high physical density cluster design -structural...

[Jim Lux]

>
>> 1) UniStrut (available in aluminum and in galv steel) is much stronger,
has
>> nice 90 degree connectors, etc.  There are a variety of similar products
>> made from aluminum extrusions of one kind or another with longitudinal
slots
>> that make very nice rigid boxes. You assemble it with captive nuts and
>> bolts. The best thing about these products is that they are rectangular,
not
>> round, which makes attaching stuff much easier.
>
>Hmm, this stuff looks really great - and they seem to be somewhat local
>to me. :) Looks like it might not be that cheap however, even if it is
>'cheap' for industrial applications. Wonder if I can find prices online
>somewhere here...

Home Depot carries it (sometimes).  As for pricing, galvanized or painted
steel is VERY cheap compared to anything copper.  Any decent electrical
contractor supply place will carry it, for sure in galv steel, often in
aluminum.  You CAN also get it scrap if you are into scrounging at large
construction sites.  Find the lead electrician...


>
>
>True. I dont have a scale, but the board with CPU and ram is about 1.5 or
>2lbs, and the power supply is 2-3lbs. That adds up with 48 or 64 odd
>boards. (Need to figure out if I am going to double up the mainboards
>per powersupply, would save alot of weight).


Don't forget the weight of all the power cords, and the mounting hardware
for everything.  As you say, when you've got 50 widgets, a few ounces here
or there really add up.