Recommend an inexpensive file server case

[Asgorath]

I've done my own research already, but please chime in with some good ideas.... I am building this on an ATX motherboard, standard power supply, and a big stack of hard drives. 7 hard drives to start, up to 15 total in the future.

I am going to choose SATA and PATA drives that don't run TOO hot so I can hopefully keep the heat under control in the case.

With that said, what can you guys recommend for me as far as a <$100 case (without power supply). Also, what would be the preferred method for attaching all the hard drives? And finally, what would be your preferred method for cooling all those drives?

Thanks. Looking forward to hearing your ideas.

 

[Asgorath]

I bought this case for my personal use and it has really awesome features and airflow, especially for the price. Check it out and tell me what you think. I'm not sure how I want to mount the hard drives yet though. I'm thinking maybe just fabbing a 120 up on the top bays, a 120 on the bottom, and drive converters to mount into 5 1/4 slots. That'd give me 7 drives and an optical. Or I could get a hard drive cage.

Any opinions.

 

[Johnboy12358]

which case are you referring to, theres no link

 

[Asgorath]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16811166028

 

[synaps3]

Low-End: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16811119068
High-End: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16811119042

The stacker is a bit overbudget after rebate, but you can't go wrong with the centurion. It is a great case for only $50.

 

[Asgorath]

These norco 4U rackmounts are fantastic deals too. I just stumbled upon them.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...scription=&srchInDesc=&minPrice=&maxPrice=100

 

[schnell]

I have this case for my file server

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16811129160

Seems expensive at first but it come with an Antec true power 550watt power supply, which costs around $100

Plus it is extra deep which is great when you have sata and ide cables everywhere.

One of the best server cases for the money.

 

[Nivram]

I used an old scsi cd tower case to build mine, then used 5.25" to 3.5" drive adaptors to fit the hard drives in the case slots. A couple 120mm fans and some pierced aluminum screen in the front, and it runs cool & quiet.

Here's one you might want to check out. ELEVEN 5.25" bays on this bad boy!! Amamax has it on sale for $99 shipped, so it falls within your spending limit, and I'm sure you can find some inexpensive drive rail converters if you look around. The only thing is, this monster's likely gonna weigh a ton, so if you were looking for a lightweight LAN rig, it's prolly not gonna do it for ya!