External SATA enclosure / rack for multiple HDD's

[Snow-Munki]

Hi,

My file server case is literally running out of space. I was just going to pile up a couple more HDD's outside the case and dragging the SATA cables through a spare empty PCI slot.

Just wondering if there is a tider solution around ? Almost like a HDD shelf ?

Thanks,

 

[rpstewart]

There are various options available to you.

1) Something like an IcyDock MB-561S-4S, basically 4 external HDDs in one box, with 4 eSATA connections. You can then either run long SATA-eSATA cables or use some eSATA backplate converters to give you eSATA ports. There are similar units about that only have a single eSATA connection with an internal port multiplier but your potentially limited by the speed of that link although for a file server you'd probably be OK.

2) An internal solution like a Lian Li EX-34 which will give you 4 3.5" bays in 3 5.25" bays.