Mini-ITX with 3 * 5.25 bays

Stretch · 20 May 2008 at 00:13

I’ve been searching high and low for a mini-itx chassis with 3+ * 5.25" drive bays. I’m planning on using it as nas box, so need the space for hdd’s.

The closest thing I've found is the Venus 668 which has two, but the third would allow for expansion up to 5 * 3.5" disks using something like this.

Any help or alternative solutions much appreciated. I really need the option for 4 drives as a minimum.

Stretch · 20 May 2008 at 10:28

lsg1r said:
you considered the Chenbro ES34069, its targetted at being a nas case but isn't exactly the cheapest option.

I've been looking at the Chenbro, but as you say at £175 it's a bit pricey which is why I’m looking for something else. I find it hard to believe that the Chenbro is the only 3+ drive, mini-itx case available.

Stretch · 20 May 2008 at 15:27

lsg1r said:
There was a mod done (cut up to allow for a 5 into 3 hd bay) to a similar case to your suggestion, can't remember who it was by though.
It didn't look excessively hard, however I've just thought about the length of my caddy and it might be too long for you suggested case.

I know the mod you're talking about, looks very professional. However I'm a little apprehensive about doing the mod myself since the front plate contains a number of led's and the power switch. I've no tools and have no idea where to source the extra components I'll need.

I'm also a little concerted about the heat build up in a case that small with 5 hdd's, and also not sure whether a full-size desktop CPU and slim cooler will fit after the mod since I planning on using an AM2 mini-itx mobo. Basicaly there's too many unknowns and I'd much prefer something of the shelf if possible.

Stretch · 21 May 2008 at 13:21

Eddietop said:
I was looking at the chenbro NAS a few weeks ago. It's really pricey but dosen't really have any real competition unfortunately.

I managed to find this http://www.boksdesign.com/mini-file-server , however its not released yet but i'm keeping my eye on it.

It looks very similar to the mod lsg1r was talking about but without the hot swappable disk bays. It’s also maybe a little to elaborate for my tastes. I prefer the Spartan look for my servers, but I’d certainly consider it if I can’t find a better solution.

I'm beginning to think it might be best to get something like the Venus 668 and just use a 3 bay enclosure for the time being until there are more options on the market. Everything else requires mods or large amount of cash.

It's hard to understand exactly why there isn’t more mini-itx cases available for home nas solutions, it seems like an obvious application.

Stretch · 27 May 2008 at 18:58

a1ex2001 said:
Cheap beige nasty of ebay and stick it in the wardrobe? My mini-itx server was in a small tower case that I paid about £20 for and hidden away so I could forget just how ugly it was. You don't need to look at a NAS box more than once every blue moon.

I've had a look on eBay but I can't find anything suitable. In fact there's very little itx kit on there at all. What case are you talking about?

Tosk said:
is this the mod your thinking of?

http://www.mashie.org/forums/showthread.php?t=23

Yep, that's the one. It's almost perfect for my needs. I just have a few reservations about doing it myself. See my previous post

Me said:
I know the mod you're talking about, looks very professional. However I'm a little apprehensive about doing the mod myself since the front plate contains a number of led's and the power switch. I've no tools and have no idea where to source the extra components I'll need.

I'm also a little concerted about the heat build up in a case that small with 5 hdd's, and also not sure whether a full-size desktop CPU and slim cooler will fit after the mod since I planning on using an AM2 mini-itx mobo. Basicaly there's too many unknowns and I'd much prefer something of the shelf if possible.

Stretch · 28 May 2008 at 09:42

Tosk said:
if i was gonna make a NAS build i would go with a small mini town case (2x120m fans for good cooling )
with 2 or 3 bays, drop in a nice and cheap cpu and board.

The reason for going with a mini-itx form factor is to reduce the size, noise and power consumption. Since it's going to be on all day every day I don't want anything too intrusive. It's going to be kept in a spare bedroom so if it's too noisy it'll have to be switched off when people stay over, which is something I'd rather not do. Would be nice to keep the bills down too. Plus I've wanted to build an itx box for a while now and this gives me a good excuse