Looking for a minimal style 15 bay case --> Thoughts

[callummc]

Hi Guys,

 

I've been poking around for a while now and I've decided to take the plunge and build an unRaid server. (I currently have an 8TB home theatre library that is not backed up - I cringe just thinking about it).

 

I'm looking for a case that will comfortably house 15 drives using some of the 5-in-3 drive cages (so probably a case with 9 external 5.25" bays) that dosen't have any fancy windows / fan mods / funky case shape.  Ultimately I just want a very plain case similar to the Cooler Master 590 or the Lian Li's PC-K12B - but as you are probably aware neither are sold any more.

 

Can anyone suggest anything that will take the mentioned cages and just look nice and simple?

 

Thanks,

 

Callum

[ilovegoodnugz]

That's exactly why I picked mine! A server case that doesn't look like a server. http://lime-technology.com/forum/index.php?topic=12678.0 plus all the sound proofing and lack of annoying LED is just tits. You should go for the MS1 which only has one included 3in3 hotswap bay since you are going with 5in3.

 

http://www.zalman.co.kr/eng/product/Product_Read.asp?idx=368 for more info.

 

I will be updating my build pics and more links in the upcoming weeks. Just gotta stop torrenting pRon long enough to turn it off to takes some.  

 

Oh and since there is built in 10 external 5.25 bays, 5 3in2 cages will net you the 15 drive cap you're looking for.

 

[callummc]

That seems pretty good (it's probably the best I've seen so far!).  I loved the original Lian Li PC-A17B cases, but they just don't make them anymore.

 

So would the 5-in-3 cages fit into this without modification? I'm not sure how they are mounted. 

 

It's been about 10 years since I built my last PC

 

 

 

 

[ilovegoodnugz]

Naw I don't know of any case that doesn't require mods to fit a 5in3 any less dense bay such as 4in3 or 3in2 should be fine.

[callummc]

Hmmm. It would need to be the 5-in-3. I need to get 15 drives in there

[ilovegoodnugz]

You can get 15 with 5 3in2 with this case since it has 10 5.25 not 9 like the Helios or cm cases.

[Rajahal]

The Zalman is a nice case, though expensive.  For under $100, I think the Azza Helios 910 is the least flashy option.  Perhaps you can even find a replacement side that will allow you get rid of the side fan.

[callummc]

At this point I think I'm inclined to go with the Zalman. It's only $180 AUD and I can get one from a local supplier.

 

Although someone has offered me a Cooler Master 590 case (thanks !) - so I might consider taking that if he replaces his case any time soon.

 

Does anyone know of experiences in putting the 5-in-3 cages (probably the Supermicro ones) in the Zalman case? 

 

I'll gather a list of proposed parts and post them shortly.

[ilovegoodnugz]

As I said, any case will require you to mod the side rails for the 5in3's if you are dead set on them. But with the extra 5.25 bay on the zalman five 3in2 are great options. And the spread out density might help them keep cooler.

[ilovegoodnugz]

Hey check out my UCD thread just posted lots of new pics!

[Heretic]

for using 5in3's you need to modify the case, a dremel can work miracels.

if soundlevels are important to you I would stay away from drivebays that have very small fans like 3in 2's. they tend to be more noisy

[GabrielB]

for using 5in3's you need to modify the case, a dremel can work miracels.

 

Or you can use a C-clamp to bend the side rails.  Make sure the C-clamp is deep enough to reach all the way to the end of the rails.  For my Azza Helio 910 case, I used a 5 inch deep C-clamp.