AMD 30925 manual Hardware Considerations, System Enclosures and Chassis Selection

30925 Rev. 3.04 February 2004	Builder’s Guide for AMD Opteron™ Processor-
	Based Servers and Workstations

Chapter 5 Hardware Considerations

AMD frequently updates its list of motherboard solutions. For the most up-to-date list of providers please visit our Web site.

http://www2.amd.com/us-en/Processors/ProductInformation/1,,30_118_8796_8819%5e8821,00.html?1063430341

In EMEA, for the most up-to-date list of providers please visit our Web site.

www.amd.com/opteronmotherboards

5.1System Enclosures and Chassis Selection

AMD Opteron™ processor-based motherboards can leverage industry-standard tower or pedestal chassis. The selection of the proper system chassis is a critical element to the success of the finished system. For best results, a system builder should always contact the motherboard and chassis suppliers or vendors to verify that each of the chosen components supports the desired system configuration. The following data is a basic guideline that has been tested by the engineering staff at AMD.

Note: This data is only a guideline and is not a substitute for a system builder verifying that a chassis meets industry and customer requirements, nor is it a substitute for the system builder conducting its own research, testing, and validation.

5.1.1Basic System Enclosure Selection Guidelines

The choice of the appropriate system enclosure depends on many factors as follows:

•It must be compatible with the chosen motherboard and power supply. Confirm the motherboard and power supply requirements with those suppliers.

•It must allow enough airflow through the system to adequately cool all the internal components, especially critical parts like the processor.

•It must have good fit and finish, e.g., no razor-sharp edges.

5.1.2Basic Chassis Selection Guidelines

The following are some basic guidelines to aid in finding an enclosure with adequate cooling capability:

•Use 80 mm fans or larger.

•Choose a chassis with a fan in the back that is in addition to the processor fan.

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