3 Computer Systems - 1 Case ? Any Advice?

So I am building 3 systems into one case to put it all into a custom RV. I want to work while I travel and would rater have 3 systems rather then one because I am use to bouncing back from system to system via synergy.

I need help with the case portion. I already have all the other elements of the system.

That being said...here are my hopes in such a system and what I have found.

3 computer - 1 power supply (if possible) all in an case (bought) or custom built with extrusions.

I was hoping they had a case already built but I haven't had luck finding any that had good reviews.

If anyone can through out some ideas and/or possible issues I may have. If you have seen some built send pics that I can build off of.

Thanks in advance.

 

There are cases for dual systems, but I haven't seen three. Why can't you make one good system and virtualize the rest?
What three form factors are you trying to cram in there?
Might wind up with something like this ...https://preview.redd.it/just-finished-a-wall-mounted-pc-to-go-with-desk-i-built-2-v0-16ke9ivamwr81.jpg?width=1080&crop=smart&auto=webp&s=e51e4849bfcebc50e8380344fab5978ea3670a08

 

3 computers, 1 power supply equals one major potential point of failure.

If this were me, and I was handy at carpentry too and not afraid to rip out walls and cabinets, I would build a rack system in my RV.

You might be better off with 3 laptops or 1 PC and 2 laptops.

Besides power, heat build up would be another major concern.

 

I am building the whole RV myself so the carpentry isn't the issue. I haven't seen it done so I am hoping for some ideas.

• I have no experience with rack systems. Link?
• The heat build up I think I have under control with an open case setup and A/C in the RV along with fans.
• As far as the power supply...I get that and thought about it also. I am hoping one power supply is more efficient then three and it will use less energy and produce less heat then three. Worst case scenario is I have to keep a back up.
• I have considered the laptops as an option but hoping that I can avoid that.

 

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This is exactly what I am thinking but I want the motherboards stacked similar to how NIC and graphic cards are stacked.

 

Nope. Not how it works.

If the connected components demand 300W, the power supply will deliver 300W, regardless if a 400W supply, 750W supply or a 1000W supply. And picking a number and assuming a flat 80% efficiency curve, the PSU will pull from the wall (or your inverter - see below) 375W, again, regardless if the PSU is a 400W supply, 750W or 1000W - with that extra 75W being wasted in the form of heat - getting pumped back into the RV.

80% efficiency from a quality, reputable maker should be the absolute lowest you should get, but I would recommend at least 80 PLUS Gold, or higher in your case. I don't normally recommend higher for most users because the added costs may take years to make up for in energy savings to make the extra cost not worth it. Gold certified requires the supply to be at least 90% efficient at 50% load. That same 300W load on a 90% supply will demand from the wall only ~333W.

In a RV - where are you getting your power? LP gas? Gasoline generator? Battery packs? RV park feed? You need efficient supplies.

There is nothing to suggest 1 supply is more efficient than 3 just because 1 is less than 3. Three 90% efficient PSUs with 100W demand on each will consume less power from the wall than a single 80% efficient supply with a 300W demand.

There will, of course be minor differences. 3 fans vs 1 for example. But compared to the demands placed on the supply by the connected components, what the fans demand will be insignificant. That, 3 fans can move more air unless, maybe, the 1 fan is running at maximum RPM, and power demand AND loudness. BTW, I hate fan noise. Quality fans spinning at low RPMs are almost silent. And many PSU fans run at zero RPM (zero noise) when demands are low. 3 computers on a single PSU, even at idle, will be demanding. And because maximum efficiency tends to be around the 50% load mark, the over all capacity of the supply matters too. But if you stick with quality supplies from reliable makers, and ensure the supply is 80 PLUS certified, they are required to have a relatively flat efficiency curve at 20% load, 50% and 100% load.

The field of rack mounts is just too HUGE for me to post a link that fits your needs. You will just have to use your friend Bing Google to learn about rack mounts. I do recommend starting with 2u rack mount systems. 2u is the standard 19 in wide rack. The frames are often bolted to floors to keep them from tipping over. And components mount in trays. This seems (to me) to be important in a computer room on wheels that stops and goes, goes up and down, and turns left and right.

And what about in the winter? You don't want to blow heated air into the computers.

I know in my house, which has central HVAC, when I had 3 computers in this room, I needed to add a window AC, or set the whole house thermostat to 68°F to keep this room under 80°. The cost to buy and run the window AC was a LOT cheaper than freezing out the whole house.

Inverter comment - most quality power supplies can easily deal with simulated AC from a quality UPS - for a relatively short period of time - a few hours here and there during the occasional power outage. But full time off an inverter may be a problem for some supplies - depending on the supply, the number of "steps" in the simulated sinewave, noise, regulation and other factors that may affect RV power more than a the mains power of a fixed facility running off the grid. Some careful homework may be in order.

I am not a fan of laptops in general. They can pack the power of a PC into those tiny laptop cases, but not the cooling. If you consider a standard mid-tower case with multiple 140mm case fans, HUGE CPU heatsink and multiple fans on the GPU is still challenged to keep the innards properly cooled when the computer is being taxed, it is no wonder laptop cases are barely adequate - at best.

But it still seems like laptops would be best - even if you used them with 3 full size monitors, keyboards and mice. Unless you are running 45 by 8.5, and no kids, I would think space is a considerations too.