CODEGEN
Codegen 2U Rackmount 405mm Deep 3 x 80mm HDB PWM Fans Included
- SKU:
- CACOD-2U400
- UPC:
- 5055492415103
- MPN:
- 2U400
- Availability:
- Free Click & Collect in Peterborough. UK delivery also available
Description
Codegen 2U400 2U Rackmount Server Case – Compact 405mm Chassis with 3 PWM Fans
The Codegen 2U400 Rackmount Server Case is a compact 2U server chassis designed for custom rack-mounted PCs, servers, storage systems, network appliances and other space-conscious computing installations. Supporting Micro-ATX and Mini-ITX motherboards, a standard ATX power supply and multiple internal SSD/HDD configurations, it provides practical hardware flexibility within a shallow rackmount format.
The chassis measures approximately 482 x 89 x 405mm including the front handles, while the main chassis body is approximately 430 x 89 x 380mm excluding the handles. This compact depth makes the Codegen 2U400 particularly useful where a full-depth enterprise server chassis would be unnecessarily large.
Cooling is provided by three pre-installed 80mm HDB PWM fans. Each fan uses a 4-pin PWM connection, allowing a compatible motherboard to automatically adjust fan speed according to system temperatures and configured fan-control settings.
The chassis supports standard ATX power supplies up to 200mm long, graphics or expansion cards up to approximately 180mm long, four half-height expansion slots and CPU coolers up to 67mm high. Front connectivity includes one USB 3.0 port and one USB 2.0 port.
Model: Codegen 2U400 | Distributor Code: CSCG2U400 | EAN: 5055492415103 | Form Factor: 2U Rackmount | Motherboards: Micro-ATX / Mini-ITX
Key Features of the Codegen 2U400
- Compact 2U rackmount server chassis
- Approx. 405mm overall depth including handles
- Approx. 380mm chassis depth excluding handles
- Supports Micro-ATX and Mini-ITX motherboards
- Maximum motherboard dimensions approximately 275 x 250mm
- 3 x 80mm HDB PWM fans pre-installed
- 4-pin PWM fan connections for compatible motherboard fan control
- Supports a standard ATX PSU
- Maximum PSU length approximately 200mm
- PSU not included
- Supports graphics / expansion cards up to approximately 180mm long
- 4 x half-height expansion slots
- Maximum CPU cooler height approximately 67mm
- Flexible shared mounting for up to four 2.5-inch / 3.5-inch drives, depending on configuration
- Front USB 3.0 + USB 2.0 connectivity
- Front power and reset controls
- Power and HDD activity LEDs
- 1.0mm SGCC steel construction
- Metal front bezel and metal side panel
- Ventilated upper section around the PSU area
- Optional compatible Codegen sliding rail kit available separately
- Net chassis weight approximately 4.4kg
Compact 2U Rackmount Design
The Codegen 2U400 uses a 2U rackmount form factor, providing more vertical internal space than a 1U chassis while remaining substantially more compact than conventional 3U and 4U server cases.
The chassis measures approximately:
- Including handles: 482mm wide x 89mm high x 405mm deep
- Excluding handles: 430mm wide x 89mm high x 380mm deep
The difference between the two depth figures is important. The internal chassis body is approximately 380mm deep, while the overall installed product reaches approximately 405mm including its front handles.
Is the Codegen 2U400 Really 405mm Deep?
Yes, the overall product depth including the front handles is approximately 405mm. The metal chassis itself measures approximately 380mm deep when the handles are excluded.
This distinction is useful when checking rack, cabinet and shelf depth because sufficient clearance should also be allowed behind the case for power, network and peripheral cables.
Micro-ATX and Mini-ITX Motherboard Support
The Codegen 2U400 supports Micro-ATX and Mini-ITX motherboards. Codegen's UK distributor specifies a maximum motherboard area of approximately 275 x 250mm.
This makes the case suitable for a wide variety of compact Intel and AMD systems, including server, NAS, firewall, workstation and general rack-mounted PC builds using compatible motherboards.
Does the Codegen 2U400 Support a Full-Size ATX Motherboard?
No. Despite some generic reseller database fields describing this chassis as ATX, the detailed product specification for the Codegen 2U400 lists motherboard support as Micro-ATX and Mini-ITX.
The term ATX also appears in the specification because the chassis supports a standard ATX power supply. This should not be confused with motherboard compatibility.
What Is the Maximum Motherboard Size?
The detailed Codegen distributor specification gives a maximum motherboard area of approximately 275mm wide x 250mm deep.
Standard Micro-ATX boards are normally smaller than this limit, but builders should still check motherboard dimensions and connector locations before assembly.
Three 80mm HDB PWM Fans Included
The Codegen 2U400 is supplied with three 80mm hydraulic dynamic bearing (HDB) PWM fans installed in the front cooling position.
Unlike simple fixed-speed fans, these use 4-pin PWM fan connectors. When connected to compatible motherboard fan headers, fan speed can be adjusted automatically according to motherboard temperature readings and fan-control settings.
What Is a PWM Server Fan?
PWM stands for Pulse Width Modulation. A four-pin PWM fan allows compatible motherboard or fan-control hardware to adjust the fan's rotational speed electronically.
This means the fans do not necessarily need to operate at maximum speed continuously. A correctly configured motherboard can increase airflow when component temperatures rise and reduce fan speed when less cooling is required.
Are the 80mm Fans Included?
Yes. The Codegen 2U400 includes three black 80mm HDB PWM fans.
There is therefore no requirement to purchase the three primary chassis fans separately for a standard build.
Airflow Designed for a Compact 2U Server
Thermal management is particularly important in a 2U system because components are positioned much closer together than in a conventional desktop tower.
The three front 80mm fans provide active airflow through the chassis, while additional ventilation is incorporated into the upper panel around the power-supply area.
Actual component temperatures will depend on the CPU, graphics or expansion cards, storage devices, PSU, fan-control settings, rack ventilation and ambient temperature.
Does the Codegen 2U400 Support Liquid Cooling?
No conventional radiator mounting positions are specified. Codegen lists the 2U400 as not water-cooling ready.
The chassis is primarily designed around low-profile air cooling, making CPU cooler selection particularly important.
67mm Maximum CPU Cooler Height
The Codegen 2U400 supports CPU coolers up to approximately 67mm high.
Because this is a 2U chassis, conventional tower-style CPU coolers used in desktop gaming cases will generally be too tall. Builders should choose a suitable low-profile CPU cooler that fits within the height restriction and is compatible with the processor socket and motherboard layout.
Will a Standard Tower CPU Cooler Fit?
Usually not. The maximum CPU cooler height is approximately 67mm, while many conventional tower air coolers exceed 120–160mm.
Always check the complete height of the chosen CPU cooler before purchasing components for the build.
Will an Intel or AMD Stock Cooler Fit?
Compatibility depends on the exact cooler supplied with the processor. Some low-profile stock coolers may fit within the 67mm limit while others may not.
Check the manufacturer dimensions of the exact cooler rather than assuming compatibility based only on the processor brand.
Standard ATX Power Supply Support
One useful feature of the Codegen 2U400 is its support for a standard ATX power supply rather than requiring a specialist 2U server PSU.
The maximum specified PSU length is approximately 200mm, with the power supply positioned towards the rear-right / lower section of the chassis.
Is a Power Supply Included?
No. The Codegen 2U400 is supplied as a chassis without a PSU.
A suitable standard ATX power supply must be purchased separately. Check PSU length, connector requirements and output capacity against the planned motherboard, CPU, storage drives and expansion cards.
Can I Use a Modular ATX Power Supply?
A compatible modular ATX PSU may be used provided its physical dimensions remain within the chassis limits.
In a compact 2U system, modular cabling can be useful because unused power cables can be omitted, reducing internal cable congestion. However, connector clearance should also be considered because modular sockets and cable plugs can increase the effective space required behind the PSU.
180mm Maximum GPU and Expansion Card Length
The chassis provides approximately 180mm of maximum expansion-card length.
This allows selected compact graphics cards, network adapters, RAID controllers, storage controllers, capture cards and other PCI Express devices to be installed.
Does the Codegen 2U400 Support Full-Height Graphics Cards?
The chassis provides four half-height expansion slots. Standard full-height PCIe brackets are therefore not the intended format.
A graphics card or other add-in card should use a compatible low-profile / half-height bracket and remain within the approximately 180mm maximum card-length clearance.
Can I Install a Gaming GPU?
Only selected compact, low-profile graphics cards will be suitable. Most large modern gaming GPUs use full-height brackets, substantial coolers and lengths well above 180mm, making them unsuitable for this chassis.
Check the card's length, height, thickness and bracket type before ordering.
Four Half-Height Expansion Slots
The 2U400 provides four half-height expansion slots, giving compatible Micro-ATX systems useful expansion capability despite the compact chassis height.
Potential expansion devices can include:
- Multi-port Ethernet network cards
- 10GbE network adapters
- RAID and HBA storage controllers
- SAS / SATA controller cards
- Low-profile graphics cards
- USB expansion cards
- Serial / specialist I/O cards
- Other compatible low-profile PCI Express devices
The motherboard must provide the appropriate PCIe slots and the installed cards must remain within the chassis clearance limits.
Flexible SSD and Hard Drive Mounting
The Codegen 2U400 uses shared internal 2.5-inch and 3.5-inch drive mounting positions. This allows the storage arrangement to be adapted according to whether the system uses SSDs, conventional hard drives or a mixture of both.
Codegen's distributor information describes configurations supporting up to four drives depending on the combination selected, including:
- Up to 4 x 3.5-inch drives
- 1 x 2.5-inch SSD + 3 x 3.5-inch drives
- 3 x 2.5-inch drives + 1 x 3.5-inch drive
The 2.5-inch mounting positions share physical space with the 3.5-inch drive positions, so the advertised individual bay totals should not be interpreted as seven drives being installable simultaneously.
How Many Drives Can the Codegen 2U400 Hold?
Up to four drives can be installed in supported configurations. The exact combination depends on whether 2.5-inch or 3.5-inch drives are used because several mounting positions are shared.
This arrangement can be useful for compact storage servers, NAS systems and general-purpose rack PCs that need multiple internal SATA SSDs or HDDs.
Can I Install Both SSDs and Hard Drives?
Yes. Mixed 2.5-inch and 3.5-inch storage configurations are supported.
Always plan drive locations alongside motherboard, PSU and cable routing because the available internal space is considerably tighter than in a full-size tower chassis.
Front USB 3.0 and USB 2.0 Connectivity
The front panel provides:
- 1 x USB 3.0 port
- 1 x USB 2.0 port
These ports provide convenient access for USB flash drives, keyboards, diagnostic peripherals, installation media and other maintenance devices without needing to access rear motherboard connections.
Server Power and HDD Activity Indicators
The front panel includes dedicated controls and status indicators for server operation:
- 1 x Power button
- 1 x Reset button
- 1 x green Power LED
- 1 x red HDD activity LED
These provide basic system status information directly from the rack front.
1.0mm SGCC Steel Construction
The Codegen 2U400 uses a 1.0mm SGCC steel chassis with a metal front bezel and metal side panel.
This construction is designed for rack-mounted equipment where a rigid enclosure is important for protecting installed motherboards, storage drives and expansion cards.
The front bezel is black while the main body uses a bare-metal finish.
Optional Sliding Rack Rail Compatibility
The Codegen 2U400 is compatible with Codegen's optional RK-26-EXT sliding rail kit, also distributed under the code CSCG4U500RAILSEXT.
The optional rail system uses three-section ball-bearing rails and adjusts from approximately 26 to 30 inches. The rail kit is sold separately and is not included with the standard 2U400 chassis.
Are Rack Rails Included with the Codegen 2U400?
No. The standard package does not list sliding rack rails.
A compatible Codegen rail kit is available separately where sliding installation and easier server access are required.
Suitable for Custom Rack Server Builds
The combination of Micro-ATX motherboard support, multiple drive positions, four low-profile expansion slots and a standard ATX PSU mount makes the Codegen 2U400 suitable for a variety of custom systems.
Possible applications include:
- Small business servers
- Compact file servers
- Home-lab servers
- NAS and storage systems
- Network appliances
- Firewall and router builds
- CCTV / NVR systems
- Compact rack workstations
- Monitoring and control systems
- Virtualisation lab systems
- Industrial or specialist rack-mounted PCs
Good Choice for Home Labs and Small Server Racks
At approximately 405mm overall depth, the Codegen 2U400 is substantially shallower than many enterprise rack servers.
This can make it useful for home laboratories, small-business server installations and other environments where available rack depth is limited.
Before installation, always check the internal depth of the rack or cabinet and allow additional space behind the chassis for the PSU cable, network cables, USB connections and motherboard I/O.
2U400 vs a Full-Depth Server Chassis
The main advantage of the Codegen 2U400 is its compact depth. A full-depth rack server may provide substantially more room for large motherboards, long expansion cards, extensive drive cages and redundant server PSUs, but it also requires a deeper cabinet.
The 2U400 instead prioritises a compact footprint while retaining support for Micro-ATX motherboards, standard ATX power supplies, multiple internal drives and four low-profile expansion slots.
Who Should Choose a Deeper Rackmount Case Instead?
A deeper chassis may be more appropriate if your system requires:
- A full-size ATX or E-ATX motherboard
- Long full-height graphics cards
- Large numbers of hard drives
- Full-height PCIe cards
- Large CPU coolers
- Extensive liquid cooling
- Redundant server power supplies
- More internal cable-routing space
What Should You Check Before Building in the Codegen 2U400?
- Your motherboard must be Micro-ATX or Mini-ITX and fit within the supported dimensions.
- The CPU cooler must be no taller than approximately 67mm.
- Expansion cards must use compatible half-height / low-profile brackets.
- Maximum expansion-card length is approximately 180mm.
- The standard ATX PSU should be no longer than approximately 200mm.
- The PSU is not included.
- Drive mounting positions are shared between 2.5-inch and 3.5-inch devices.
- The chassis is not designed for conventional water-cooling radiators.
- The motherboard should provide suitable 4-pin PWM fan headers or another compatible method of controlling the supplied fans.
- Check rack depth and rear cable clearance before installation.
Codegen 2U400 Technical Highlights
- Brand: Codegen
- Model: 2U400
- Distributor Product Code: CSCG2U400
- EAN / GTIN: 5055492415103
- Case Type: 2U rackmount server chassis
- Motherboard Support: Micro-ATX / Mini-ITX
- Maximum Motherboard Size: Approx. 275 x 250mm
- Dimensions Including Handles: 482 x 89 x 405mm (W x H x D)
- Dimensions Excluding Handles: 430 x 89 x 380mm (W x H x D)
- Net Weight: Approx. 4.4kg
- Body Material: 1.0mm SGCC steel
- Front Bezel: Metal
- Side Panel: Metal
- Front Bezel Colour: Black
- Chassis Body Colour: Bare metal
- Included Fans: 3 x 80mm HDB PWM
- Fan Connection: 4-pin PWM
- PSU Support: Standard ATX
- Maximum PSU Length: Approx. 200mm
- PSU Included: No
- Maximum CPU Cooler Height: 67mm
- Maximum Expansion Card / GPU Length: 180mm
- Expansion Slots: 4 x half-height
- 2.5-inch Internal Mounts: Up to 3 positions, shared
- 3.5-inch Internal Mounts: Up to 4 positions, shared
- Maximum Simultaneous Drive Count: Up to 4 in supported configurations
- Front USB: 1 x USB 3.0 + 1 x USB 2.0
- Power Button: Yes
- Reset Button: Yes
- Power LED: 1 x green
- HDD Activity LED: 1 x red
- Internal Cable Management Depth: Approx. 85mm
- Water Cooling Ready: No
- Compatible Optional Rail Kit: Codegen RK-26-EXT / CSCG4U500RAILSEXT
What's Included?
- 1 x Codegen 2U400 rackmount chassis
- 3 x 80mm HDB PWM fans pre-installed
- Screw pack
- PC speaker
- Manual
Power supply, motherboard, processor, CPU cooler, RAM, storage drives, expansion cards and sliding rack rails are not included unless explicitly stated separately by the retailer.
Why Choose the Codegen 2U400 Rackmount Server Case?
The Codegen 2U400 provides a practical foundation for building a compact rack-mounted server or specialised PC without moving to a much deeper enterprise chassis.
Its Micro-ATX and Mini-ITX motherboard support offers considerably more flexibility than Mini-ITX-only rack cases, while the ability to install a standard ATX PSU can simplify power-supply selection.
Three included 80mm HDB PWM fans provide configurable active cooling, and shared internal drive mounting supports a range of SSD and HDD configurations for storage-oriented systems. Four half-height expansion slots also provide room for compatible network, RAID, storage and low-profile graphics adapters.
With a chassis depth of approximately 380mm excluding its handles and 405mm overall, the 2U400 is particularly useful for compact server installations, home labs, small-business networks and custom rack PCs where space efficiency matters.
For builders looking for a compact 2U rackmount case with Micro-ATX support, three included PWM fans, ATX PSU compatibility and flexible internal storage mounting, the Codegen 2U400 offers a versatile platform for a wide range of rack-based systems.
Specification
Codegen 2U400 2U Rackmount Server Case Specifications
The Codegen 2U400 is a compact 2U rackmount server chassis designed for Micro-ATX and Mini-ITX systems. It supports a standard ATX power supply, low-profile PCIe expansion cards, multiple 2.5-inch and 3.5-inch storage configurations and includes three 80mm HDB PWM fans. These specifications apply specifically to the Codegen 2U400 / CSCG2U400.
General Information
| Brand | Codegen |
| Model | 2U400 |
| Distributor Product Code | CSCG2U400 |
| Manufacturer Part Number | 2U400 |
| EAN / GTIN | 5055492415103 |
| Chassis Type | 2U rackmount server chassis |
| Primary Use | Custom rack server, NAS, networking appliance, NVR, home-lab or rack-mounted PC |
| Front Colour | Black |
| Chassis Body Colour | Bare metal / silver |
Chassis Dimensions & Weight
| Rack Height | 2U |
| Width Including Handles | 482mm |
| Height | 89mm |
| Depth Including Handles | 405mm |
| Overall Dimensions Including Handles | 482 x 89 x 405mm (W x H x D) |
| Width Excluding Handles | 430mm |
| Depth Excluding Handles | 380mm |
| Chassis Dimensions Excluding Handles | 430 x 89 x 380mm (W x H x D) |
| Net Weight | Approx. 4.4kg |
Motherboard Compatibility
| Mini-ITX Support | Yes |
| Micro-ATX Support | Yes |
| Full-Size ATX Motherboard Support | No |
| Maximum Motherboard Size | Approx. 275 x 250mm (W x D) |
Power Supply Compatibility
| Supported PSU Type | Standard ATX PSU |
| Maximum PSU Length | 200mm |
| PSU Position | Rear-right / bottom section |
| Power Supply Included | No |
CPU Cooler Compatibility
| Maximum CPU Cooler Height | 67mm |
| Recommended Cooler Type | Low-profile CPU cooler |
| Conventional Tower Cooler Support | Generally no; cooler must remain within the 67mm height limit |
| Water Cooling Ready | No |
Expansion Card Compatibility
| Expansion Slots | 4 |
| Expansion Slot Type | Half-height / low-profile |
| Maximum Expansion Card / GPU Length | 180mm |
| Full-Height PCIe Card Support | No – low-profile brackets required |
| Suitable Expansion Devices | Low-profile NICs, RAID/HBA cards, storage controllers, compact GPUs and other compatible PCIe cards |
Storage Support
| 3.5-Inch Internal Mounting Positions | Up to 4, using shared drive positions |
| 2.5-Inch Internal Mounting Positions | Up to 3, using shared drive positions |
| Maximum Simultaneous Drive Count | Up to 4 drives in supported configurations |
| Example Configuration | 4 x 3.5-inch HDD |
| Example Configuration | 1 x 2.5-inch SSD + 3 x 3.5-inch HDD |
| Example Configuration | 3 x 2.5-inch SSD + 1 x 3.5-inch HDD |
| Shared Drive Bays | Yes – 2.5-inch mounting positions share space with 3.5-inch positions |
Drive Bay Layout
| Bay 1 | 1 x 2.5-inch or 1 x 3.5-inch SSD/HDD |
| Bay 2 | 1 x 2.5-inch or 1 x 3.5-inch SSD/HDD |
| Bay 3 | 1 x 2.5-inch + 1 x 3.5-inch drive, or 2 x 3.5-inch drives |
Cooling System
| Pre-Installed Fans | 3 x 80mm |
| Fan Bearing Type | Hydraulic / Hydro Dynamic Bearing (HDB) |
| Fan Control | PWM |
| Fan Connector | 4-pin PWM |
| Front Fan Support | 3 x 80mm – all three fans included |
| Top Fan Mounts | None specified |
| Rear Fan Mounts | None specified |
| Side Fan Mounts | None specified |
| Bottom Fan Mounts | None specified |
| Additional Ventilation | Top-panel ventilation around the PSU area |
Front I/O & Controls
| USB 3.0 Ports | 1 |
| USB 2.0 Ports | 1 |
| Power Button | 1 |
| Reset Button | 1 |
| Power LED | 1 x green |
| HDD Activity LED | 1 x red |
Construction
| Chassis Material | SGCC steel |
| Steel Thickness | 1.0mm |
| Front Bezel Material | Metal |
| Side Panel Material | Metal |
| Internal Cable Management Depth | Approx. 85mm |
Rack Rail Compatibility
| Sliding Rack Rails Included | No |
| Compatible Codegen Rail Kit | RK-26-EXT / CSCG4U500RAILSEXT |
| Rail Type | 3-section ball-bearing sliding rails |
| Rail Adjustment Range | Approx. 26–30 inches |
| Rail Weight Capacity | Up to 45kg |
| Rail Kit Sold Separately | Yes |
Packaging Specifications
| Package Width | 473mm |
| Package Height | 163mm |
| Package Depth | 542mm |
| Package Dimensions | 473 x 163 x 542mm (W x H x D) |
| Gross / Packaged Weight | Approx. 6kg |
Package Contents
| Codegen 2U400 Rackmount Chassis | Included |
| 80mm HDB PWM Fans | 3 included / pre-installed |
| Screw Pack | Included |
| PC Speaker | Included |
| Manual | Included |
| Power Supply | Not included |
| Sliding Rail Kit | Not included |
Warranty
| UK Supplier Warranty | 1 year Return-to-Base warranty is listed by selected UK distributors/retailers; applicable Memox warranty terms should be shown separately |
Important Motherboard Compatibility Note
The Codegen 2U400 supports Micro-ATX and Mini-ITX motherboards. A standard full-size ATX motherboard is not listed as supported. The word “ATX” in the chassis specification refers to the power supply format, not motherboard support.
Important Expansion Slot Note
The detailed distributor specification identifies the four expansion slots as half-height / low-profile slots. Low-profile PCIe brackets should therefore be used. Although one CPC product-summary bullet describes them as full-size slots, A One Distribution, CCL and Target Components consistently specify four half-height slots, which is the specification used here.
Important GPU & Expansion Card Note
Maximum card length is approximately 180mm. A graphics card, network adapter, RAID controller or other PCIe card must also use a compatible low-profile bracket and fit within the physical height and thickness constraints of the 2U chassis.
Important CPU Cooler Note
The maximum supported CPU cooler height is approximately 67mm. Most conventional tower-style desktop CPU coolers are too tall for this chassis, so a compatible low-profile cooler should normally be selected.
Important Drive Bay Note
The 2.5-inch and 3.5-inch mounting positions are shared. The chassis does not support seven drives simultaneously simply because the specification lists up to four 3.5-inch and three 2.5-inch positions. The supported maximum is up to approximately four drives, depending on the selected combination.
Important Depth Note
The chassis body is approximately 380mm deep without the front handles, while the complete case measures approximately 405mm deep including the handles. When choosing a rack or cabinet, also allow additional rear clearance for the ATX power cable, motherboard I/O, network cables and other connections.
Important Fan Control Note
The three supplied 80mm HDB fans use 4-pin PWM connectors. Automatic speed control depends on the motherboard or compatible fan controller providing suitable PWM fan headers and fan-control functionality.
Important Rack Rail Note
Sliding rails are not supplied with the standard Codegen 2U400.
Return
FAQ: Frequenlty Asked Questions
Codegen 2U400 2U Rackmount Server Case FAQ
The Codegen 2U400 405mm rackmount server chassis is a compact 2U case designed for Micro-ATX and Mini-ITX server builds, NAS systems, home labs, network appliances, virtualisation servers and other rack-mounted computers. It supports a standard ATX power supply, four half-height expansion slots, multiple 2.5-inch and 3.5-inch storage configurations and includes three 80mm HDB PWM cooling fans.
Below are answers to the most common questions about Codegen 2U400 compatibility, rack depth, motherboard size, power supplies, CPU coolers, graphics cards, storage, cooling, fan noise, rack rails and server applications.
1. What is the Codegen 2U400 rackmount server case?
The Codegen 2U400 is a compact 2U rackmount computer chassis designed for building custom rack servers, NAS systems, home-lab servers, network appliances and other rack-mounted PCs. It supports Micro-ATX and Mini-ITX motherboards, a standard ATX power supply, low-profile PCIe expansion cards and several internal HDD and SSD configurations.
2. What are the main specifications of the Codegen 2U400?
Key specifications include a 2U rackmount form factor, 405mm overall depth including handles, 380mm chassis depth excluding handles, Micro-ATX and Mini-ITX motherboard support, standard ATX PSU support, three included 80mm HDB PWM fans, four half-height expansion slots, a 67mm maximum CPU cooler height and an approximately 180mm maximum expansion-card length.
3. What are the dimensions of the Codegen 2U400?
The complete chassis measures approximately 482mm wide x 89mm high x 405mm deep including the front handles. The main chassis body excluding the handles is approximately 430mm wide x 89mm high x 380mm deep.
4. How much does the Codegen 2U400 weigh and what is it made from?
The chassis has a net weight of approximately 4.4kg before components are installed. The main body uses approximately 1.0mm SGCC steel with a metal front bezel, providing the rigid construction normally expected from a rackmount server chassis.
5. What does 2U mean on a rackmount server case?
Rack equipment height is measured in rack units, normally abbreviated to U. One rack unit is approximately 44.45mm, so 2U occupies approximately 88.9mm of vertical rack space. The Codegen 2U400 is approximately 89mm high and therefore occupies two rack units.
6. Will the Codegen 2U400 fit a standard 19-inch server rack?
Yes, it is designed as a standard 2U rackmount chassis. Its front width is approximately 482mm including the rackmount front section, corresponding to standard 19-inch rack equipment. You should still check rack depth, mounting arrangement and rear cable clearance before installation.
7. Is the Codegen 2U400 a short-depth rackmount case?
Yes, the 380mm main chassis depth makes it relatively compact compared with many traditional server chassis. Overall depth is approximately 405mm including the front handles. This makes it useful where a full-depth enterprise server chassis would be unnecessarily large, although actual cabinet compatibility should always be measured.
8. Will the Codegen 2U400 fit inside a 600mm-deep server cabinet?
The 405mm overall chassis is short enough for many 600mm cabinets, but cabinet dimensions alone do not guarantee compatibility. Allow additional space behind the server for the power cable, motherboard I/O, network cables and ventilation, and check the cabinet's actual usable mounting depth rather than only its external depth.
9. Can I use the Codegen 2U400 in a wall-mounted network cabinet?
Potentially, provided the cabinet supports 19-inch 2U equipment and has enough usable depth and load capacity. Many wall cabinets are shallower than floor-standing server racks, so compare the 405mm overall case depth plus rear cable clearance with the cabinet's usable internal depth before ordering.
10. How much rack depth should I allow for the Codegen 2U400?
The case itself is approximately 405mm deep including the handles and approximately 380mm without them. Do not choose a rack based on 405mm alone: additional clearance should be allowed at the rear for the PSU lead, Ethernet cables, USB devices, display cables and motherboard connections.
11. Are rack rails included with the Codegen 2U400?
No. Sliding server rails are not listed as part of the standard Codegen 2U400 package. A compatible rail system can be purchased separately if required.
12. Which sliding rail kit is compatible with the Codegen 2U400?
Codegen lists the RK-26-EXT three-section ball-bearing sliding rail kit as compatible with its 405mm-deep 2U rackmount chassis. The rail kit is sold separately and rack mounting dimensions should still be checked against your cabinet before purchase.
13. Can the Codegen 2U400 be installed on a rack shelf instead of sliding rails?
A sufficiently strong rack shelf can be an alternative mounting method where appropriate. The completed server's total weight, rack depth, shelf load rating and access requirements should all be considered. For frequent maintenance, compatible sliding rails are generally more convenient.
14. Which motherboard sizes fit the Codegen 2U400?
The Codegen 2U400 supports Micro-ATX and Mini-ITX motherboards. These formats make it suitable for compact server, NAS and network builds where a full-size desktop motherboard is unnecessary.
15. Does the Codegen 2U400 support a full-size ATX motherboard?
No. The supported motherboard formats are Micro-ATX and Mini-ITX. Although the chassis accepts a standard ATX power supply, this does not mean it supports a full-size ATX motherboard.
16. What is the maximum motherboard size supported by the Codegen 2U400?
The manufacturer specification gives a maximum motherboard area of approximately 275mm wide x 250mm deep. Standard Micro-ATX and Mini-ITX boards should therefore be checked against these limits together with connector and cable placement.
17. Can I install a server motherboard in the Codegen 2U400?
Yes, if the server motherboard uses a supported Micro-ATX or Mini-ITX form factor and stays within the specified motherboard dimensions. Also check CPU cooler height, RAM location, power connectors and PCIe card positions because server-oriented boards can differ considerably in layout.
18. Does the Codegen 2U400 support back-connect or rear-connector motherboards?
The chassis is intended for conventional motherboard layouts and is not specified as a back-connect or rear-connector motherboard case. A standard Micro-ATX or Mini-ITX board with conventional front-facing power and data connectors is the safer choice.
19. What type of power supply does the Codegen 2U400 use?
The Codegen 2U400 supports a standard ATX power supply, which is useful because it allows a wide choice of mainstream desktop and server-oriented PSUs rather than requiring a specialised 1U or Flex-ATX power supply.
20. Is a power supply included with the Codegen 2U400?
No. The chassis is supplied without a power supply, allowing you to choose an ATX PSU with the wattage, efficiency rating, connector configuration and noise level appropriate for your server build.
21. What is the maximum ATX PSU length for the Codegen 2U400?
The specified maximum PSU length is approximately 200mm. Choosing a shorter PSU can make cable routing easier and leave more working space inside this compact 2U chassis.
22. Can I use a modular ATX power supply in the Codegen 2U400?
Yes, provided the PSU and attached modular connectors remain within the available space. Modular PSUs can be particularly useful in compact rackmount systems because unused cables can be removed, reducing cable clutter and potential airflow obstruction.
23. Can I use an SFX power supply in the Codegen 2U400?
The chassis is specified for a standard ATX PSU rather than native SFX mounting. An SFX unit may be usable with an appropriate ATX mounting adapter, but this configuration is not the standard manufacturer-specified installation, so mounting compatibility should be confirmed first.
24. What is the maximum CPU cooler height in the Codegen 2U400?
The maximum specified CPU cooler height is approximately 67mm. A low-profile CPU cooler is therefore required. Conventional desktop tower coolers are generally too tall for a 2U server case.
25. Will an Intel or AMD stock CPU cooler fit the Codegen 2U400?
It depends on the exact cooler supplied with the processor. Some low-profile stock coolers may remain below the 67mm limit, while others may not. Always check the complete installed cooler height before selecting the processor and cooler combination.
26. Can I use a tower CPU cooler in the Codegen 2U400?
Most conventional tower coolers will not fit because the chassis allows only approximately 67mm of CPU cooler height. Look for a low-profile cooler specifically designed for compact cases, HTPCs or 2U server installations.
27. Can I install an AIO liquid cooler in the Codegen 2U400?
The chassis is listed as not water-cooling ready and no conventional radiator mounting positions are specified. It is therefore primarily intended for low-profile air-cooled CPU configurations rather than standard desktop AIO liquid coolers.
28. How many cooling fans are included with the Codegen 2U400?
Three 80mm HDB PWM fans are included and fitted in the front fan positions. This means the main chassis cooling fans are supplied with the case rather than needing to be purchased separately.
29. What does HDB PWM mean on the included Codegen fans?
HDB refers to the hydraulic-bearing fan design, while PWM stands for Pulse Width Modulation. PWM allows a compatible motherboard or fan controller to adjust fan speed automatically according to temperatures and fan-curve settings.
30. What connectors do the included 80mm fans use?
The included 80mm fans use 4-pin PWM fan connectors. Check how many PWM-capable chassis fan headers your motherboard provides when planning the system.
31. Do I need three fan headers on my motherboard?
The case contains three 4-pin PWM fans, so your system needs a suitable method of powering them. If your motherboard does not provide enough compatible headers, an appropriate PWM splitter or powered fan hub may be considered. Always remain within the motherboard fan-header current limits.
32. Can the motherboard automatically control the Codegen 2U400 fan speed?
Yes. The included fans use a 4-pin PWM interface, allowing a compatible motherboard to adjust their speed according to temperature and configured fan curves. This can reduce unnecessary fan noise when the server is lightly loaded.
33. Is the Codegen 2U400 quiet?
No specific decibel rating is published, so it should not be described as silent. The PWM fans can slow down when maximum airflow is not required, but actual noise depends on fan curves, CPU load, installed drives, PSU noise, component temperatures and rack ventilation. Compact 2U systems can become more audible under heavy load because they rely on smaller fans.
34. Can I replace the included Codegen fans with quieter 80mm fans?
The chassis uses standard 80mm fan positions, so alternative 80mm fans may be considered. Before replacing them, check fan thickness, mounting dimensions, airflow, static pressure, connector type and electrical requirements. Choosing a quieter fan with substantially lower airflow may increase component temperatures.
35. Can I use Noctua, Arctic or other 80mm PWM fans in the Codegen 2U400?
Potentially, provided the replacement fan uses suitable 80mm mounting dimensions and has compatible thickness, connectors and electrical requirements. Compare airflow and static-pressure performance as well as noise level, especially if the server contains several hard drives or high-power components.
36. Can I install extra top or rear fans in the Codegen 2U400?
The manufacturer specifies three 80mm front fan positions and lists no additional top, rear, side or bottom fan positions. The chassis is therefore designed around the supplied front 80mm cooling arrangement and passive ventilation elsewhere in the case.
37. How is airflow handled inside the Codegen 2U400?
The three front 80mm fans provide the main active chassis airflow. The case also includes ventilation around the upper PSU area. Good cable management and sensible component positioning are important in a 2U system because restricted internal space can easily obstruct airflow.
38. What is the maximum GPU or PCIe card length?
The maximum specified expansion-card length is approximately 180mm. Any GPU, network card, RAID controller or other PCIe device should be checked against this length limit as well as the half-height expansion-slot requirement.
39. Can I install a graphics card in the Codegen 2U400?
Yes, but it needs to be a suitable low-profile card that fits the four half-height expansion slots and stays within the approximately 180mm maximum card length. Large desktop gaming graphics cards are not suitable for this chassis.
40. Will a full-height graphics card fit the Codegen 2U400?
No, not in the standard expansion-slot arrangement. The chassis provides four half-height slots, so PCIe devices need compatible low-profile brackets. A typical full-height gaming GPU is therefore not the intended type of expansion card for this case.
41. How many PCIe expansion slots does the Codegen 2U400 have?
The case provides four half-height expansion slots. The number that can actually be used depends on the PCIe slot arrangement of your selected Micro-ATX or Mini-ITX motherboard.
42. Can I install a 10GbE network card in the Codegen 2U400?
Yes, a 10GbE network adapter can potentially be installed if it has or supports a low-profile bracket, remains within the approximately 180mm card-length limit and is compatible with an available PCIe slot on your motherboard. Adequate airflow should also be considered because some high-speed network cards run hot.
43. Can I install a RAID controller or HBA card?
Yes, provided the RAID or HBA controller supports a low-profile bracket, fits within the card-length restriction and is compatible with the motherboard's PCIe slot. Cooling is especially important for some server RAID and HBA controllers because their heatsinks can become hot during sustained storage activity.
44. Can I install additional network, USB or storage controller cards?
Yes. Compatible low-profile PCIe expansion cards can be used where the motherboard provides an appropriate slot. Typical possibilities include additional Ethernet adapters, USB controllers, SATA controllers, HBAs and RAID cards, subject to the half-height and approximately 180mm length restrictions.
45. How many hard drives or SSDs fit in the Codegen 2U400?
The chassis supports up to four drives in supported configurations. The manufacturer lists configurations including up to 4 x 3.5-inch drives, 1 x 2.5-inch SSD plus 3 x 3.5-inch drives, or 3 x 2.5-inch SSDs plus 1 x 3.5-inch drive.
46. Can I install four 3.5-inch hard drives in the Codegen 2U400?
Yes. The manufacturer specifies support for up to 4 x 3.5-inch internal drives. This makes the chassis suitable for compact file-server or NAS configurations where several standard hard drives are required.
47. Can I mix 2.5-inch SSDs and 3.5-inch hard drives?
Yes. Mixed configurations are supported, including 1 x 2.5-inch SSD with 3 x 3.5-inch drives or 3 x 2.5-inch SSDs with 1 x 3.5-inch drive. This can be useful for combining a fast SSD operating-system drive with larger HDD storage.
48. Are the 2.5-inch and 3.5-inch drive bays shared?
Yes. The manufacturer specifically states that the 2.5-inch mounting locations share space with the 3.5-inch bays. You should therefore follow the supported drive combinations rather than adding the stated 2.5-inch and 3.5-inch bay numbers together.
49. Does the Codegen 2U400 have hot-swap drive bays?
No hot-swap backplane or front-access hot-swap drive cage is specified. The storage positions are internal mounting locations, so changing drives normally requires opening the chassis and disconnecting the relevant power and data cables.
50. Does the Codegen 2U400 have a 5.25-inch external drive bay?
No dedicated external 5.25-inch drive bay is listed in the manufacturer specification. The chassis is primarily designed around internal HDD and SSD storage rather than optical drives or front-mounted 5.25-inch accessories.
51. Can I install an optical DVD or Blu-ray drive?
There is no dedicated external 5.25-inch optical-drive bay specified, so a conventional desktop DVD or Blu-ray drive is not part of the standard chassis layout. An external USB optical drive would generally be a simpler solution if optical-media access is required.
52. Can I use an M.2 NVMe SSD with the Codegen 2U400?
Yes, if your chosen motherboard provides an M.2 NVMe slot. M.2 SSD compatibility is determined by the motherboard rather than the chassis because an M.2 drive mounts directly onto the motherboard and does not require one of the case's 2.5-inch drive positions.
53. Are SATA cables included with the Codegen 2U400?
SATA data cables are not listed among the standard box contents. These are normally supplied with the motherboard or purchased separately. SATA power connectors come from the power supply, so check that your chosen PSU provides enough connectors for the planned number of drives.
54. Is the Codegen 2U400 suitable for building a NAS?
Yes. Its support for up to four 3.5-inch drives, Micro-ATX or Mini-ITX motherboards and low-profile expansion cards makes it suitable for many compact NAS builds. The final suitability depends on the CPU, motherboard, SATA connectivity, network interface, storage controller and drive configuration you choose.
55. Can I use the Codegen 2U400 for TrueNAS or Unraid?
Yes. The case itself does not restrict the operating system, so it can form the basis of a TrueNAS or Unraid server if the installed motherboard, CPU, RAM, storage controllers and drives meet the software's requirements. For TrueNAS in particular, carefully plan storage-controller and memory compatibility.
56. Is the Codegen 2U400 suitable for a Proxmox virtualisation server?
Yes. A Proxmox host can be built in the chassis using compatible Micro-ATX or Mini-ITX hardware. CPU core count, RAM capacity, network interfaces and storage performance are determined by the components selected rather than the case itself.
57. Can I build a pfSense or OPNsense router in the Codegen 2U400?
Yes. It can be used for a custom pfSense or OPNsense firewall/router system when paired with suitable hardware. The four half-height expansion positions can be useful for compatible multi-port network adapters, while the relatively shallow chassis suits many network-rack installations.
58. Is the Codegen 2U400 suitable for a Plex or media server?
Yes. It can be used for a Plex or other media server if the installed CPU or compatible low-profile GPU provides the required transcoding performance. Storage requirements should also be checked because the case supports up to four internal drives rather than the larger arrays offered by dedicated storage chassis.
59. Can the Codegen 2U400 be used for a CCTV or NVR server?
Yes. The chassis can be used to build a compact CCTV recording or NVR system using compatible motherboard, CPU, network and storage hardware. For continuous recording, choose storage drives designed for the required workload and ensure the system receives adequate cooling.
60. Is the Codegen 2U400 suitable for a home lab?
Yes. The relatively shallow 2U design, standard ATX PSU support, Micro-ATX/Mini-ITX compatibility and low-profile PCIe expansion capability make it useful for home-lab servers where users want to install standard PC components inside a rack rather than buy a proprietary enterprise server.
61. Can the Codegen 2U400 be used as a small-business or edge server?
Yes. It can be configured as a file server, backup server, network appliance, monitoring server, virtualisation host or other compact business system. The suitability and reliability of the finished server depend primarily on the components, storage redundancy, cooling and software configuration selected.
62. Is the Codegen 2U400 suitable for a gaming PC?
It is not primarily designed as a gaming case. The 67mm CPU cooler limit, 180mm maximum expansion-card length and half-height PCIe slots considerably restrict gaming GPU options. Its strengths are compact rackmount servers, NAS systems and network applications rather than high-end gaming builds.
63. Codegen 2U400 vs a 1U case – which provides more component flexibility?
A 2U chassis generally provides more vertical space than a 1U server and can therefore accommodate larger cooling solutions and a wider choice of components. The Codegen 2U400 also uses a standard ATX PSU and 80mm chassis fans, whereas many 1U systems require specialised low-profile cooling and power supplies.
64. Codegen 2U400 vs a 4U rackmount case – which should I choose?
Choose the Codegen 2U400 when rack space and shallow depth are priorities and Micro-ATX/Mini-ITX hardware, low-profile expansion cards and up to four drives meet your requirements. A 4U chassis is usually more suitable if you need a full-size ATX motherboard, full-height graphics card, large tower CPU cooler, additional storage or more internal working space.
65. Who is the Codegen 2U400 NOT suitable for?
The Codegen 2U400 is not the best choice if you require a full-size ATX or E-ATX motherboard, a large full-height gaming GPU, an expansion card longer than approximately 180mm, a CPU cooler taller than 67mm, standard desktop water cooling, front hot-swap drive bays or a very large storage array. In those situations, a deeper 2U, 3U or 4U rackmount chassis may be more appropriate.
66. What is included in the Codegen 2U400 box?
The standard package lists the Codegen 2U400 rackmount chassis, three installed 80mm HDB PWM fans, a screw pack, PC speaker and manual. A motherboard, processor, CPU cooler, RAM, storage drives, ATX power supply, expansion cards and sliding rail kit are not included unless separately stated by the retailer.