ITX Case recommendations for mini server

Bradmax57

Bradmax57

Bradmax57

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Hi

Im pretty much decided im going to build my whs2011 server based on a amd hudson itx board, want a case that can take 2 regulary hdd's possibly 3 (even if that means forgoing an optical as i probably wont be using one) its going to be under my desk more than likely so the looks arent all that important but I dont want an itx board in a huge case. Something like the fractal itx case would be ideal other than its price tag so is there something else?

I like the look of the lian li Q07 but they only seem to take 1 3.5" hdd by default, has anyone squeezed any more into that?
 
The Q11 is a slightly larger Q07 and will take 2 3.5" and 2 2.5" Drives. Also look at the Fractal Array R2 Mini which can take 6 3.5" drives and is tiny and the Lian li Q08 and Q25 which can take 6 and 7 3.5" drives, respectively, but are both quite large. Also with the Fractal you need to factor in that it comes with a decent SFX PSU which makes it pretty good value when compared to the Lian-li cases.
 
Q25 looks quite nice, if I can get one with a atx psu im sorted as ive got about 30 antec 350w basiqs at work lol, i think out of those the Q08 looks the best but then again the price is a bit more, maybe keep my eyes out for a b grade or second hand
 
Take a look at the CFI ITX server cases. (Google "cfi itx server").

I use the older version of the CFI A2059 and it's a great case. It comes with 2 hot swap bays, an internal 2.5" bay and a 5.25" bay that you can convert to another 3.5" hot swap.
 
I built my WHS2011 server in a Thermaltake VL52021N2 Element Q which comes with 220W PSU. This is a small server and yet can fit 3 disks, provided you don't want DVD drive - I used a USB stick to install WHS2011.
 
Engram said:
Take a look at the CFI ITX server cases. (Google "cfi itx server").

I use the older version of the CFI A2059 and it's a great case. It comes with 2 hot swap bays, an internal 2.5" bay and a 5.25" bay that you can convert to another 3.5" hot swap.
Click to expand...

Thanks for that, not bad :)

Khazzer said:
I built my WHS2011 server in a Thermaltake VL52021N2 Element Q which comes with 220W PSU. This is a small server and yet can fit 3 disks, provided you don't want DVD drive - I used a USB stick to install WHS2011.
Click to expand...

That might just suit my needs, whats the fan noise like on the psu?
 
The stock fan on my Intel CPU is louder than the PSU fan. So I don't notice the PSU fan. The whole system is pretty quiet, although I wouldn't class it as home theatre quietness.
 
Just looking at the Element Q would it be possible to mount a HDD on the floor of the chassis at under the hdd and optical cage?
 
Hi, I know you are saying you want to build it from scratch, but have you considered a HP microserver. They often do the £100 rebate so it comes to a little over £120 for a server with a 5.25" bay, 4x 3.5" hotswap drives, internal USB and additional SATA connection and is very very quiet.

I've just noticed you've already ordered parts, but think its still worth noting in case things don't work out for you.
 
I have considered one and I actually I ordered one last week but cancelled it. Not sure what it was about it but after reading reviews it appears that the g620t uses less power than a E350 hudson at idle I decided to go that way, knowing ive got plenty of power in reserve, I've managed to get the board for nothing too ;) so all ive had to buy is the case.
 
Bradmax57 said:
Just looking at the Element Q would it be possible to mount a HDD on the floor of the chassis at under the hdd and optical cage?
Click to expand...
There isn't enough room on the floor as far as I can remember, you can mount one on the side and two at the front (in the 3.5" and 5.25" slots).
 
Khazzer said:
There isn't enough room on the floor as far as I can remember, you can mount one on the side and two at the front (in the 3.5" and 5.25" slots).
Click to expand...

looks enough to me :)

IMG_20111021_144023.jpg
 
Fractal Design Mini Array - Ive got one for my WHS 2011 server, got room for 6 HDDs in there, been very happy with it, also comes with a decent PSU 300W and it lives in my living room, cant notice its on, and looks decent too.

Hawker

PS also I did a build log at some point im sure a search on the forum will find it.
 
hawker1986 said:
Fractal Design Mini Array - Ive got one for my WHS 2011 server, got room for 6 HDDs in there, been very happy with it, also comes with a decent PSU 300W and it lives in my living room, cant notice its on, and looks decent too.

Hawker

PS also I did a build log at some point im sure a search on the forum will find it.
Click to expand...

Yeah i looked at them but they are quite pricey, I know its a quality item but I was trying to do it on a budget as much as possible. Thank god I got the 2 x 2tb Samsung drives the week before the sh.. hit the fan :)
 
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