I have chosen to build a smaller server...maybe 10-12 drives. I am considering the Antec one hundred case. If you are building a smaller server, what are your major criteria? Most builders here seem to be going HUGE. What drives your decision-making?

My system is 12 drive capable, in an 8 bay case with 4x 3-in-2 hotswap drive slots.  A lot of people go for the 24 drive Norco because it's just so damn cost effective, and it gives you to the maximum number of drives possible in an unRAID build.

I build a small 9 drive server years back.

The qualifying features were ease if parts installation, ease of disk upgrades.

Low noise, minimal small fans.

 

With the AB9 PRO with 9 SATA ports, CM 590 and 9 SATA removables it was a sweet get your feet wet machine.

I had 3 120MM exhaust fans so it was quiet.

 

I used it for a couple years then realized I was outgrowing 9 drives.

I had built a few unraid servers then realized it was better to move all the drives to one larger machine.

 

I still use the 9 drive server for development testing and preclearing.

The trayless sata removables makes it really easy to swap and test drives.

 

The only downside of the design is all bays had to be filled with drives for proper airflow through the front vents.

If a unit did not have a drive, then extra air was pulled through that one causing the other drives to get warm.

it was never an issue unless I was doing very long preclears.

 

With the part selection available today, a 20 drive server can be built in a very cost effective manner.

If I was not so onboard with Supermicros and a tower design, I would have went for the rack mount norcos.

 

The Greenleaf 9 Drive Eco is based on my 9 Drive Budget Box prototype build which is ultimately based on Weebo's original 9 drive server.  I use a custom version of this 9 drive design as my personal server as well.  It is overall my favorite design as the trayless drives are so easy to use (I've never had any heat issues either, though I always use green drives).  You might also be interested in the 12 Drive Eco, which is a similar design.

 

We also have a 6 drive SFF design, though I don't like it nearly as much as most of the drives are mounted internally.  You might also want to check out my 6 Drive miniTower design, which packs 6 trayless drives into a relatively small case.  I continue to use my original 6 drive prototype as a test server and preclear station.  I did upgrade the fans, though, as the stock 40mm fans were too loud.

 

To answer your original questions, my criteria in a smaller server are:

- ease of maintenance (smaller form factor means tighter spaces to work in)

- adequate and quiet cooling (if it is small, chances are you don't want to have to hide it away in a basement)

- relatively low cost (you don't want to spend a fortune and then realize in a year or two that you need to upgrade again)

I like the  Xigmatek 9 drive server case, but where did you get the door with the big fan?

That case is actually the Azza Helios 910, and it comes with the large fan on the side panel.  Another good choice is the Antec 902, which has a large top fan.