iStar D Value D-213-MATX 2U Rackmount Server Chassis (Black)

This line of (istar) cases delivers the best you'll expect: -The front is very pretty, delivers on my highest expectation based on the photos. -The construction is solid and unremarkable, middle of the road for rack cases -The front handles are remarkably easy to grip and carry one-handed, even though they're not loops -The interior cabling is quality and reaches headers even if they're not at the closest corner of the matx board (probably would reach to where the processor socket is on most boards -Internal capacity leaves a bit to be desired, but this is a SHORT DEPTH 2u, which means 3.5" HDDs cannot be mounted vertically, or even 3 high, so I can't really think of a better inside layout -The front fans are quality, but are kind of loud and have 4 pin molex connectors, so no motherboard control. If you're planning on using this for home a/v stuff as I am, grab 2 cheap 3 pin fans and maybe a fan speed adjuster when you buy this. -If you're mounting this in an a/v cabinet, make sure there is at least 1.5 (maybe even 2) inches of clearance from the front of the rails to the inside of the door, as the handles stick out a bit further than the others I have in mine. The best thing is... Everything is screwed together, so you can easily detach the front, or the back and have either a nice plate for some ugly equipment, OR have an open rear box to house other equipment. I use this for a home brew double conversion UPS (I put the 12v PS relays on a pcb and the inverter in one of these 2Us with the back removed (as the inverter is a bit long). In fact, the look of these things and the quality/price have me searching for things I can mount in them =] Note: About the front panel... I prefer industrial, subdued / basic look, and that's what these deliver. The extrusions are all good, but of an industrial quality (very fine cut marks on tops of handles, for example), which to me is perfect for my application, but some goofballs who have never seen a rack case might have expectation of unreasonable polish. This is easily in-line with the best-finished rack cases I've seen.

I am using this enclosure with an DQ45EK Intel Mini ITX board. There is plenty of room for this type of mother board. I found: PROS: There are mounting brackets for a total of four (4) 3.5" Hard drives. The Front panel can hold two (2) 80mm Fans. Hard Drives will sit right in the airflow. It has one (1) bay for an CD / DVD ROM drive or such 5 1/4" size devices. There are mounting provisions for a full sized ATX power supply. If your mother board reaches, one can install four (4) add in cards of low profile type. Nice appearance. CONS: Since the enclosure is 2U high, add in card will have to be the low profile type. It could have been designed to use a 90 degree dual or triple riser with appropriate cutout. 5 1/4" card panels are more common! Well it is 2U vertical slots (Low profile cards only)!!!!! Mine came with only one fan installed. With some motherboards, the ATX power connector may interfere with the Hard Drive installed in the lower position. GOT ME!!!! Price dropped significantly after I ordered, guess it was just not a good timing. All over I am very satisfied with the appearance and functionality of the enclosure. Here is a link to the manufacturer website (...)=2 no direct links supported here.

Needed to rack mount a small server/workstation. MATX motherboard and standard power supply fit perfectly. Well built, assembled with no issues, looks fine.

Purchased this case to use for a pfSense router. Great looking case and perfect size for my build. My issues with the case are as follows: -No fans included -No motherboard screws included. Motherboard standoffs are built in though. -Sharp edges are present on the case so be careful. -If you plan to use any 3.5 harddrives, it will be a super tight fit or a no go at all. It will be easier to use 2.5 harddrives in a 3.5 adapter bracket. -The blue power led is a tad bright. Overall, it is a good case for the price. Just keep what I mentioned in mind. It works for me.

I bought this case for a server I installed. The case looks and feels well built, the design is simple yet elegant. comes with 2 brackets, for 2 disks each, so it is possible to install up to 4 disks... a bay for dvd. Behind front panel there are 2 places to mount additional fans, if necessary. The case is really good in all aspects.

Pro: -Build quality is decent -Fits standard PSU Con: -I cleary got a previously returned unit -Impossible to install 2x80mm fans without jerry rigging a solution together (missing screws?) -DID NOT FIT with my SuperMicro mATX board -HDD's impossible to mount (for my use case due to above) My unit appeared to be scuffed from a previous install. I'm not sure if I was missing screws but I could not install my 2x80mm fans utilizing the provided plate. Due to my SuperMicro board having a different layout that most consumer brand boards, the CPU was pressed against the HDD's. I was using a X11SSH-LN4F SuperMicro board. You can see how the CPU is offset to the opposite side of the I/O, which conflicted with any HDD install. My server build is going to be delayed until I can find another 2U case that has some thought into it's design. I had high hopes for this case, but ultimately the design is making me question ever buying another iStar product. It's not the worst case in the world, and if you are using a consumer mATX board you'll have a tight fit I am sure, but it should work. So do measuring before buying.