Case for fileserver.

[dark_phantom36]

So, I'm looking for a case to build a fileserver in. Ideally, I would like to have a case with 10 5.25 bays, so I can get 3 sata cages that can hold 5 drives each and have a dvd drive. Sadly, most of the cases with 10 5.25 bays seem to be very expensive. I'm hoping I can keep the cost around $100, so I'm also considering cases with only 9 5.25 bays.

Here's what I've found so far:
10 bays or more:

• Aerocool Coolview - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811196014
  Looks less cheap than the linkworld case. Fits in budget. But who's aerocool?
• Aerocool ZeroDegree - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811196023
  See above... This one doesn't have bling! (good)
• Thermaltake Armor VA8003BWS - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811133021
  So many lights Expensive. At least I've heard of Thermaltake.
• Coolermaster Stacker - http://www.svc.com/stc-t01-uwk-19.html
  I'm leaning toward this one even though it's more than I want to spend.
• Coolermaster Stacker 810 - http://www.svc.com/rc-810-ksn1.html
  Hows this different from the other stacker? Expensive :/

9 bays:

• Raidmax X-Force - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811164106
  This case is well within my budget. Has a stupid light up fan though.. Drive bays are toolless.
• Linkworld 50201-c2222n - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811164106
  Linkwho? Looks really cheap. Is really cheap. Will my hands come out alive?

I really like the stacker, but I wish I could get it for about $30 less. Here are the options I've found, so what do you guys think?

 

[Blue Fox]

Skip the 5-in-3 enclosures and get a Lian-Li V2100 instead with the money you've saved? That's what I did myself. Link to case: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811112064
There is also a cheaper version without the door: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811112062

 

[dark_phantom36]

Jesus, that's nice.. Maybe I don't really need external hotswappable drives... *drools*

 

[Blue Fox]

Jesus, that's nice.. Maybe I don't really need external hotswappable drives... *drools*

Yeah, you most likely don't. Here's what a full case looks like: http://stfcc.org/bluefox/permanent/DSC00553s-e.jpg

 

[bubbles]

CM Stacker is awesome.

 

[colinstu]

What's the name of that cube case ockie uses?

 

[Blue Fox]

What's the name of that cube case ockie uses?

Lian-Li PC-343: http://www.frozencpu.com/products/5244/
Problem with that case is that you'll need to buy 3-in-2, 4-in-3, or 5-in-3 enclosures to use with it as none are provided. That alone ramps the cost up considerably.

 

[CopyThat]

I lurve my Stacker!
I have always thought Lian-Li cases to be nice but overpriced.

 

[Dangman]

[*]Coolermaster Stacker 810 - http://www.svc.com/rc-810-ksn1.html
Hows this different from the other stacker? Expensive :/
[/LIST]

If you don't mind getting that case used, CM is selling refurbished Stackers for $55:
http://cmusashop.coolermaster-usa.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=31&products_id=59

I'd buy one myself but really have no need for it. I love my P180 too much.

Also, the link for that X-Force is the same as the Linkworld case.

 

[ryko]

another vote for the stacker 810...i love mine and i am using it with 5 of these...

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817990001

only drawback is no fan...but who wants a 40mmm screamer anyway. i rigged up 2x120mm directly behind my drives to pull the hot air away from them and it works great. so much room in the stacker for things like this!

also that lian-li is nice but way too expensive...

 

[Orkanen]

I have 2 Stacker cases, STC-T01, I removed the button and contact panel on top to give room for a 4th 4 in 3 module, plus I fitted one drive at the bottom of the case. Since I also replaced the side panels with windowed ones and with 4 12cm fans plus the cylinder fan blowing into the case and only one 12cm and one 8cm fan drawing air out, the mesh at the bottom of the case gives more than ample cooling to the 17th drive fitted there.

There is no room for optical drives in my server but then again, I don't need one, it being a file server only.

And for those wanting larger cases, here's a Lian-Li case worth looking at. Not available everywhere, and only to select customers... (-:c

http://www.netshoposlo.no/img/cache/lian_li_modular_cube_case__aluminium__-1725092683_0_Big.jpg

Big enough?

Oh, and the reason I chose the Stacker over that Lian-Li is because it is too wide to fit anywhere in my room.

Your's, (-:b