I have recently decided to build my server from scratch, this will host different services and will run ESXi or proxmox. I just received my H11SSL-i Supermicro motherboard with an Epyc CPU that has 16 cores and 256 GB of RAM. However, I am yet to find a suitable case for it. I am looking for a compact case that has at least 3 to 4 bays for 3.5-inch hard drives and another 3 to 4 bays for 2.5-inch drives. Additionally, I would like the case to have enough room for a GPU.
Could you recommend a case that meets these requirements? My primary concern is space and noise, as the system will be placed under my desk. If possible, could you also suggest fans and power supplies that would make the system as quiet as possible? I am aware that Windle has built a similar system in the past, but I am not sure if he was concerned about noise or space
So you want more or less a compact 8 bay mATX chassi with support for a GPU?
Fractal Design Node 804 has really cornered this market, available for ~$140:
You could also go rackmounted with 2U, something like this but perhaps a better priced option:
If you are willing to compromise just a little, something like the SFFTime N-ATX can house 1x3.5" and 7x2.5", or alternatively 11x2.5" drives, but yeah, no 3.5" drives:
And if you can live with half height PCIe GPU cards like the RX 6400 and GT 1030, you could get an Audheid K7:
H11SSL-i is ATX, so no, it won’t fit in mATX cases.
I can’t give advice about a case that fits your requirements, but for a reference, I’m currently using Fractal Define 7 Compact for my H11SSL-i + 7551P. The case only has 2x 3.5" drive bay with a cage underneath the bottom cover and 2x 2.5" drive behind the motherboard. I think if you don’t use the bottom PCIe slot, you may be able to fit two more 2.5" above the PSU.
A standard Fractal Define 7 should fit, but it’s not compact
The cooler setup I’m using is:
CPU: Noctua U12S TR4-SP3
Intake (CPU zone): Noctua A14 (Fan 3)
Intake (Peripheral zone): Noctua A14 (Fan A)
Exhaust (Peripheral zone): Noctua A12x25 (Fan B)
It stays relatively quite at 400-600 RPM. Both zones at <40 degrees case temp during summer (against ambient 32c) using the Standard Speed profile.
Do note that you’ll need to calibrate the CPU via IPMI. Otherwise, it’ll shuffle between 0% and 100%:
# Syntax:
# lower <lnr> <lcr> <lnc>
# upper <unc> <ucr> <unr>
# nr = non-recoverable / cr =critical / nc = non-critical
# I think I used something like this for A14
$ ipmitool sensor thresh "FAN3" lower 200 200 300
$ ipmitool sensor thresh "FAN3" upper 1600 1700 1700
Then my revised advice; Unless you compromise with something like the N-ATX or Sliger Cerberus, there pretty much are no compact (sub 40 liter) cases that fit OP use case.
My H11SSL systems are in 3U cases. Not the one above, mind, but an ancient Antec case as well as a more recent purchase from ebay. That was a one-off unit being sold and I can’t recall the details of it, sorry.
