Good case for HDD airflow?

[geminorum_alpha]

I'm looking for a case to house my Unraid server, and free the current one I'm using (Evolv ATX) for a new pc build.

The problem I'm facing is that the server has 4x 8TB WD RED efax disks, which if not properly cooled get really hot (if I keep them in the bottom hdd bay with bad airflow they go from mid 40°C at idle to 55°C/60°C under load, which for hdd that are up 24/7 are not  good temps.)

My compromise solution for now is to mount them horizontally between the mobo and the front grill, and the EVolv ATX is long enough that I can slot 3x140mm fans on the front to cool them down - so I'm looking for another case which has the same ability of having at least 4x 3.5" slots with space for fans in front. (picture below for reference only)

Price if of course an issue, 'cause most of the solutions I've found are $150/$200 and above, which is frankly too much - I would like to stay below $150, otherwise I'd just leave it as is and get an Evolv X for the new build (I'm not a phanteks shill, but the evolv series is one of the cases I've had the least problems with watercooling and cable management.)

 

 

 

 

 

[Stahlmann]

http://phanteks.com/Eclipse-P500A.html

 

This case can fit up to 10 HDDs and has a complete mesh front panel with HDD bays directly behind the fans. This is basically exactly what you're looking for.

 

There are variants with 3 included front fans too.

[jaslion]

You could go on local used sites or whatnot and look for a case from 5+ years ago. They were basically all mesh then and had a stupid amount of hdd bays. Most of those cases go for around 10-20$ due to just being old and being in the way so might be good to look around for one of those.

[ELSknutson]

The Define R6 has modular Drive bays that are pretty nice https://www.fractal-design.com/products/cases/define/define-r6/blackout/

https://www.amazon.com/Fractal-Design-FD-CA-DEF-R6C-WT-Define-Computer/dp/B07H6QTZMM/ref=sr_1_7?dchild=1&keywords=define+R6&qid=1600260410&sr=8-7

[tkitch]

I also have the Evolv ATX!  I love the case!   I've also had a lot of really good luck with Phanteks support when I reached out to them.

 

The Enthoo Pro M SE:  https://www.newegg.com/black-white-phanteks-enthoo-pro-m-se-atx-mid-tower/p/N82E16811854060?Item=N82E16811854060

Looks like it might tick your boxes, as well as offering external 5.25's if you want.  (IcyDock maybe?)