Supermicro SuperChassis 826BAC4-R920LPB

Designed for high-density storage, scalable performance, and dependable uptime, the Supermicro SuperChassis 826BAC4-R920LPB is a rugged 2U rackmount chassis built to empower enterprise workloads. This chassis combines dense storage capability with robust power and cooling, making it an ideal choice for data centers, network storage, and virtualization environments. With 12 external 3.5" drive bays, a built‑in 920W power supply, and broad motherboard compatibility, it delivers the expandability and reliability required by demanding applications while preserving a compact 2U footprint. Whether you’re building a scalable NAS, a dense storage node, or a multi‑GPU compute platform, this chassis provides the foundation you need to maximize performance, efficiency, and reliability.

• 12 x external 3.5" drive bays provide generous storage density and flexible hot‑swap capability, enabling rapid capacity expansion and simplified maintenance in enterprise storage environments. The design supports busy workloads, data-intensive databases, and media workflows where fast drive replacement minimizes downtime.
• A 920W power supply is installed to support dense storage configurations and multiple expansion cards. This power budget helps maintain stable performance under heavy I/O loads and during peak operational periods, contributing to reliable uptime in mission-critical deployments.
• Supports EATX and ATX motherboards, offering broad compatibility with a wide range of modern server and workstation gear. This flexibility makes it easier to deploy current-generation processors, memory configurations, and PCIe accelerators without sacrificing chassis performance or rack space.
• Seven PCIe expansion slots provide ample room for RAID controllers, network adapters, accelerators, and other peripherals. This expansion capacity is ideal for multi‑function nodes, virtualization hosts, and compute pipelines that require diverse connectivity and acceleration options.
• Eight fans supported ensure robust airflow to keep dense storage and hot components cool in a 2U form factor. Efficient cooling supports sustained performance, reduces thermal throttling, and helps extend the life of drives and components in high‑demand workloads.

Technical Details of Supermicro SuperChassis 826BAC4-R920LPB

• Model: 826BAC4-R920LPB
• Chassis type: 2U rackmount
• Drive bays: 12 x external 3.5" bays (hot‑swap capable)
• Power supply: 920W power supply installed
• Motherboard compatibility: EATX and ATX
• Fan support: 8 fans supported
• Expansion slots: 7 x PCIe slots
• Color: Black

how to install Supermicro SuperChassis 826BAC4-R920LPB

Installing the SuperChassis 826BAC4-R920LPB into a rack and configuring it for operation is a straightforward process when planned step by step. Begin with a clear, stable rack environment and the appropriate hardware accessories to minimize downtime and ensure a clean, safe installation. Follow these best practices to optimize airflow, cable management, and component accessibility.

Preparation and rack mounting

1) Verify rack compatibility, ensuring your rack’s weight rating, depth, and mounting rails align with the 2U form factor of the chassis. 2) Gather necessary mounting rails, screws, and a cable management arm if your rack supports it. 3) Power down all equipment in the rack area and unplug from power sources to prevent accidental electrical incidents during installation. 4) Attach the appropriate rails to the chassis, following the manufacturer’s mounting guidelines, and secure the chassis to the rack at the correct depth for future expansion access. 5) Confirm that airflow paths are clear, with intake and exhaust not obstructed by cables or other equipment. Drive bay installation and backplane integration

6) Power off and physically install any required 12 external 3.5" drive trays into the drive bays, ensuring the trays lock securely into the backplane. 7) Connect each drive to the backplane with the appropriate SATA/SAS cables, and route cables along the chassis to minimize airflow disruption. 8) If you are using a hot‑swap configuration, verify that drive failure indicators and backplane connections are properly seated for reliable hot‑swap operation. 9) Install any required hardware controllers or RAID controllers in the seven PCIe slots, ensuring compatible PCIe generations and bandwidth for your workload. 10) Attach airflow shrouds or fans as needed per your cooling plan and verify that all fans spin freely when power is applied. Motherboard installation and power/connectivity

11) Prepare the motherboard by installing the CPU, memory, and any required PCIe add‑in cards outside the chassis if your workflow allows. 12) Align the motherboard with the standoffs and I/O shield, and carefully seat it into the chassis’s motherboard tray. 13) Connect the 24‑pin ATX and 8/4‑pin CPU power connectors, along with any additional power rails required by your chosen expansion cards. 14) Route data cables and fan connections to the motherboard headers, ensuring neat cable management to optimize airflow. 15) If your system supports hot‑swap storage, verify that the backplane connections and drive cables are secure and not under tension. Final assembly and testing

16) Close the chassis with the side panels, secure all screws, and reinstall any front bezels or rails if required. 17) Power on the system and enter the BIOS/UEFI to confirm motherboard, CPU, memory, and PCIe devices are detected properly. 18) Configure storage in your operating system or RAID controller interface, create logical drives as needed, and set up hot‑swap policies if applicable. 19) Install the operating system or hypervisor, and validate driver installation for all expansion cards. 20) Run baseline performance tests and thermal monitoring to ensure the cooling system maintains safe temperatures under load. 21) Document cabling layout, BIOS settings, and network configurations for easier future maintenance and upgrades.

Frequently asked questions

• Q: What is the chassis model and what does it include by default?

  A: The model is the Supermicro SuperChassis 826BAC4-R920LPB. It features a 2U rackmount chassis with 12 external 3.5" bays and an installed 920W power supply. It is designed to support EATX/ATX motherboards and provides 7 PCIe expansion slots for broad connectivity and expansion options.

• Q: How many drive bays are available and can they be hot‑swapped?

  A: There are 12 external 3.5" drive bays, intended for hot‑swap operation in enterprise storage environments, enabling rapid drive replacement without powering down the system.

• Q: What motherboard form factors are compatible with this chassis?

  A: The chassis supports EATX and ATX motherboard formats, offering flexibility to deploy current-generation servers or workstations within the 2U frame.

• Q: How many PCIe expansion slots does it provide?

  A: It provides seven PCIe expansion slots, enabling multiple add‑in cards such as RAID controllers, NICs, or accelerators to scale performance and connectivity.

• Q: What about cooling and airflow?

  A: The chassis supports up to eight fans, ensuring adequate cooling for high‑density storage configurations and power‑hungry components typical of server workloads in a 2U footprint.