Description
The SilverStone RM43-320-RS stands as a pinnacle of storage-focused server engineering, offering a 4U form factor that doesn't compromise on cooling or accessibility. Built with a heavy-duty 1.2mm steel frame, it accommodates up to 20 hot-swappable 3.5-inch or 2.5-inch SAS/SATA drives via five Mini-SAS HD SFF-8643 connectors. This chassis is engineered for 24/7 operation, featuring three high-performance 120mm PWM fans and support for dual-socket motherboards up to E-ATX or SSI-EEB standards.
This product is for:
- Enterprise Data Centers: Ideal for high-density storage arrays and local cloud infrastructure requiring frequent drive swaps.
- Media Production Houses: Perfect for 4K/8K video editing workflows that demand massive RAID arrays and high-speed 12Gb/s throughput.
- IT Professionals & Sysadmins: Designed for those who need a reliable, easy-to-service rackmount solution with included ball-bearing rails.
- Surveillance Systems: A robust choice for NVR setups managing dozens of high-definition camera feeds simultaneously.
- Home Lab Enthusiasts: Provides a professional-grade foundation for large-scale NAS builds using TrueNAS or Unraid.
Detailed specifications:
- Form Factor: 4U Rackmount
- Motherboard Support: SSI-EEB, SSI-CEB, Extended ATX, ATX, Micro-ATX, Mini-ITX
- Drive Bays: 20 x 3.5"/2.5" Hot-swap, 1 x Slim ODD (12.7mm), 2 x Internal 2.5" (up to 15mm)
- Backplane: 20-port SAS/SATA to 5 x Mini-SAS HD SFF-8643 with SGPIO
- Cooling: 3 x 120mm x 38mm PWM hot-swap fans (middle), 2 x 80mm fan slots (rear)
- Expansion: 7 standard-sized PCI/PCIe slots
- Power Supply Support: ATX (PS2), Mini Redundant, 2U Redundant (V2.0 or after)
- Dimensions: 442mm (W) x 175mm (H) x 660mm (D); 51.1 Liters
- Weight: 16.2 kg (Chassis) + 2.48 kg (Rails)
Operating the RM43-320-RS is a seamless experience thanks to its tool-less design elements and thoughtful layout. The front panel features auto-locking handles that secure the unit into the rack without fuss, while the included heavy-duty ball-bearing rails support up to 80kg, making maintenance slides smooth and safe. Internally, the hot-swap fan wall allows for cooling replacements without powering down the system, ensuring maximum uptime. The individual LED indicators for each drive bay provide immediate visual confirmation of power and activity, simplifying troubleshooting in dark server rooms.
Compared to standard 4U chassis, the RM43-320-RS excels in storage density and thermal management. While many competitors offer only 12 or 15 bays in a 4U space, SilverStone maximizes the front real estate to fit 20 bays without sacrificing airflow. The transition from traditional SATA connectors to Mini-SAS HD SFF-8643 significantly reduces cable clutter, improving internal airflow compared to older RM series models. Furthermore, the inclusion of high-static pressure 38mm thick fans provides superior cooling for high-RPM enterprise drives that thinner fans often struggle to cool.
Q&A:
- What type of cables are required for the backplane? You will need Mini-SAS HD SFF-8643 cables to connect your HBA or RAID controller to the five ports on the backplane.
- Does this chassis support standard ATX power supplies? Yes, it supports standard ATX (PS2) power supplies, as well as Mini Redundant and 2U Redundant units for increased reliability.
- Can I install 2.5-inch SSDs in the hot-swap trays? Absolutely; the trays are designed to accommodate both 3.5-inch HDDs and 2.5-inch SSDs/HDDs.
- What is the maximum CPU cooler height? The chassis supports CPU coolers up to 148mm in height, which is compatible with many server-grade active heatsinks.
- Are the rack rails included in the package? Yes, SilverStone includes a set of durable ball-bearing sliding rails that support a maximum load of 80kg.
