SilverStone RM43-320-RS

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Summary

Chassis Assembly and Component Installation

Top Cover Removal

Instructions for detaching the top cover by pressing buttons and sliding towards the rear.

Core Component Installation

Installing motherboard stand-offs, PSU, and securing them with screws.

Drive and Expansion Card Installation

Installing 2.5-inch drives, optical drives, and expansion cards into the chassis.

Final Assembly and Rack Mounting

Fan and Drive Tray Installation

Installing hot-swappable fans and front hard drive trays with drives.

Rack Mounting Preparation

Installing chassis ear kits and sliding rails onto the server rack.

Chassis Rack Insertion

Sliding the chassis into the server rack using the quick-release handle.

Warranty and Contact Information

Warranty Terms and Conditions

Details on product defect coverage, limitations, and customer responsibilities.

Regional Contact and Support

Information for North America, Australia, Europe, China, and other regions.

Summary

Chassis Assembly and Component Installation

Top Cover Removal

Instructions for detaching the top cover by pressing buttons and sliding towards the rear.

Core Component Installation

Installing motherboard stand-offs, PSU, and securing them with screws.

Drive and Expansion Card Installation

Installing 2.5-inch drives, optical drives, and expansion cards into the chassis.

Final Assembly and Rack Mounting

Fan and Drive Tray Installation

Installing hot-swappable fans and front hard drive trays with drives.

Rack Mounting Preparation

Installing chassis ear kits and sliding rails onto the server rack.

Chassis Rack Insertion

Sliding the chassis into the server rack using the quick-release handle.

Warranty and Contact Information

Warranty Terms and Conditions

Details on product defect coverage, limitations, and customer responsibilities.

Regional Contact and Support

Information for North America, Australia, Europe, China, and other regions.

The SilverStone RM43-320-RS is a 4U 20-bay rackmount storage chassis designed for high-capacity storage solutions, featuring a Mini-SAS HD SFF-8643 12 Gb/s interface. This robust chassis is engineered to accommodate both 2.5" and 3.5" HDDs, making it a versatile option for various server and storage applications. Its design prioritizes ease of installation, maintenance, and efficient cooling, crucial for demanding server environments.

Function Description:

The RM43-320-RS serves as a foundational enclosure for building a high-density storage server. It provides the physical structure to house a motherboard, power supply unit (PSU), up to 20 storage drives (2.5" or 3.5"), and expansion cards. The integrated Mini-SAS HD SFF-8643 interface ensures high-speed data transfer capabilities, supporting 12 Gb/s, which is essential for modern storage arrays requiring fast access and throughput. The chassis is designed to be mounted in a standard 4U server rack, offering a compact and organized solution for data centers, enterprise storage, or professional workstation setups. Its primary function is to securely hold and cool internal components while providing convenient access for installation and maintenance.

Important Technical Specifications:

Form Factor: 4U rackmount chassis.
Drive Bays: 20 hot-swappable bays, compatible with both 2.5" and 3.5" HDDs/SSDs.
Interface: Mini-SAS HD SFF-8643 12 Gb/s interface for high-speed data transfer.
Cooling: Features hot-swap 120x38mm fans for efficient thermal management. The design allows for easy removal and replacement of fans without powering down the system.
Front Panel I/O: Includes USB 2.0 and USB 3.0 ports for peripheral connectivity, along with power switch, power LED, reset switch, HDD LED, and HD Audio ports for user interaction and system status monitoring.
Power Supply Support: Accommodates an optional power supply unit (PSU), with specific details on compatibility likely found in a more detailed specification sheet.
Expansion Slots: Supports the installation of graphics or other expansion cards, requiring the removal of PCI slot covers.
Material: The chassis is constructed with durable materials suitable for server environments, though specific material types (e.g., steel, aluminum) are not detailed in the provided image.
Dimensions: As a 4U rackmount, its height is standardized, but specific width and depth would be required for precise rack planning.
Rail System: Compatible with a sliding rail system for easy installation and access within a server rack.

Usage Features:

Easy Top Cover Removal: The top cover can be removed by pressing and holding two buttons while pushing it towards the rear, simplifying internal access for installation and maintenance.
Motherboard Installation: The chassis supports standard motherboard stand-off installation, followed by securing the motherboard with screws.
PSU Installation: A dedicated space is provided for installing the power supply unit, secured with screws.
Drive Installation:
- 2.5" drives can be installed onto plastic clips, suggesting a tool-less or minimal-tool approach for smaller drives.
- Both 2.5" and 3.5" drives are secured onto front hard drive trays, which are then inserted into the chassis. These trays are designed for hot-swapping, allowing drives to be added or removed while the system is operational (assuming the system's RAID controller and operating system support hot-swap).
Optical Drive Support: An optical drive bracket is included, allowing for the installation of an optical drive, which is then secured to the bracket and reinstalled into the chassis.
Expansion Card Installation: PCI slot covers can be removed to install graphics or other expansion cards, providing flexibility for system configuration.
Rack Mounting: The chassis is designed for rack installation using a sliding rail system. Inner rails are secured to the chassis, and the entire unit slides into outer rails mounted on the server rack. Quick-release handles on the ear kit ensure secure locking into the rack.
Front Panel Connectivity: Convenient front panel I/O provides easy access to USB ports, audio jacks, and system controls/indicators.

Maintenance Features:

Hot-Swappable Fans: The 120x38mm fans are hot-swappable, meaning they can be removed and replaced without powering down the entire system, minimizing downtime for cooling system maintenance.
Hot-Swappable Drive Trays: The design of the drive bays with trays facilitates hot-swapping of 2.5" and 3.5" drives, allowing for easy replacement of failed drives or expansion of storage capacity without system interruption.
Removable Top Cover: The quick-release mechanism for the top cover provides straightforward access to internal components for cleaning, upgrades, or troubleshooting.
Modular Design: The chassis appears to have a modular design with components like the ODD drive cage and 2.5" drive cage, which can be removed to simplify installation or maintenance of other parts.
Sliding Rail System: The optional sliding rail system significantly aids in maintenance by allowing the entire chassis to be pulled out of the server rack for full access to its front and rear, without needing to fully remove it from the rack. This is crucial for accessing rear I/O, power connections, or performing internal work.
Clear Labeling: The front panel indicators (HDD LED, Power LED) provide immediate visual feedback on system status, aiding in quick diagnosis of issues.

The SilverStone RM43-320-RS is a comprehensive solution for building high-performance, high-capacity storage servers, emphasizing user-friendly installation, robust cooling, and simplified maintenance in a rackmount form factor. Its 12 Gb/s Mini-SAS HD interface ensures it can handle demanding data transfer rates, making it suitable for professional and enterprise-level storage applications.