cheap storage array enclosure

[Messiah Khan]

Anyone got any suggestions for a cheap storage array enclosure? I basically just need a case that can hold a large amount of hardrives to act a NAS. The Lian-Li PC-A17B looks pretty good, but are there any cheaper options out there? Doesn't need to pretty, just hold lots of drives (Probably in 5 1/4" to 3.5" caddies) and a cheap computer. Ideally id like some sort of rackmount type case but without the normal rackmount price. Any suggestions?

 

[Messiah Khan]

how many drives?

Could get an antec 300 that should hold 6 then another 3 if you get another hdd cage.

At the moment only 5, but id like to build a system that has a lot of expandability. With the Lian Li I could have 3 Icy Dock MB-455SPF 5-Bay Internal SATA Drive Enclosure fitted giving me space for 15 drives. Probably overkill, but that's roughly what id like to aim for. Doing it this way would also mean I could buy more smaller hardrives for less money.

 

[Messiah Khan]

well the antec 300 has the same number of drive bays as the lain li better cooling (140mm top fan) and is like £35.

Added to list then. Looking around now and it seems you can get cheapish rackmount cases. Anyone know where I can get a cheapish rackmount with lots of 3.5" or 5.25" front panels, ie most of the front of the case with a single type of panel?

 

[Messiah Khan]

Right, ive seen a few that look good, but none that are quite right.


The;
X-Case RM-208. 8 (£119.00)

Is the clostst match so far. I would ideally like a 3U, 8-16 caddy one, but its not a bad option.

Chenbro RM 215 (£419.00)

Love the look of this one. Don't love the price though. Anyone know of similar enclosures to these two but for a budget price? Willing to accept second hand. Ideally 2 or 3 U with 8-16 hotswappable SATA caddies and space for a DVD drive. Id also prefer if i took an ATX PSU.

 

[Messiah Khan]

Thanks for that, looks very good. Only problem with it is that you have to add the price of the 2 Icy Dock enclosures which ups the price by £150.