ATX FreeNAS case

Hardware Cases / Chassis
1

I had a couple problems when I tried to integrate my new drives into my 2009 mac pro. I dropped that plan and now I want to build another FreeNAS box instead. This machine is going to live on it’s own in a closet, so it has to be a tower. I already have an SSD NAS for fast storage, this time it’s gonna be just capacity. Currently I have three 16TB Seagate Exos drives on hand, so that is what I start with in raidz1. I want to be able to double up later and I want the drive bays to be accessible from the outside. Also the case has to be able to hold a full ATX board and PSU because the platform of this build is gonna be the X99 Taichi from ASRock.

In short I need:

  • A full ATX tower case
  • with 6 or more 3.5" hot swap bays

Currently I am looking at the SilverStone SST-CS380 V2.
But I am interested to hear alternatives.

2

6 bays is hard in modern cases.

A supermicro CSE-733T-500B with an added icydock would work but expensive. The Silverstone is better.

Another option if you want 6 or more hotswap bays you could get a used server tower case such as a Dell 610 or HP g6 series. There are loads on eBay for about the price one would pay for a decent new case, depending on your market. You will need a Dremel to get an ATX board in there though.

1 Like
3

Yeah, I almost thought my google-fu was rusty but there really doesn’t seem to be options.

One last push before I order the Silverstone.
Any other second opinions?

4

I think you’d have an easier time looking for 5.25 bays and populating them with hot swap from rosewill or istar.

I know rosewill had a tower rsv case but I don’t think they’re making it anymore.

Edit: the rsv s8 is what I’m thinking of and it is no longer being produced.

5

That’s not even a real case as far as I can see.

Also, look who I found: Youngling Paul!

How would that be easier than getting the Silverstone?

6

You’d be able to expand and change it with your needs. Maybe not easier but more suited to change as you want down the road.

7

Yeah but this box is not gonna change. So I would not benefit from 5.25 + add-in bays.
And it would be more expansive. And probably provide less cooling for the drives.

I’ll order the Silverstone.

Thanks guys.

8

The rosewill hot swap bays have fans right on the back but fair enough. I’m always thinking about buying more than I need or giving myself options for the future.

9

Well, one reseller had it listed as in stock… for 180,- Euros… aaaand still cancelled my order.

So, back to square one.

… fuck.

I do have two 5.25x3 to 4x hot swap bay thingies. So, I could go that route. But I would need to be able to install both. The alternative requirements are:

  • Full ATX tower case
  • with 6 or more 5.25" bays

Probably not a lot easier if at all.

10

Theres a few in the US but that doesnt help you. Perhaps you could use a rack mount case and just lay it on its side?

11

That’s what I did for a couple of years, ended up being a hot box though. I’ve moved to a proper rack now in the attic and it is a lot quieter and cooler not being in a closet with the door closed. Wouldn’t recommend a full rack mount case in a closet long term

12

That is my fear as well. My closet has vented doors though, so that should not be a problem.

I am looking at ebay currently. Something like a Cosmos S would be optimal I think.

13

If you want to use 3 in 5 bays then a Raven RV02 becomes an option. If you can find one at a sensible price

https://www.silverstonetek.com/raven/product-rv.php?pid=279

14

That one has drive bays internally. I want all the drive bays to be accessible from the outside.

15

How about this one?
https://www.servercase.co.uk/shop/server-cases/tower-cases/zalman-ms1000-hs1-mid-tower-chassis-black-ms1000-hs1/

1 Like
16

For some reason the bigger Zalman cases are listed nowhere in Germany. Maybe those have been discontinued. I’ll add them to the list for ebay though. Thanks.

I just realized that there is another option. The closet I’d use does have shelves in it and it’s deep enough for a compact ATX bench, I think. I could just run the machine open and put my drive bays next to it.

1 Like
17

That’s what I would do… Great for airflow. Just make sure you point some fans at the drive cages

2 Likes
18

A bit late to the party but I’m in a similar bind. Stuck between using the Antec 900 cases I got off Ebay for cheap, and using my multiple trayless 5.25in adaptors.

Or going pro and racking, I’m a bit loathed though. I do like that Silverstone case though, very nice.

This Zalman caught my eye

https://www.servercase.co.uk/shop/server-cases/tower-cases/zalman-ms1000-hs1-mid-tower-chassis-black-ms1000-hs1/

19

This topic was automatically closed after 273 days. New replies are no longer allowed.