FreeNAS Computer Case

[ColeBrodine]

I've been creeping on these forums and listening to the PCper podcast for a while, and finally have a question worth asking this group.

I'm wanting to build a FreeNAS server for home use. I want to start off with about 6 SATA drives of various sizes and upgrade to possibly 8 drives eventually. I'll be using this box to store all my ripped MP3s, DVDs, Blurays along with my documents and photos.

I would like to use an ATX motherboard and powersupply, but I want a decent case that can accomodate all these hard drives, and even make them easily swappable. (They don't have to be hot swappable, but I don't want to have to take apart the entire computer just to swap a few drives around) I would also like it if the drives could be easily labeled so I could see the label while they are installed and running. Also, the case has to have room for some PCI SATA cards. I plan on buying a small SSD for the operating system.

If anybody has suggestions for cases I would appreciate it. Links would be greatly appreciated. I'll probably submit this question to the podcast also, but I wanted to see what the whole community thought.

Thanks everybody!

[AMDScooter]

Any case with enough front facing 5.25 drive bays and some hot-swap racks would do nicely. If the added cost is inhibitive then you need to shop a case that has enough side facing screwless bays. How many drives are you planning to span? I'm guessing you have RAID in mind here correct? Just re-read your post.. up to 8.. lemme check around.

[AMDScooter]

Something like this might do ya. ATX mid tower with 8 side facing drive bays + good ventilation:

Fractal Design Define R3 Silver Arrow ATX Mid Tower Silent PC Computer Case

Or if you wanna boot for the hot-swap cages a pedestal server chassis with front facing 5.25 bays like this:

DYNAPOWER USA EJ-SR08-B 1.0 mm SECC Pedestal Server Case 8 External 5.25" Drive Bays

Personally, if you are not going to be swapping the drives out horribly often I'd go with the first option mid-tower case.

My2c.

[sttubs]

I just picked up this baby & I'm in love with all the harddrive space: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...-067-_-Product
Comes in white, red, & black
Right now it's $140 then with the $20 off promo code comes to $120 + free shipping.

I also picked up this guy since there was so much room in the 5.25 bays: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811999164

[tekkaman75]

I am considering a FreeNAS solution as well.

I stumbled across this case :
COOLER MASTER HAF 912 RC-912-KKN1 Black SECC/ ABS Plastic ATX Mid Tower Computer Case
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...&Tpk=haf%20912

6 side facing drive bays and u also have 4 5.25" bays for conversion if you need to..well 3 bays at least..if 1 bay is for an optical drive.

If you wish to densify your FreeNAS device maybe also consider this 5.25" bay adapter :
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...-143-_-Product

I've been creeping on these forums and listening to the PCper podcast for a while, and finally have a question worth asking this group.

I'm wanting to build a FreeNAS server for home use. I want to start off with about 6 SATA drives of various sizes and upgrade to possibly 8 drives eventually. I'll be using this box to store all my ripped MP3s, DVDs, Blurays along with my documents and photos.

I would like to use an ATX motherboard and powersupply, but I want a decent case that can accomodate all these hard drives, and even make them easily swappable. (They don't have to be hot swappable, but I don't want to have to take apart the entire computer just to swap a few drives around) I would also like it if the drives could be easily labeled so I could see the label while they are installed and running. Also, the case has to have room for some PCI SATA cards. I plan on buying a small SSD for the operating system.

If anybody has suggestions for cases I would appreciate it. Links would be greatly appreciated. I'll probably submit this question to the podcast also, but I wanted to see what the whole community thought.

Thanks everybody!