SUPERMICRO CSE-503-200B Black 1U Rackmount Server Case 200W

Pros: - Affordable rackmount server chassis
- Low power consumption

Cons: - Limited options
- Limited documentation
- Not compatible with MBD-X7SLA-H-O motherboard (see other thoughts)

Other Thoughts: Buyer Beware: The fan in the PSU is load-controlled, and the only fan in the case. According to SuperMicro support, the fan will not come on if the load is below 45W. This means that it never runs with low-power Atom boards, causing the system to overheat. This isn't mentioned on the product page or in the .pdf manual. If I decide to void my warranty, I'll probably just crack open the PSU and route the fan power to a header on the mobo.

Pros: cheap

Cons: 1.under power psu, you have to replace it..
2.I/O are not removable to fit most MBs.
3. No manual!
4. terrible support, asked 5 questions got 1 stupid answer back.

Other Thoughts: you live and learn..

Pros: Great case, motherboard fits perfectly, easy install.

Cons: hard drive install is a bit complicated, no place for extra fans

Other Thoughts: 4GB Kingston DDR2-800, Dynatron P199, Supermicro MBD-X7SBL-LN2, Q8300

Pros: Love the case, paired it with SUPERMICRO MBD-X7SPA-HF-O Mini ITX Intel Atom D510 Motherboard. I liked all the ports in the front, perty-full

Cons: Only one SATA and one IDE power connection, not that difficult to overcome but would have been nice to have a little more expandability.

Other Thoughts: Will be purchasing more!

Pros: small
quiet
inexpensive
efficient

Cons: incomplete and incorrect documentation
fixed IO shield
insufficient HDD mounts
20-pin ATX connector, not mentioned in the manual
no manual included
only 1 SATA + 1 molex power connector

Other Thoughts: This is one of the few rackmount chassis that will fit in a short-depth (<12") rack.

I'm pleased with the overall quality, but a few things need pointing out.

1. With a mini-itx board you could fit 6-10 2.5" drives in here, but it lacks the mounting holes. Missed opportunity for a tiny 1U NAS, unless you're a modder.

2. SM mentions that you need an optional drive cage to mount a pair 2.5" hdd, but they don't mention that you need the same cage even to mount a single 2.5" hdd. You could get away with a 3.5" to 2.5" adapter if its mounting holes are on the bottom, not the sides.

3. SM says you can fit only 1 2.5" hdd when using a full-height pci/e card, but if you're using their dual-drive bay adapter you'll only be able to fit a half-height card, regardless of whether you have 1 or 2 drives in the bay.

This will work well for a firewall. Too bad SM didn't throw in some extra mounting holes to accommodate more dual-drive bays and a fan or two, or this would be a perfect NA

Pros: Small
Quiet
Clean
well built
All connections except power on the front panel!

Cons: Only room for one HDD but it is a super small rack case so...

Pros: Small, quiet, well-built

Cons: 200 watt power supply is way underpowered

Other Thoughts: Unlike a previous poster noted, the X7SBL-LN2 does not operate correctly in this case. Supermicro recommends a 300 watt powersupply minimum. I am unable to keep my system stable with this case, an X7SBL-LN2, a wimpy E5200, a single SATA drive, and 2 sticks of RAM. All components run fine when connected to a higher wattage power supply.

Pros: Lightweight, small, quiet. I/O panel is on the front making front and back rack installs possible. Works great for Mini-ITX motherboards like the Intel BOXDG41MJ. Includes an 80PLUS certified PSU.

Cons: Non-removable I/O panel.

Other Thoughts: I place the case under a stack of weights and use a Sawzall with a fine metal blade to remove the front IO panel. It takes three cuts and some cleanup with a dremel, but and the case is still sturdy after the modification. When using a Mini-ITX motherboard there is room to internally mount 40mm fans at the back exhaust grill in the case without any modifications. There's also room for 2x 2.5" HD's without needing the additional mounting bracket.

Pros: Compact form factor
Easy installation of the PDSBM-LN2+-O motherboard I used with this case
Easily mountable in a 2 post rack using the attached ears.

Cons: Limited hardware compatibility due to size/power

Other Thoughts: Prior to purchasing I noticed that the manual states "To use a PCI add-on card on the SC503 chassis, a customized flat-type PCI bracket is required". I contacted Supermicro support to confirm and for some reason they stated that there was no riser card available for use with this case. I bought the case anyway and luckily these statements were incorrect. I was able to install a PCI card with a standard full length bracket using the RSC-RR1U-32L PCI riser.

Pros: Goes great with a PDSBM-LN2+ or X7SBL-LN2 motherboard for a small-footprint server with good options. Very good linux stability and mobo support. Able to take these and rack the front and back side of a standard 42U 4-post cabinet in a data colo.

Cons: Case can only be used with SuperMicro mATX Motherboards or motherboards that have the exact same panel cutout. Rear Panel is part of case and NOT removable. NewEgg does not sell the dual 2.5" Hard drive bracket. It's a 8-dollar part if you search google.

Other Thoughts: My build is a X7SBL-LN2, Q8200, 4-gigs ECC, two 160-gig 2.5" Laptop drives, 1U Radial active heatsink (P199), and two 40x28mm fans shock-mount on the back for cooling. My combination uses 1.1-amp (125-130 watts) of power at full load as verified through sysbench. Idle power draw is 0.4-0.5 amps (50-55 watts).