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This question is specifically about Sun X4100, but general information about all servers would be helpful.

This is a 1 rack unit server, and these would typically be placed into a rack with the top facing up, front forward, in the common and intended position.

In some cases however, management wants to store 1 or 2 of these, but they would like to place them with the left side facing up and the right side facing down, or vice-versa.

The airflow would still go out the back. And I don't expect that the law of rising heat is much of a factor with all the fans.

But would there be other problems? For example the hard drives (spinning at 10,000 RPM) might wear on one side of the bearing/axle more than the other side.

I am aware that I am going against the original design of the hardware on this, so I am taking a risk of unexpected hardware failure, but I did want to get your input on this.

700 Software
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2 Answers2

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I don't think there is anything in those servers that would be sensitive to orientation. You may want to check the usability of the DVD Drive though. As for the hard drives, modern ones are usable in any orientation. The links from this SF question about hard drive orientation refer. To be absolutely sure you should really check with Oracle.

Community
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user9517
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Look up the drive specs from the drive manufacturer. Normally the drives should be in horizontal position, but vertical may be ok.

There migth be problems after some years of usage if you turn them vertically 180° - but it`s been a long time ago that I saw real problems there. (IDE-drives from Hitachi, SCSI-drives from IBM).

Nils
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