I'm looking to rearrange my study somewhat. Basically, at the moment, I have a computer desk, with hi-fi speakers on either side. Because of the magnetic shielding issues, I don't want to put the computers next to the speakers. Within the desk, in the area where my legs go, is a Dell Dimension minitower and a Compaq ProLiant 800 Tower. But since I acquired my ProLiant server, there's not enough room under the desk, and I keep kicking it, which is annoying.

So I thought that I could move the server to the chest of drawers that I have, which is currently acting as a stand for a 3-box Hi-Fi.

Does anybody know of any reason why I couldn't lay the server on its side, and then put the Hi-Fi on top of it? Total weight of the Hi-Fi equipment is about 30Kg, it consists of a receiver, minidisc deck and CD player (working from the top down). Cable reach isn't an issue, and I won't be needing to get into the server any time soon, so that isn't a problem either.

Any advice would be appreciated.

    I can think of only one issue here:

    A little-known fact about hard drives, is that you should keep them the same way up that you formatted them. i.e. if you have a tower and you have it upright when you format the hard drive, you shouldn't then turn it on its side (like you are suggesting). I'm not sure why this is, and it's not bad for the disk, but apparently it will run more efficiently when left in the same orientation.

      Well, I can't see an immediate problem with it. I've got my file server on a shelf right next to an amp, no problems so far. As far as the weight is concerned, as long as it's a sturdy metal case, you shouldn't have much issues. If you are worried, take the boards out of the case and "test seat" the HiFi gear on top. I'd hope that most cases could take the weight of 3-4 stereo components. Heck, I often sit my heavy ass down on cases, using them as stools/chairs at times.

        Giles, the "Hi-Fi" still has audio signals running through it. Depending on the cases, you may run into 60Hz hum in your audio. (I think Europe is possibly 70Hz?).

        It all depends on where the power supplies are located and the amount of electro-magnetic field they produce. If you had a cassette deck just below or above the server you'd definitely hear it.

          Piersk, I'm not sure hard-drive orientation is as much of a concern nowadays as it used to be. Hard drives are made so well now that I doubt there would be any consequences. Of course, if in doubt, I wouldn't risk it, especially if there is a lot of important information on that drive. I would definitely recommend a full backup before you try anything, Giles.

            I move drives around a lot. I even have some hanging out of the machine, because there are no more slots. Some are upside down, some on their side, etc. I've never noticed a difference.

            It might be effecting the efficiency, but I've never noticed it.

              It's good to know this forum is sitting in a room, probably on the floor, at a bad angle, the dust of Cheezits gathering around. You are a true geek, jstarkey 😉

                How else would I kick it when it breaks?

                Nah it's just outside of NYC in a huge colo, with the rest of Jupiter's servers. (So that I can't kick it anymore) 😃

                  Oh, don't spoil the fantasy - besides, have you seen Jupiter's servers? 🙂

                  On the Internet, no-one knows that you're operating out of a rolled-up newspaper.

                    Originally posted by Weedpacket
                    Oh, don't spoil the fantasy - besides, have you seen Jupiter's servers? 🙂

                    On the Internet, no-one knows that you're operating out of a rolled-up newspaper.

                    Aaaaactually, I just didn't want anyone breaking into my house and stealing PHP Builder. The street value is going through the roof, I've heard 😃

                      Write a Reply...