Affordable case with hot swap bays?

[lightsout]

I currently use my PC as a do it all, gaming when I feel like it, server for Emby/Plex, etc.

Got tired of running a server but thinking about going back to it.

The case I have is a Phanteks Enthoo PRO M. Currently has 3 HDD's and an SSD. Wanting to add one or two more HDDs but it quickly becomes an issue powering them with a cable mess. Molex adapters because all the sata powers don't reach or I don't have enough.

Anyways I was thinking about something where the drives just plug in and the whole thing is powered in one spot. They don't necessarily have to be swappable. I'm more concerned about powering them in a cleaner fashion.

This would just be nice but not necessary at all so my real question is can this be done for cheap? Say around $100. THe ability to hold 6 drives would probably be just right.

 

[doubletake]

There's this and this, a bit above your budget at ~$120 and $150.

 

[lightsout]

There's this and this, a bit above your budget at ~$120 and $150.

The first one looks great since I already have plenty of spare atx hardware lying around.

Thank you I'll put it on my wish list.

 

[BadmAu5]

You could also look at something like this. Which would work with any case that has 5.25" bays.

https://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod...re=5.25_hard_drive_bay-_-16-132-037-_-Product

There are also smaller ones that fit one or two 3.5" hdds.

 

[lightsout]

You could also look at something like this. Which would work with any case that has 5.25" bays.

https://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod...re=5.25_hard_drive_bay-_-16-132-037-_-Product

There are also smaller ones that fit one or two 3.5" hdds.

I've seen those but was never sure about compatibility. So basically that just takes up 4 5.25 bays? That'd be sweet.

 

[BadmAu5]

I've seen those but was never sure about compatibility. So basically that just takes up 4 5.25 bays? That'd be sweet.

Yup, it just plugs into your 5.25 bay. There are also dual 5.25" bay units that take three 3.5" hdds.

Like this one here:

https://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod...5242&cm_re=5.25_to_3.5-_-16-215-242-_-Product



I don't think there are any compatibility issues with most of these. I've been using a single hdd one for awhile now and it's been working quite well.

 

[lightsout]

Yup, it just plugs into your 5.25 bay. There are also dual 5.25" bay units that take three 3.5" hdds.

Like this one here:

https://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod...5242&cm_re=5.25_to_3.5-_-16-215-242-_-Product

View attachment 71923

I don't think there are any compatibility issues with most of these. I've been using a single hdd one for awhile now and it's been working quite well.

Thats pretty sweet, I assume without external 5.25 the drives would not be accessible. Which might be a pain.

 

[Ranulfo]

The first one looks great since I already have plenty of spare atx hardware lying around.

Thank you I'll put it on my wish list.

I'd be wary of the Silverstone cases. My experience with the itx version wasn't great (went back to a node 304 for that build). The hot swap bay/back panel isn't the most robust. I had no problems but others have. The biggest issue is noise and heat. Maybe the ATX version is better with more room but that hot swap bay does not cool the drives well. No top exhaust either. Many have taken to cutting holes in it to help with airflow over the drives.

I've yet to see a great atx/matx/itx traditional pc case setup with hotswap bays. In most you'll want a big atx case with 6+ 5.25'' bays and buy hot swap bays like linked above or icy dock brand stuff.