External HDD storage

[theuncharmed]

Hi all,

Ok in my computer I have 4 spaces for HDD's. 3 of those are filled with 250GB P120s HDDs. The 4th space cannot be filled because my 7800GTX is too big and the PCI-e connector gets in the way (and I don't really want to mod it).

So my question or query is does anyone know a cheap way (sub £100) to store lots of HDDs? (Sata) I would want about 4 externally. The 3 HDDs above are filled with media and I could easily fill that again in a month.

I was thinking of building a module from an old case, but then I would need to power it.

Anyone have any ideas?

Thanks

Sean

[mrt9888]

How about getting a new case?

[theuncharmed]

Just got a new case and I doubt any case out there can take 8 HDD's and be sub £100.

Also my Antec Solo stores the HDDs in their own little cages which stops vibration and limits noise. So would prefer external if possible.

[Hans Voralberg]

How about this, and stick it in the 5.25 slot ?http://scan.co.uk/Products/ProductIn...oductID=307988

[theuncharmed]

Hey that's a good option in the mean time.

Would need a new controller as I only have 4 Sata ports available in total.

Still perhaps I could mod a normal case with lot's of 5 drive bays so that ... yup we're cooking with gas now. Thanks Hans

[Steve B]

this is also an idea that i will be pursuing in the near future. im thinking of using a mini-itx board to run as a basic fileserver, booting the operating system via USB stick, or CF2 card. Then get a sata controller card to add in some HDD's.

2 major drawbacks:
1) Controller Cards are expensive (im a student)
2) Come to think of it, so are hard drives

[dave87]

How about the Coolermaster 4in3 drive bay (as used in stackers) - here?

[theuncharmed]

The HDDs would get too hot and I'm also really anal about noise. At the moment all my fans are on 5v and that's still too loud.

It would need to be external and although I like Steves idea of a little file server, it's not really required and it would be a tad too much for what essentially is JBOD.

Nope an old case ripped in half with those sata storage things as above linked into a small external PSU (stored in the case) and a 120mm extraction fan should be more than suitable for the job.

Actually thinking about it, all I need is a few pieces of metal and a suitable box. May even build it from scratch ...

[Hans Voralberg]

The HDDs would get too hot and I'm also really anal about noise. At the moment all my fans are on 5v and that's still too loud.

It would need to be external and although I like Steves idea of a little file server, it's not really required and it would be a tad too much for what essentially is JBOD.

Nope an old case ripped in half with those sata storage things as above linked into a small external PSU (stored in the case) and a 120mm extraction fan should be more than suitable for the job.

Actually thinking about it, all I need is a few pieces of metal and a suitable box. May even build it from scratch ...

Dont even need a box, just stack them onto each other. And wire up the PSU

[theuncharmed]

I used to have small HDDs everywhere and then I thought how can man live like this? I changed my ways and civilisation for the better.

I've had my pencil out and I've been designing a box. What's even better is that my recent desk cutting session has offered me 2 perfect sides for a perfect case which I can even build into the desk - awesome !

More mind ramblings to come 8)

[Steve B]

www.freenas.org
you know you want to

[theuncharmed]

Thinking on this, the NAS idea does sound like probably the best option.

However I'm wondering whether the better cost to benefit is with larger HDD's? hmmm

I think it may be more HDDs a seperate file server PC and then some nifty software, TQ steve. Yup it's all coming together quite nicely.

[Steve B]

DABS value SATA card + mini-itx board = 1 nifty storage unit. Thats my plan anyway, kit it out with 4 x samsung 300's.

ps received hdd today, unopened as have been busy all day, will leave trust in the morning, after sleep

[Hans Voralberg]

Thinking on this, the NAS idea does sound like probably the best option.

However I'm wondering whether the better cost to benefit is with larger HDD's? hmmm

I think it may be more HDDs a seperate file server PC and then some nifty software, TQ steve. Yup it's all coming together quite nicely.

Show us when it's done mkay, I need to sort out my HDD too Lying all over the table

[Steve B]

care to share some with me, i need some more?