You probably saw this already on the net, but here is another design for Ikea Helmer Renderfarm (for CPU based Vray and Corona rendering). Each case is lasercut from 3mm plexiglas, there are some configuration options, such as the frontplate designs and mini-ITX or mATX capability (under 200mm wide). This renderfarm is designed for low wattage i7 processors (S-Series), to reduce the heat, while still powerful enough to render. I tried many different options, and still designing a few more features, such as easy I/O panel access on the side, and maybe a cutout for the custom cpu cooler on the bottom. The main idea was to save time and ease of transportation. All plexiglas parts snap together to create one solid case, and can be easily disassembled and shipped separately in a flat envelope. The cost of shipping can be reduced because you can just buy new ikea helmer cabinet at another location (about $50) and assemble all the nodes in 1 day. Anyway, I hope you like! Here you can see the project progress: ]
This looks lovely but I daresay it doesn't look practical from a temperature perspective. How does ambient air get in to the CPU cooler when the drawers are closed?
Drawers never go all the way to the back of the case, there's usually at least an inch clear back there.
What program do you use for GPU rendering? I'm interested in what program(s) OP uses to render with his render farm. Might be something I'm interested in. -Jeffinslaw
I use Keyshot which is CPU rendering, would love to have a render farm Looks awesome BTW, maybe a little too closed to get enough air though
Current config is: 5 x i7-3770S, 16GB RAM, 64GB SSD, 2x 60mm fans, SFX 300W PSU (each node power draw max is ~150W). approx $750 per node. Idle temp ~25c, full load ~55-65c (with Noctua NH 9Li low profile cooler) 6th drawer will be a small 4 x SSD NAS server.
I personally use vray and corona-renderer for architectural visualization, GPU rendering still has many limits for big scenes, not enough RAM. corona is actually one of the best new render engines, and is only cpu based: https://corona-renderer.com/gallery/ Vray has been industry standard for many years and is also cpu based, they added gpu option recently which still lacks many features.
I'm really liking these things... I do a lot of work with Cinema 4D and render times kill me. Would be nice to cut those times down. Too bad I don't have the money for one... -Jeffinslaw
Have you seen these boards yet? http://www.tomsitpro.com/articles/mini-itx-server-motherboards-asrock-rack-lga2011-3,1-2561.html -Jeffinslaw
Saw another one of those recently, but this one has DDR4 RAM, wow insane stuff!!! But it might overheat in my case, 2011-v3 is a very power hungry cpu, 130W, more than double the wattage of what I am recommending for my cases.... so double the heat, I don't think it can work
Ehh just slap on some more fans With more rendering power, it would take less time so less time you would have to hear all the fans. The power consumption would even out as well I would assume. Would be fun to do a test with one of the boards. -Jeffinslaw
Looking awesome Greenfarm, have you tried considering Water cooling? getting a full size mobo/cpu block and then connecting all drawers to a common radiator solution on either the side og back of furniture?
I've already seen this on the web and own the exact same ikea furniture (but mine is red). You did an excellent job there and pushed the work into stratospheric area. You deserved some rep
LoL good logic, I am actually considering giving this a try with double drawer height, so 3 per helmer