The past few years my server's growth has stalled, which is good! I think I've learned that I don't need too much in an Unraid server. I currently run the Fractal Design Node 804, a 4c/8T Xeon CPU, 2x SSD cache, 6x HDD array, Quadro M2000, a SAS card, and a Seasonic Focus 550W PSU. I haven't needed to add storage in well over a year and I have 14 TB free. My server's primary use is Plex and cold storage.

 

The reason I don't like the Node 804 is it's too bulky and takes up too much surface area. I can't really hide it behind a desk or TV stand so it sits on an end table next to my TV. I also hate the HDD bays. It's a pretty quiet case, though. The only time I hear it is when the HDDs are under load.

 

My goals are:

1. Replace the Quadro M2000 with an Intel QuickSync CPU. For performance, power efficiency, and simplicity.
2. Move the 2xSSD cache to 2xNVMe drives for performance and less cables. One of my SSDs is already showing signs of old age (CRC error count is now 1).
3. If possible, avoid using a SAS card. Just would be nice to have 1 less point of failure and a PCI slot free just in case.
4. 2.5gbps Ethernet.
5. Reduce the physical footprint.
6. Energy efficiency if possible.

 

I don't think I need ECC or dual Ethernet, which I have now but would be okay without.

 

I actually couldn't find any tower-style cases that could hide behind a desk or TV stand that support 6+ 3.5" drive bays in a <40L size. The Fractal Design Define Mini seems to be able to do that but it's not sold anymore and the Define Mini C doesn't support 6+ 3.5" drives.

 

Here's the two I'm looking at. For reference, the Node 804 is 41.1L.

 

Fractal Design Node 304 (19.5 L)

This is an mITX case. I found only 1 mITX motherboard, the ASUS ROG Strix B760-I mITX that has 2.5gbps Ethernet, 2x M.2 slots, but only 4x SATA. So I would need to use the only PCIe slot for my SAS card just to run 2 more drives. It has 2.5gbps Ethernet and is much smaller. Although it's more of a shoebox design which may be harder to put behind a TV stand or desk.

 

It seems to be often modded, I saw a mod where you can install a 3D printed 200mm fan bracket for low noise which seems cool.

 

U-NAS NSC-810A (17.1 L)

Apparently this case can fit an mATX motherboard and has 8 hot swap-able HDDs. I'm sure I could find an mATX motherboard that has 2x M.2 slots and 6x SATA ports. If I wanted to use the full 8 HDD slots, I can just use a SAS card and mATX should leave me room for another PCIe slot. The only issue is price ($330+tax with a 350W 1U Flex Power Supply) and just the potential quality of the power supply. Is it energy efficient? Is it any good? Anyone have any idea? I also would have concerns that the case would be noisy.

 

Does anyone have any opinions or recommendations on which case would be better? Or anything else I may not be thinking of?

49 minutes ago, s449 said:

U-NAS NSC-810A (17.1 L)

The only issue is price ($330+tax with a 350W 1U Flex Power Supply) and just the potential quality of the power supply. Is it energy efficient? Is it any good? Anyone have any idea?

 

Does anyone have any opinions or recommendations on which case would be better? Or anything else I may not be thinking of?

Unfortunately, a good case is going to be pricey - especially a SFF case.

U-NAS - I'd do some research on compatible PS and see what I can find separately.

If you have a 3d printer, you can print your own case.

Edited July 26, 20241 yr by whipdancer

Did you get any further with your Node 304 project?