DJ VooDoo
Hello, I was thinking of buying a new laptop but thought even though the mobility of a laptop is great the problem is they are not very upgradable. I am honestly tired of having to purchase a new laptop every few years in order to keep up with the current technology. So i thought that maybe there is a rack mount computer case out there that I can have a computer built and then exchange parts as needed.
I did a search on google and seen there are a few 19" server cases out there but not sure if those can be used. I also started thinking about what options are out there for a mobile monitor. I will do more web research but would like to see if any users here are currently using this type of set up or have any suggestions? If you are pics, product models & names would be nice.
I would appreciate any advice or commeents.
Respectfully, Dj VooDoo
I did a search on google and seen there are a few 19" server cases out there but not sure if those can be used. I also started thinking about what options are out there for a mobile monitor. I will do more web research but would like to see if any users here are currently using this type of set up or have any suggestions? If you are pics, product models & names would be nice.
I would appreciate any advice or commeents.
Respectfully, Dj VooDoo
Posté Fri 09 Mar 12 @ 11:55 am
blckjck
A quick search on google.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=100007731%20600029570&IsNodeId=1&bop=And&Order=PRICE&PageSize=20
As far as rack-mount vs. laptop. I have both. I have a standard tower bolted to a accessory shelf. I had to build a support bracket to keep the cards from moving around during transportation. A thing to watch for when looking at cases is the size, especially the depth. My idea with it was to leave everything cabled to make set up easier.
I really like having all of my equipment in the rack. I also like the portability of the laptop. I think the best is to have both, since a backup system is an important thing to have. When going to venues, I have to ask them to take down the folding table they set up for the DJ. After the confusion, they are very impressed by my setup. I can also use the skirt that was on the DJ table and attach it to my rack.
Pro's:
Very clean looking setup.
Hardware upgrades are doable.
I can add lot's of HDD's for storage capacity
Parts are cheaper
I don't have the graphics driver issues with the dual chipset power saving
Con's:
It's heavy
If it's not always set up, you have to set it up to add to your library, update the OS, etc.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=100007731%20600029570&IsNodeId=1&bop=And&Order=PRICE&PageSize=20
As far as rack-mount vs. laptop. I have both. I have a standard tower bolted to a accessory shelf. I had to build a support bracket to keep the cards from moving around during transportation. A thing to watch for when looking at cases is the size, especially the depth. My idea with it was to leave everything cabled to make set up easier.
I really like having all of my equipment in the rack. I also like the portability of the laptop. I think the best is to have both, since a backup system is an important thing to have. When going to venues, I have to ask them to take down the folding table they set up for the DJ. After the confusion, they are very impressed by my setup. I can also use the skirt that was on the DJ table and attach it to my rack.
Pro's:
Very clean looking setup.
Hardware upgrades are doable.
I can add lot's of HDD's for storage capacity
Parts are cheaper
I don't have the graphics driver issues with the dual chipset power saving
Con's:
It's heavy
If it's not always set up, you have to set it up to add to your library, update the OS, etc.
Posté Fri 09 Mar 12 @ 2:06 pm
DJ ANGEL S
You should check out Prodjpc.com It is about the most compact you gonna get. I have been using two of these units for years now.
Tell Paul Angel Sent you
Dj Angel S
Tell Paul Angel Sent you
Dj Angel S
Posté Wed 14 Mar 12 @ 8:14 am
ewitles
kri cases has the best case.
http://www.servercase.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=GHI-252&Category_Code=2UE
pros: less than 14" deep and can use full height cards w/ riser card. fits well in the skb rubber cases. 2 usb ports front.
cons: needs special 1u or 2u power supply.
$150 plus cost of riser card (based on mainboard used).
i built several and always pleased.
http://www.google.com/products/catalog?q=2u+server+case&hl=en&cid=8912132381987046352&ei=j6dgT76OLpfKmgeIw_mhAw&ved=0CAgQ8gIwAA#p
pros: uses standard atx psu. room for 4 hard drives w/ fan cooling. uses low profile cards. big time cooling for hard drives. recessed power button reduces accident power or reset.
cons: can only use low profile cards. one usb front. need to retool the skb case to allow fit. deeper vs the above case (appx 15").
$60 or so.
my opinion... the 2nd one if get up and running now. easier to swap parts in field.
http://www.servercase.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=GHI-252&Category_Code=2UE
pros: less than 14" deep and can use full height cards w/ riser card. fits well in the skb rubber cases. 2 usb ports front.
cons: needs special 1u or 2u power supply.
$150 plus cost of riser card (based on mainboard used).
i built several and always pleased.
http://www.google.com/products/catalog?q=2u+server+case&hl=en&cid=8912132381987046352&ei=j6dgT76OLpfKmgeIw_mhAw&ved=0CAgQ8gIwAA#p
pros: uses standard atx psu. room for 4 hard drives w/ fan cooling. uses low profile cards. big time cooling for hard drives. recessed power button reduces accident power or reset.
cons: can only use low profile cards. one usb front. need to retool the skb case to allow fit. deeper vs the above case (appx 15").
$60 or so.
my opinion... the 2nd one if get up and running now. easier to swap parts in field.
Posté Wed 14 Mar 12 @ 9:23 am
blckjck
@DJ_ANGEL_S
The neat factor is there, but man, these guys are pricey. Just the kit is way up, looks like mostly due to the cost of the display.
You can get standard multi touch displays at a fraction of that.
@ewitles
Thank you, servercase was the site I couldn't remember.
A 3U case is what I am looking at, seems it is the smallest I can get thaEt gives me the room and standard PC hardware useability.
Edit: Actualy a 4U, then I don't need to worry about a riser card.
The neat factor is there, but man, these guys are pricey. Just the kit is way up, looks like mostly due to the cost of the display.
You can get standard multi touch displays at a fraction of that.
@ewitles
Thank you, servercase was the site I couldn't remember.
A 3U case is what I am looking at, seems it is the smallest I can get thaEt gives me the room and standard PC hardware useability.
Edit: Actualy a 4U, then I don't need to worry about a riser card.
Posté Wed 14 Mar 12 @ 9:43 am
DJ ANGEL S
I agree it may be a little pricey. But for me worth every penny. I bought the kits and customize it myself. Also I had rack unit and they extremely heavy after you load them up with all the bells and whistile. I got tired of killing my back after every event. I had Dj rak build two units for me. I took the stuff out of the dj rak units and put it into the prodjpc kits. Save me a lot of money in the process since I already had the pieces.
Posté Wed 14 Mar 12 @ 2:17 pm
JD The DJ
I know it's a little bit different configuration - but I am seeing a lot of DJ's using the shuttles - really small pcs. I just built one and am now getting a special drawer made to hold stuff - still really compact and quick setup - lot faster than a laptop if you have external drives.
Still looking for a monitor mount - any suggestions?
Still looking for a monitor mount - any suggestions?
Posté Wed 04 Apr 12 @ 4:59 am