Advice for putting computers in a shed

[DANBOII96]

I have a couple of servers and a VoIP phone I would like to move out of the house and into a shed as they make noise throughout the house. Getting power and network to the shed wont be a problem but would any of you know if it would be better to use a wooden or metal shed to put these in. Any other advice and suggestions kindly appreciated.

[Ad Bot]

[HellHound]

A metal shed would probably be better for radiating heat away, but a wood shed would be way better at keeping out moisture. Another good tip is to make sure the shed has a roof.

[WALK2222]

I keep mine in the basement with a dehumidifier and a direct connection from my ISP

Works very well

[devildogelite]

You're probably going to need to insulate the walls, put a dehumidifier in it, and add some sort of way to take heat out. Maybe an exhaust fan on the roof.

[DANBOII96]

What about a portable AC unit they take moisture out and will cool the place, what would you use for insualation?

[John Constantina]

what would you use for insualation?

This thing called insulation.

[snot2]

ad bot suggests a log cabin

[$trinick]

I don't see why he'd insulate it. Insulation keeps heat from transferring, which would increase the temperature inside the room dramatically. Since he's not going to be living in there, it's no problem if hot air gets in. Just make sure water can't get in, and if you find some way to point a fan out of a window or something that'd be pretty cool.

[Fluff-is-back]

I did this last summer :)

I lined the whole shed with insulation ( was bubble wrap with reflective coating ), and used a portable AC unit to keep the ambient temperature below 30C. Not had any problems with humidity over the winter.

I don't see why he'd insulate it. Insulation keeps heat from transferring, which would increase the temperature inside the room dramatically. Since he's not going to be living in there, it's no problem if hot air gets in. Just make sure water can't get in, and if you find some way to point a fan out of a window or something that'd be pretty cool.

You need to insulate it otherwise in the summer the temperature will skyrocket in there especially if the shed is in direct sunlight.

[$trinick]

You need to insulate it otherwise in the summer the temperature will skyrocket in there especially if the shed is in direct sunlight.

It depends where he lives, and computers generate a lot of heat already. That insulation really won't matter much with an open window or hole with a fan blowing.

[Bisjac]

a shed is basically "outdoors" with a roof.
you cant just leave a computer to the whim of humidity. and outdoors, stuff grows on moisture easily.

heat would never be a problem if its shaded. funny how you are all so obsessed with that part.

[Night Fox]

This thing called insulation.

there are several different types, that most likely what he's asking about

a shed is basically "outdoors" with a roof.

depends on the shed
some are basically small one-room houses

[Nickelob Ultra]

a shed is basically "outdoors" with a roof.
you cant just leave a computer to the whim of humidity. and outdoors, stuff grows on moisture easily.

heat would never be a problem if its shaded. funny how you are all so obsessed with that part.

yeah i'm concerned with the moisture in the air, as well as the potential for storm conditions.  if i were you i'd make something really sturdy, dependable and sealed from the outside.

[DANBOII96]

The insulation will matter as this will affect the performance of the ac unit. I'll probably get a metal one and I think I will probably just use some sticks like stuff to seal it. Then I will put some fiberglass insulation up and put some plyboard on top of this and then get an AC unit like http://www.aircondirect.co.uk/Amcor_MF14000E/version.asp.