Supermicro SuperChassis 825TQC-R740WB (Black) — 2U Rackmount Server Chassis

The Supermicro SuperChassis 825TQC-R740WB is a high-performance, 2U rackmount chassis designed for demanding data-center workloads, virtualization, and enterprise storage deployments. Built to maximize density without compromising reliability, this black 2U enclosure delivers robust expansion options with a total of 10 drive bays (8 external 3.5" bays and 2 internal 3.5" bays), plus ample room for multiple PCIe expansion cards. With dual 740W power supplies installed, it offers dependable power delivery and room for growth as your IT environment evolves. The chassis supports both ATX and EATX motherboards, enabling a wide range of motherboard choices for memory-intensive, I/O-rich configurations. Its design emphasizes serviceability, airflow, and cable management, making it an ideal backbone for lightweight hyperconverged, storage-first, or compute-heavy rack deployments. Whether you’re building a compact multi-workload server, a storage appliance, or a virtualization host, the 825TQC-R740WB is engineered to deliver solid performance, durability, and future-ready expandability in a compact 2U footprint.

• The 825TQC-R740WB is a true 2U rackmount chassis with a rugged black finish, engineered to fit standard server racks while providing generous internal space for motherboard mounting, high-speed I/O, and dense storage configurations. It combines a capably sized front bay area with easy-to-access drive trays, making maintenance and drive replacement straightforward in busy data-center environments. The chassis’ 10-bay configuration—8 external 3.5" bays and 2 internal 3.5" bays—supports a mix of hot-swappable storage options and internal SAS/SATA arrangements that are widely compatible with enterprise-grade drives. This layout is particularly advantageous for NAS-style workloads, media streaming teams, and database caching nodes where fast, scalable storage is essential. The chassis is designed to reduce cabling clutter with sensible cable routing channels and front-to-back airflow, helping you maintain cooler operation and higher reliability for prolonged runtimes.
• Power reliability and efficiency are standout attributes of the 825TQC-R740WB, featuring dual 740W power supplies pre-installed to support redundancy and headroom. This setup is ideal for virtualization clusters and storage-heavy environments, where uptime is critical and power demands can spike during peak I/O operations. The dual-PSU arrangement supports hot-plug capabilities in many configurations (depending on deployment), allowing downtime-free maintenance or upgrades when paired with compatible power arrangements. In addition to redundancy, the higher-wattage capacity ensures stable performance under intensive workloads, enabling sustained data throughput, faster caching, and smoother operation of memory- and GPU-accelerated tasks where applicable.
• Expansion and motherboard compatibility are central to the chassis’ versatility. The 825TQC-R740WB supports ATX and EATX motherboards, offering developers and IT admins the flexibility to select boards with large memory footprints, multiple PCIe lanes, or specialized I/O. With 7 expansion slots, this chassis accommodates a broad range of PCIe devices—from high-speed network adapters and data accelerators to redundant controllers and enterprise RAID cards. The combination of generous PCIe real estate and a robust cooling strategy makes this chassis equally suitable for database nodes, software-defined storage, or compute nodes within a compact 2U envelope.
• Cooling and airflow are engineered to protect sensitive components during sustained workloads. The chassis supports up to three fans in its current configuration, providing a baseline for airflow that can be augmented with additional fans if your deployment requires higher thermal headroom. Strategic venting, front-to-back airflow, and careful component placement work together to manage heat effectively in dense rack environments. By maintaining an optimal thermal profile, the 825TQC-R740WB helps prevent thermal throttling, preserves drive longevity, and sustains consistent performance during extended operation—an essential feature for virtualization hosts and high-demand storage appliances alike.
• Front-panel versatility and I/O options add convenience to everyday operations. With four USB ports available for quick maintenance tasks, firmware updates, or diagnostic tools, IT staff can perform essential configuration tasks without crawling behind the rack. The chassis’ black finish provides a professional aesthetic suitable for data centers, colocation facilities, or on-premises server rooms. Additionally, the chassis’ design emphasizes easy serviceability—the side panels, drive trays, and internal components are organized to minimize downtime during upgrades, replacements, or routine maintenance, enabling businesses to scale their infrastructure with confidence.

Technical Details of Supermicro SuperChassis 825TQC-R740WB

• Form Factor: 2U rackmount chassis
• Drive Bays: 10 bays total (8 external 3.5" bays + 2 internal 3.5" bays)
• Power Supplies: Dual 740W power supplies installed
• Motherboard Support: ATX and EATX supported
• Fans: 3 x fan(s) supported
• Front I/O: 4 x USB ports
• Expansion Slots: 7 x PCIe/Slot(s)
• Color/Finish: Black
• Chassis Features: Rack-mountable, front-access drive bays, modular interior layout
• Dimensions: 2U height

how to install Supermicro SuperChassis 825TQC-R740WB

• Before you begin, power down all equipment and unplug the rack from any power source. Ground yourself to prevent static discharge and handle all components with care. Confirm you have a compatible motherboard (ATX or EATX) and appropriate storage devices for the 10-bay configuration. If you’re integrating this chassis into an existing rack, ensure the rack is level and that there is adequate clearance for airflow and service access. This initial preparation helps prevent mishaps and ensures a smooth installation process.
• Mount the motherboard standoffs in the chassis according to your motherboard’s form factor. For EATX boards, use the larger hole pattern and ensure the board aligns with the I/O shield and PCIe slots. Carefully align the motherboard so that back-panel connectors line up with the chassis I/O opening and that all screw holes match the mounting points. Secure the board with the appropriate screws but avoid overtightening to prevent bending the motherboard tray.
• Install memory, CPUs, and any PCIe expansion cards as required by your configuration. Route power cables and data cables neatly to maintain airflow and minimize cable interference with fans or drive trays. If you plan to use the 8 external drive bays, install 3.5" drives into the external trays and connect the data cables before sliding the trays into the chassis. Keep spare cables organized and out of the area where fans operate to prevent obstruction or rattling noise.
• Install the 740W power supplies (if not already installed) and connect them to the motherboard, drives, and any PCIe devices requiring auxiliary power. Ensure that both power rails are properly seated and that any redundant power features are configured per your deployment guidelines. Place drives into their respective external and internal bays, securely seating each drive and connecting both data and power cables as needed. Double-check all connections before closing the chassis.
• Install the chassis side panels, secure any loose cables, and perform a post-installation check. Power on the system to verify that all drives are detected, fans are spinning, and the motherboard POST completes successfully. Configure BIOS/UEFI settings, enable RAID or storage controllers if applicable, and install your preferred operating system or hypervisor. Finally, document your configuration for maintenance and future upgrades to maximize reliability and simplify troubleshooting.
• For ongoing maintenance, schedule regular thermal monitoring and firmware updates as part of your IT operations. Use the four USB ports on the front panel for diagnostic tools or firmware upgrades, and maintain a clean, dust-free environment to extend hardware life. If you need to upgrade storage or add expansion cards in the future, the modular interior and accessible drive bays facilitate scalable growth without requiring a full chassis replacement.

Frequently asked questions

• Q: Does the 825TQC-R740WB support hot-swappable drive bays?
• A: The chassis provides 8 external 3.5" drive bays and 2 internal 3.5" bays; while many configurations in this class support hot-swapping for external bays, actual hot-swappability depends on the installed storage controllers and drives. Check your controller and drive compatibility to enable hot-swapping in your deployment.
• Q: Which motherboard sizes are compatible?
• A: The chassis supports ATX and EATX motherboards, allowing a broad range of board sizes and layouts to fit your performance and expansion needs.
• Q: How many power supplies come with the chassis?
• A: Dual 740W power supplies are installed, providing redundancy and ample headroom for storage, networking, and compute components.
• Q: How many USB ports are available on the front?
• A: The front panel includes 4 USB ports, simplifying maintenance, diagnostics, and system updates without accessing the back of the chassis.