So, I just put together my first system. This was also the first computer I have built some scratch. To be honest, I was super-surprised when it turned on and started working. Even better, UNRAID has by far exceeded my expectations. I could not have made a better choice for my NAS/Raid needs.

 

I have a problem that hopefully someone can help with. I bought a 5-in-3 ICY DOCK MB455SPF raid cage. Unfortunately, the case I bought, AZZA Helios 910, has rail bars which prevent me from attaching the raid cage (right now it's "floating" on its side on top of a stand inside the bays. I am aware that this is not a long-term solution).

 

I'm so impressed with UNRAID, I want to expand (and fix my problem). So I see two solutions: 1. Buy a new case that fits the raid cage. Or 2. Switch to a 4 in 3 rail cage that can accomodate my case rails.

 

I think I'm going to opt for the new case because I would also like to "max out" the system and move to full 20 drives. My question for the community: what is a good case that will accomodate 4 ICY DOCK MB455SPF (5 in 3) raid cages? I know it's going to be a huge tower, but I'll be putting it in a server room, so that's not really a problem.

 

Also, I think I will need to buy a PCI-E card (or do I need more than 1? I currently have 0). What is a PCI-E card that will work well with my system? (specs below). I think that means I also need to purchase a bunch of SATA cables. Do PCI-E cards have ports for SATA cable connectors on them? (Sorry, I'm a newb at this stuff).

 

A case that is quiet would be nice. Also one that lets me attach my fans to my motherboard so they can turn off when they don't need to be run (is this possible with my config?). One without (or with few) LEDs would be a plus. I want this to hold my data, not run a lightshow. My current case has a glowing blue fan. It's like a blue HAL. Scares me.

 

Thank you so much. I wouldn't have built an unraid if I weren't super-impressed by the community. Keep it up, you guys rock.

 

As promised, my system specifications:

 

• Case AZZA Helios 910 Japanese SECC Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case  http://bit.ly/kWRks3
  
• Power Supply CORSAIR Enthusiast Series CMPSU-650TX 650W ATX12V / EPS12V SLI Ready CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS Certified Active PFC Compatible with Core i7 Power Supply  http://bit.ly/kCW6wc
  
• Motherboard SUPERMICRO MBD-C2SEA-O LGA 775 Intel G45 HDMI ATX Intel Motherboard  http://bit.ly/mx2Rol
  
• CPU Intel Celeron E3400 Wolfdale 2.6GHz 1MB L2 Cache LGA 775 65W Dual-Core Desktop Processor BX80571E3400  http://bit.ly/l6adu7
  
• RAM Kingston 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1066 (PC3 8500) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model KVR1066D3N7K2/4G  http://bit.ly/lbsIgI
  
• RAID CageICY DOCK MB455SPF-B 5 in 3 SATA I, II & III Hot-Swap Internal Backplane Raid Cage Module  http://bit.ly/iqXgjf
  
• Thumb Drive Patriot X-Porter 2GB Flash Drive (USB2.0 Portable) Model PSF2GUSB  http://bit.ly/mFjyyv
  
• Hard Drives "Western Digital Caviar Blue WD3200AAKX 320GB 7200 RPM 16MB Cache SATA 6.0Gb/s 3.5"" Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive  http://bit.ly/l772gG
  

 

And the PCI-E I am considering:

 

• PCI-E Controller SUPERMICRO AOC-SASLP-MV8 PCI Express x4 Low Profile SAS SAS RAID Controller  http://bit.ly/l772gG
  

Bend the tab/rail things down with a C-clamp

Yes.

 

Use something padded between the guides and the clamp (both sides) to minimize scratching and mangling. You may not see it often but it'll look better when you do. I use small lengths of scrap steel with a few wraps of duct tape.

 

BTW2, vice-grip welder C clamps work great for this once you get the above part figured out to spread the force evenly. Much faster than turning screws.

 

Bend the tabs is what most people do.

 

If  you want to go the new case route, the norco 4224 or 4220's are popular. The lights at the front aren't too bright, just LEDs for the hdds. They can be loud stock but the fans can be changed to make it quieter.

 

Josh

OH MY GOD I LOVE YOU GUYS. YOU ARE GENIUSES.

 

Sorry, I never write in all caps... but ya.

 

I don't have a c-clamp, but I have a monkey wrench. Think that'd be enough? Or should I just go buy one?

The narrow width between the sides makes many plier-like tools hard to use. Unless you're okay butchering it. A c clamp might be $5-10. A vice-grip C clamp $15. You need something strong (no ratchet clamps) with ~6" depth between the back of the c and the points that meet.

Norco is a great choice - but another tower option is what I use, Antec 1200 v3. Again, have to bend lots of tabs, but I have four 3x5 cages in mine. Lots of room to work and excellent cooling. Probably one of the best priced full tower cages with 12 slots. The "top" fan has Blue LED, which can be turned off, the two rear fans have Blue LED which cannot be turned off, but since they are in the rear, not to bad.

 

Check the link in my sig for pictures of it.

 

Shawn

 

 

Update - using a heavy (I think 6" Husky) c-clamp, I successfully bent the rails. Now the Icy Dock slides in perfectly. Couldn't be happier. Looking to purchase a few more now...