPi RackMate T1: $150
- MyElectronics 10" 2U Mini ITX Case x2: $230 ($115 x2)
- DeskPi Super6C Clusterboard x2: $440 ($220 x2)
- Raspberry Pi Compute Module 5 8GB x12: $960 ($80 x12)
- DeskPi 10" Mini ITX Shelf: $24
- Seaberry Mini ITX board for CM: N/A
- Nvidia Jetson Nano Developer Kit: $200
- Raspberry Pi 5 - 8GB: $80
- Netgear GS305P 5-port PoE+ Switch: $70
- DeskPi 12-port Keystone RJ45 0.5U Patch Panel: $23
- Monoprice Cat6A 10 pack Snagless RJ45 Cables: $17
- ECOFLOW River 2 Power Station: $220
Total cost (brand new, not including tax/shipping): $2,414
(Technically the cluster pictured above was run with mostly CM4, and only two CM5s that I have on hand... But if I wanted to go all out on this thing, I'd go with all CM5, or maybe Radxa or Orange Pi CM5, if my use case worked with the parts of those boards that are well supported.)