RE: [cobalt-users] Recycling a RaQ2 with an IA32 mobo

["Head, Don" <Don.Head@xxxxxxxxxx>]

>> We've got a bunch of RaQ2s that we're gradually phasing out
>> of use, because they're getting on a bit, and the MIPS CPUs
>> aren't up to much.
>>
>> We've had a crazy idea about recycling the cases to build 1U
>> Intel/AMD based machines, and were hoping that someone else
>> might have done this before, or knows what form factor the
>> mobo in the RaQ2 is, and could recommend a board we could
>> use?
>>
>> Alternatively, if someone knows that this really is as
>> insane an idea as it sounds and wants to head us off before
>> we go through a lot of pain, heartache and tearing out of
>> hair, that would also be appreciated. :)
> 
> I don't think so :)
> Its a great idea. Well we all love the look of the Cobalts
> so why not make something with the chasis but with a
> powerful processor? But just one thing to note. The Power
> Supply box may not be able to support the current day
> processors. I never done it before but it would be the same
> as installing and piecing up PCs manually. Its just the
> power supply and to get something able to fit into the
> little 1U box... :S

(Providing the power supply is compatible at all..)

Anyway, I totally agree that the power supply may be inadequate for
today's standard processor, however it's possible that laptop-class
processors and/or processors from embedded platform developers may work
fine (maybe even Intel Celeron processors).

You may also want to look into things like these new mini- and micro-ITX
motherboards.

Check out these:

http://www.transmeta.com/ <- Low power processors, x86 compatibility (if
I remember correctly)

http://www.via.com.tw/en/index/ <- Via CE Processor, low power, "Native
x86", also many very-small motherboards


Please keep in mind.. HEAT!  There is NOT a whole lot of cooling going
on in one of these boxes, so keep that in mind when designing things
like air flow.

I look forward to seeing what you can do with one of those old boys. =)

Hope that helps,

Don Head
Hosting TAC/UNIX
SAVVIS Communications
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