Supermicro SuperChassis 842TQC-668B

The Supermicro SuperChassis 842TQC-668B is a high-density, 4U rack-mount chassis built to meet the demands of data centers, virtualization hosts, and storage-heavy workloads. With robust storage capacity, a ready-to-use 668 W power supply, and broad motherboard compatibility, this chassis is designed to streamline deployment while delivering reliable performance. Its black, steel chassis pairs a practical internal layout with external bays that make it easy to scale storage without sacrificing serviceability. Whether you’re architecting a compact private cloud, a dense NAS/SAN node, or a lab-ready test rig, the 842TQC-668B provides a solid foundation for dependable server hardware. The combination of flexible drive configuration, straightforward component access, and a focus on expansion makes it an ideal choice for IT professionals who value efficiency, reliability, and future-proofing in a single enclosure.

• Versatile 4U rackmount chassis with a total of 6 drive bays, including 1 external 5.25" bay and 5 external 3.5" bays. This layout supports a wide range of storage configurations—from bulk HDD arrays to boot drives and practical front-accessible storage for hot-swapping—making it perfect for virtualization hosts, media servers, and enterprise deployments. The external bays are arranged to balance drive density with serviceability, enabling quick upgrades or replacements without removing the chassis from the rack.
• Integrated 668 W power supply installed in the chassis, providing reliable, steady power for multi-drive configurations and performance-focused workloads. This PSU supports demanding storage arrays and accelerates boot times, while maintaining efficient energy use in steady-state operation. The installed power supply helps reduce build time and ensures immediate readiness for deployment in production environments.
• Broad motherboard compatibility to accommodate ATX, EATX, and Micro ATX configurations. The 842TQC-668B is designed for flexibility, allowing you to select the motherboard form factor that best fits your compute, networking, or storage needs. This compatibility helps you leverage a wide ecosystem of server components and peripherals while preserving a compact chassis footprint in 4U form factor.
• Expansion and cooling designed for enterprise workloads: 7 PCIe expansion slots provide ample room for network cards, storage controllers, or accelerators, while the chassis supports up to 3 fans to help maintain airflow and thermal margins under heavy I/O loads. The layout is structured to optimize air intake and exhaust, supporting higher throughput and longer hardware lifecycles in demanding environments.
• Front-panel accessibility and I/O: two USB ports offer convenient maintenance access or ready connectivity for firmware updates, diagnostics, and portable storage during deployment. The chassis is designed for straightforward serviceability in data centers and labs, allowing technicians to perform maintenance tasks without disrupting adjacent equipment.

Technical Details of Supermicro SuperChassis 842TQC-668B

• Form factor: 4U rack-mountable chassis
• Drive bays: 6 total (1 external 5.25" bay, 5 external 3.5" bays)
• Power supply: 668 W installed
• Motherboard compatibility: ATX, EATX, Micro ATX
• Expansion slots: 7 slots
• USB ports: 2 x USB
• Fan support: supports up to 3 fans
• Chassis finish: Black powder-coated exterior
• Chassis construction: Steel framework built for rack environments
• Front-access design: External bays and I/O facilitate rapid maintenance

How to Install Supermicro SuperChassis 842TQC-668B

• Prepare your rack space: confirm the rack is clean, level, and properly grounded. Gather mounting screws, rails, and any cage nuts required for your specific rack system. Verify clearance around the rack for service access and cable management to minimize airflow obstructions.
• Mount the chassis in the rack: align the chassis rails with the rack posts and secure the chassis using appropriate screws. Ensure the chassis is level, firmly seated, and stable to prevent vibration that could impact drives or expansion cards during operation.
• Install the motherboard: place the ATX, EATX, or Micro ATX motherboard into the chassis tray, align the standoffs with the motherboard holes, and secure with screws. Connect power distribution to the motherboard and ensure compatibility with the installed 668 W power supply. Attach essential data cables (SATA/SAS, data-backplane connections) as specified by your storage configuration.
• Populate drives and backplane connections: install your 6 drives into the external bays (1x 5.25" and 5x 3.5"), or configure according to your storage plan. If backplane assemblies or hot-swap trays are used, connect the appropriate SAS/SATA cables or backplane connectors to ensure proper detection by the controller and BIOS.
• Connect I/O and cooling: route USB, management, and any NIC cables as required. Install up to 3 chassis fans in their mounting positions to optimize airflow across CPU, memory, and storage. Verify fan operation during POST and ensure airflow paths are clear of cables or obstructions that could impede cooling.
• Perform initial boot and configuration: power on the system, enter BIOS/UEFI setup, and configure storage controllers, boot order, and any RAID settings. Install your operating system or hypervisor as planned, and verify that all drives, ports, and PCIe cards are detected and functioning as expected. Conduct a basic health check to confirm temperatures, fan speeds, and power delivery meet operating thresholds.

Frequently asked questions

• Q: What motherboard sizes are supported by the 842TQC-668B? A: It supports ATX, EATX, and Micro ATX motherboards, offering flexibility for a wide range of server configurations.
• Q: How many drive bays does this chassis provide? A: The chassis includes 6 drive bays in total: 1 external 5.25" bay and 5 external 3.5" bays, enabling mixed storage configurations and easy expansion.
• Q: Is a power supply included with the chassis? A: Yes, a 668 W power supply is installed in the chassis for immediate deployment and reliable power delivery.
• Q: How many USB ports are available on the chassis? A: The chassis provides 2 USB ports for maintenance, diagnostics, or peripheral connectivity.
• Q: What cooling options are available for the chassis? A: The chassis supports up to 3 fans and offers space for additional cooling where required, helping maintain stable operation under heavy I/O workloads.