Server case needed - must hold 10/12 hdds

[toomanycooks]

Re: Case picture in your avatar
Quote:
Originally Posted by toomanycooks

Morning,

Just seen your avatar on a post in the RAM thread. What case is that, please? I am in the middle of my second computer build project and things are going along tastily but I am in search of a huge case to stick all this in. It needs to have around 12/14 drive bays (mainly for hard discs) and should have excellent cooling properties.

Would appreciate any ideas/links.

Thanks in advance,

Alistair

hi Alistair,

the system pictured is a based around a Prometeia vapour phase-change refrigeration system; a component of that was a modified Enlight EN-723x system chassis; however that chassis was the primary Achilles Heel of the Prometeia proposition and, almost certainly, it would not be suitable for your purposes.

the chassis i most recommend for most people is marketed as an 'AKASA Eclipse-62' and is available to purchase from SCAN International

however, i can't recall the total number of 3.5" HDD it will accept - though i think it's up to eleven (twelve if you don't want to use an optical drive and are prepared to shell out for special 4x 3.5" HDD 'caddy' that fits into two 5.25" bays) - and when you say "It needs to have around 12/14 drive bays" i'm not sure if you actually really do mean twelve to fourteen drive bays... ?

if you do, then perhaps the CoolerMaster Stacker will suit your requirements?

i'd like to take this off of PM, and i'd be obliged if you would create a new thread, and copy all of what's been discussed into the first post, the primary reason being that others in a similar position as yourself may then benefit from our dialogue.

hope this all helps.

cheers,

PD

Thanks for your PM PD. Ask requested, this is now thrown into the wild.

I am building file server off a Gigabyte 8I945P Pro: Linky. I currently have attached a 80gig ATA drive for the OS and programmes and a DVD-ROM on one IDE channel. I also have attached 4x 250gig SATA drives. I also plan to attach another 4 ATA drives on the other 2 IDE channels. This totals 9 hdd's and a DVD-ROM at the moment.

I am after a case that will be able to house comfortably these 9 hdd's with the possibility of my adding another 4 hhd's at a later date using an add-in PCI card. The case should have good ventilation as I don't want the drives to be running hot. I am sure that I will find a wealth of information on these forums (and I will do some good reading this weekend) but I was wondering if anyone has some good advice on those properties I should be looking for in a case (and perhaps a power supply to accompany it - redundancy?)

Extra info:

I don't want this case to cost the earth.
It doesn't matter too much what this case looks like (no flashing lights or UV wanted).
Needs to be very well cooled/ventilated inside.
I am not adverse to a little noise but don't want jet engine sounds.

I've seen David's post here and am looking forward to responses to his post that may have relevance towards my box.

I am after advice from anyone that may be able to help.

Thanks,

Alistair

[arthurleung]

Coolermaster Stacker and Thermaltake Armour.

Are you looking for a PC tower case or Rackmount case?

You can fit 2 PSUs in the Stacker.

I have a server fitted with 12 hdds in a Stacker, got spare space for 5 more (8xIDE 4xSATA). Dual PSU (One to power all the high-speed fan, but you probably won't need the high speed fan if you use 3->4 instead of 3->5 adapters)

[Fuzz]

I would say that the Original Cooler Master Stacker (ST-01) would be your best bet.

Will hold 12 HD's with room for your DVD drive as well. Also it would be able to house the 2 PSUs which you will probably need.

[Nox]

Lian Li V2000 holds 12 HD's and will still give you its 7x 5.25 bays to shove another 10 in and still let you have a dvd writer, if you wanted...

Nox

[Fuzz]

Lian Li V2000 holds 12 HD's and will still give you its 7x 5.25 bays to shove another 10 in and still let you have a dvd writer, if you wanted...

Nox

...Extra info: I don't want this case to cost the earth....
Alistair

I suppose it's the difference between paying £170 for the Lian Li or £100 for the CM statcker.

[kushtibari]

I have the V2000 at home and the Stacker at work - Both very nice cases and I couldn't really pick a fault with the Stacker. On the other hand the V2000 is by far and away the best case I've owned and I can't see myself ever getting rid. Its too expensive though (got mine 2nd hand), looked at a side window and they're £55 from Kustom

[Nox]

Well take a regular case, two pieces of aluminium, a drill, a hacksaw and some rivets and make the bays into any old case?

Nox