So i'm looking at building a new unRAID server to replace my current one. one thing i'm really looking to do is replace the case. currently i have a CM Stacker which holds 12 drives (using 4-in-3 cages) and want something that holds a few more drives. the one case im looking at is the norco rpc-4020 from newegg.com, the only problem being nobody here in australia has them, so i need to pick it up from the US when i'm there later this month.

 

failing that, i was wondering what other cases everyone else is using to maybe get some ideas

The CM stacker is capable of holding 20 drives if you pull out the 5.25 power/usb connector at the top.

Then use 4 5in3 removable modules.

Barring that I might go for the Antec 1200.

Thereafter, the Norco 4020.. I had planned on getting one, but i don't have a rack system and I like the fact the CM Stacker is on casters.

keep in mind as far as i can tell the norco is only called norco in the USA. Everywhere else it is rebranded. aka it might be on sale in your country just called something else. especially since your closer to its origins than i am

 

Check out my thread here on the case and pieces I used.

I made my own 5-3 holders and save myself 4x60$ + shipping for the cheapest 5-3 I could find in Canadian/Australian Dollars.

 

so i can pickup a norco case for $300 in the US and bring it back on the plane with me (to .au) when i'm in the US next week

its heavy and big (even empty) so check you baggage allowance.

yeah its 18kg according to the website, i can take 90kg on the flights as i have a special baggage allowance because of qantas club (admirals club in the US) so i should be safe

I use a stacker CM as well, with the top 5.25 power/ports drive pulled out and 4 4-in-3 adapters. 16 drives is enough for me

I went back to my old CM stacker classic with the 4 4-in-3s . Simple, cheap, effective, and enough expandability for now.

i also use a norco 4020; great case for the price

 

the one mod i did was make my  own fan plate to support 3 x 120mm scythe high static pressure fans.  i also removed the 80mm back case fans as they made no difference with the scythe fans i installed

I use an Antec P180.  It is a great case, very solid (a bit heavy), very quiet with the stock fans on 'low' speed.  However, if you live in a hot environment, 'low' speed may not be enough.  Out of the box it holds 6 HDDs, and with additional backplanes/brackets it could maybe 10-13 drives (if you really packed it to the gills).  Doesn't sound like it will help you much, since you need 12+ drives.

I'm using the AeroCool ZeroDegree: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811196023

 

I like the "upside-down" layout, and there is enough room for 3 of these 5in3 SATA backplanes: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16816215001

 

and there are two 3.5" internal bays as well.  The

Using the 4220, as it has new horizontally places backplanes which allow for a much better cooling than the 4020. In addition to this it features a new carrier design, enabling closing the front drive opening by just moving a slider in empty slots (just to streamline airflow). great value for $320, otherwise not so great compared to a Supermicro case, but it allows swapping the middle fan tray against 3x 140mm fans and basically making it absolutely silent, which is very good in a typical home environment.