external raid storage for internal controller?

G

gaspah

2[H]4U
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I'm looking for an external storage for a raid array that'll plug into sas/sata ports from an (already existing) internal controller on a PC. Looking for a device that powers itself preferably with a standard psu or if must be its own type of psu. Something that can take say between 8-16 drives (more is better). Preferably something with a single amalgamated data cable between the back plate of the PC and the back of the storage cage. I've never looked into anything like this before and have no idea where to start looking. I'm quite budget concious so cheap is better as long as the drives are kept cool and its not rattling around like crazy.

Any suggestions? Many thanks :)
 
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drescherjm said:
How much do you want to spend for the enclosure?

Is something like this way too expensive?
http://www.pc-pitstop.com/sas_cables_enclosures/scsas156g.asp
Click to expand...

Something like that makes me wanna whip out the power tools and do a little DIY. Lets just put that in the if i ever win lotto, have a labotomy and lose all concept of money pile :eek: :eek:

drescherjm said:
This one is much cheaper but requires 6 SAS external connectors for all 24 ports and comes in a rack mount which probably is not the form factor you are looking for.

http://cgi.ebay.com/External-24-Bay...C_Drives_Storage_Internal&hash=item5644353d2d

At that point I would just get a norco case and not go external with the raid.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811219033
Click to expand...

Well that case may be a little big, kinda annoying that the case that fits the motherboard is so much more expensive than the one for just the drives. As I don't think my dual xeon motherboard will fit in there plus i really don't want to change the case as its pretty nice. I kinda already have a case that would do the job but it means buying a new (expensive) power supply which i don't really wanna do. I don't mind the form factor even though its not ideal. Still its a little expensive tho. I don't need hotswappable drive bays. But yeah that's kinda along the lines i'm looking for. thanks :)

after a bit of searching for "sas expander enclosure" i found something a bit more to my liking.. i already have the cm4in3 bays for it...

http://www.air-stream.org.au/files/hdd-enclosure-inside-1.jpg

http://www.air-stream.org.au/files/hdd-enclosure-outside-2.jpg

Or this.. its 8 bay but more to my price.. and form factor..

http://www.pc-pitstop.com/sata_enclosures/scsat84xb.asp
 
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Bugger it. i'm not outlaying that much cash for a cheap flimsy plastic junk case. none of my other hardware is in such squalor. i'm gonna buy the electronics i need sas/sata expander ports (backpanel for pc and bolt-on for expansion enclosure), some fat multi-port cables, a big sheet of aluminium, various rubber strips and gromits, a sheet of mesh, aluminium L-bars and braces, a small sheet of thicker brushed aluminium if i can find it and get out my tools to make up something custom fucking designed for my needs. i swear as soon as you say 'server' manufacturers and retailers jack up the price. i mean look at the price of sas expander panels this is just plugs and soldering no electronic components at all, basically a glorified cable tie then the price of the amalgamated cables. got great case design in mind, just gotta figure out exactly how its gonna all come together with the limited fabrication capacity at my disposal but still have removable cages and minimal vibration. got the design and the chassis mostly figured just trying to work out how to attach it to the panels without blemishing the finish.
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