SilverStone RM51 5U Rackmountable Server Case Review

Build Quality

The word robust feels like it was invented just for the SilverStone RM51 5U, as everything is twice if not double the thickness of what we typically see on consumer PC cases. The front panel feels like it could take a direct hit from any hard-thrown office item and shrug it off.

The thick panel is actually fully ventilated and features a built-in fine dust filter. so just take it off, brush it out, pop it back, and you’re sorted. There are no other intakes on the case, so all airflow will be filtered.

The monster-sized fans are as premium a they come. They can whisper quiet at lower RPM or put out an oil fire on their maximum speed should you do a hot-running rendering server with your build.

The expansion slots are all thick metal ventilated covers, and they’re all reusable; no cheap snap-offs here!

There’s an additional grommet mounted on the rear of the case, this can be used to route cables in and out of the case, or even just for a drain port should you fit liquid cooling.

There is room for a rear fan, should you need it. However, I doubt many will need it, as those 180mm Air Penetrator fans will force more air through the case than you’ll know what do you with.

The case supports an ATX PSU at the back. However, there’s a break out panel to add a PSU pass-through cable should you wish to add a second unit (more on that shortly).

There are no thumbscrews or quick-release panels here, this isn’t a case built for quick maintenance, it’s built to be strong and secure. The top panel requires a screwdriver and four screws on the corners to be removed.

The top panel is relatively simple looking, but boy is it heavy. It’s really thick metal and doesn’t flex like you think it would.

Everything on the inside is treated but unpainted metal, and again there’s no real use of quick release screws for anything, it’s all designed to be hand screwed in, and while it will take longer to complete your build, everything is just more snug and robust here, and it’s worth the effort.

There’s a good quality microswitch on the side too, allowing you to use it as a case open alarm.