I have a server with desktop hardware (microATX motherboard and Core Ultra 7 265K CPU) which I use to run a Minecraft server. Its current physical location isn’t ideal, so I’d like to put it in a rack mount chassis and move it to a server room I have access to through my university. However rack space in the room is limited, so it would be best if I can fit it into a 1U space.
From what I’ve heard the biggest issue with 1U is cooling, especially as the 265K can draw up to 250W. It seems like 1U microATX chassis do exist, like this one, but they don’t look like they have good airflow, and I’m not sure where I would get a short enough heatsink. Could I realistically make 1U work, and if so what should I look for in terms of hardware? Or am I going to have to go with 2U?
That heatsink says it’s rated for up to 125W, which I’m not sure will be enough for the 265K (Intel says 250W at max boost). I don’t have a specific chassis in mind; the one I linked was just one I found with a quick search. I haven’t purchased server hardware before so I’m not really sure what to look for. Do you think buying a generic microATX compatible chassis and a similar heatsink (higher rated power if I can find one), then adding a ton of high RPM fans and possibly some custom airflow guides to get very high airflow through the heatsink would work?
I can’t go with a server grade mobo/CPU as Minecraft servers need very high single threaded performance which you can only really get with desktop CPUs (at least at non-insane prices).