HELP - Looking for Mini-ITX NAS cases for a project similar to a commercial NAS case.

[Doosh]

I am looking at making a NAS server using the FreeNAS software.

But before I do, I would like to buy a Mini-ITX NSA case for my project which looks similar to a commercial NAS case from suppliers like Synology, QNAP etc. The only NAS case which I could locate is the following 4 bay hot swap unit which meets my needs: LINK -

http://www.e-itx.com/cfi-a7879.html

Does anyone know of any other NAS cases on the market similar to the above which might interest me?

I look forward to feedback / links.

Thank you.

D

 

[cubix]

Chenbro ES34069
HP N36L / N40L

 

[survive]

Hi cubix,

This doesn't exactly look like a "commercial" nas case (it doesn't have the hot-swap release levers out front & center), but I think it's pretty darn classy:

http://www.fractal-design.com/?view=product&category=2&prod=42

-Will

 

[cubix]

Yep - I've got that case at home.

My only criticism is that there's no quick way of opening the case but it's one ***y looking case and very quiet :)

 

[mattm55]

I just put one together using the Lian-Li PC-Q25B case. A little expensive but allows for 5 hot swappable drives and 2 expansion slots. If you use this case, get a modular ps. I used a ST50F-P with optional short cables. Very happy with build, change 120mm fans if ultra quiet is needed... probably most cases need ultra-quiet fans anyways if noise is an issue...

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811112339

Thanks, Matt

 

[ben]

This thread has been moved to the appropriate forum.

 

[Doosh]

Thank you for your replies.

From this thread, there are two cases which I am interested in, unless anyone can postdetails of any other NAS cases which have not been mentioned above.

The two which interest me are:

1. Chenbro ES34069 (http://www.chenbro.com/corporatesite/products_detail.php?sku=79)
2. CFI A7879 (http://www.e-itx.com/cfi-a7879.html)

Has anyone used either product? If so, can you please post any feedback (ie. likes / dislikes).

I am in favor of the Chenbro ES34069 so far.

The questions I have are:

1. I am interested in using the WD NAS RED 3TB drive. I note that the interface on the drive is a SATA 6 Gb/s. Is this interface compatable with the backplane of the Chenbro ES34069 case which is SATAII? I am not sute what the backplane drive interface is on the CFI A7879 case (cannot fine the details).
2. Is there a HD LED indicator on the case for each of the 4 trays? I ask this question hoping that the HD LED indicated can be used to determine if a drive in the case is faulty - visibal indication.
3. In terms of the placement of the drive (ie. horizontal vs vertical plavement) is there a position where the placement of the HD performance better over the life of the HD?
4. I note that neither case supports a CF card. I wish to boot the NSA OS from a CF card. I am now hoping that the Mother Board I end up choosing, I can connect the CF card directly on the Mother Board. Has any one done this. If so, how can a CF card be connected to the Mother Board? I presume there is some kind of interface/converter I can purchase to achieve this?

The downside of the cases I have identified are:

1. Both cases have USB 2 connectors (not USB 3). Although I do not think this will be used.
2. The Chenbro ES34069 case required an external power supply and the power supply is additional to purchase.

I Look forward to your replies/ feedback.

Thank you.

D.

 

[professorpolymath]

The 4-port backplane this Chenbro model is specified to 6Gbps SATA III:
Chenbro SR30169: http://www.chenbro.com/corporatesite/products_detail.php?sku=195
Unfortunately, it only has USB 2.0 front ports, which seems like a design mistake to me. Perhaps they could be replaced with USB 3 ports.
Newegg reviews of this model suggest the power supply isn't of the best quality. It could be replaced.

If you're going to run FreeNAS - as one assumes from participants in this forum - it makes sense to install the OS on a USB drive rather than CompactFlash. Probably any case with CF built-in is going to attach the CF port to the mainboard over USB 2.

 

[professorpolymath]

I took my own advice and built a server based on the Chenbro SR30169 NAS case.
I detailed the build in another post: http://forums.freenas.org/showthread.php?8869-My-Mini-ITX-build-completed

 

[demsley]

My favourite is the BitFenix Prodigy. http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=CA-100-BX

Love it!!