WHS Case - Suggestions Needed

V

VitaminTee

Weaksauce
Joined
Nov 9, 2008
Messages
117
I've been wanting to build a WHS box for a while now and the one thing holding me back... the case!

Originally I chose the Chenbro ES30068-BK-150 although after ordering it I realized that it wont work with a mini-itx socket 775 MB (only has a 20 pin power adapter). I decided that unless I want to build an atom system (I don't, I need more power) a mini-itx solution is not right for me.

This caused me to rething the entire thing, I need something more functional. I want a case that is discreet and attactive enough to put in my living room, I like the PC-V351A although its shape is a little akward and I'm concerned that its not going to offer enough storage expansion options as it only supports 3 HD's.

Another option is to for-go the "attractive" case and get something functional that was designed with my specific need in mind.

I'm looking for some suggestions for a case that fits either of the 2 scenarios. This is my first venture into this type of thing, I could really use some vetran advice so I can avoid a costly mistake.

Thanks!!
 
I was thinking about doing something like that then when I build an actual HTPC I'll already have a nice case
 
VitaminTee said:
I was thinking about doing something like that then when I build an actual HTPC I'll already have a nice case
Click to expand...

So is that a yes, no, maybe on that case that NitroBass24 recommended for your WHS setup?
 
I realized that it wont work with a mini-itx socket 775 MB (only has a 20 pin power adapter).
Click to expand...

Am I missing something here?

On normal MBs you don't need all 24 pins from the PS and for some reason if it actually does need all 24 pins, they make adapters.

What am I missing? :confused:
 
Old Hippie said:
Am I missing something here?

On normal MBs you don't need all 24 pins from the PS and for some reason if it actually does need all 24 pins, they make adapters.

What am I missing? :confused:
Click to expand...

Nope your not missing anything... I probably should have explained my point here better.

The more I learn about what I can do with WHS the more I realize that the basic Chenbro I ordered will not suit my needs, it only has 2 HD bays and no CD tray. The 20 to 24 pin in retrospect is a minor detail.
 
VitaminTee said:
Nope your not missing anything... I probably should have explained my point here better.

The more I learn about what I can do with WHS the more I realize that the basic Chenbro I ordered will not suit my needs, it only has 2 HD bays and no CD tray. The 20 to 24 pin in retrospect is a minor detail.
Click to expand...


How many drives you need? If your file storage grows fast, I suggest a full ATX tower.
 
You probably already know about this, but Chenbro also makes a case with 4HDD bays and a CD slot in miniITX form factor. I have one of these and like it, but it is a bit expensive. If you are sure you don't want more than 4HDDs then this would be an option.
 
my WHS is pretty big, small mid-tower, not mini tower, but its nice to have made no compromise and know i can do anything with it i want.

Lian Li A59, 5 in 3 hdd gives me 8 HDD's, full 5.25 left over for a bluray drive to rip movies with mymovies.

frontonmykitchenfloorandcoveredinfingerprintsalready.jpg
 
MrMitch your system is sick! do you raid all of those drives?

I was thinking about that 4 bay chenbro although it still makes me feel like I'm somewhat limited although 8tb is a lot of storage. Does the PSU have enough juice for an intel 775 MB (e5200), is it a 24 pin psu or would I need an adapter?
 
Here's a link to a little write up i did to show a buddy. system is great cause it support, full ATX board and ATX psu, i use a 420w PCP&C. PSU sits right above the Processor tho, so stock or Low-profile coolers only. Fine for me as i use a low power proc. Drives aren't raided, just use WHS to manage them, system drive is in lower part, all 5 pool drives in the cage.

http://webpages.charter.net/mjmullen/MitchsWindowsHomeServer/
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top