ATX Case with 8+ 3.5” bays

[79wjd]

I’m doing some NAS upgrades and want to either get some rubber HDD mounts or a new case with them built into the bays themselves. I’m currently using a source 210.

 

 Cheaper is better — the main reason I’m considering a new case is that if I’m already going to be paying for some anti vibration mounting hardware then maybe it makes sense to pay more to get a case with it built in that is also easier to work with (eg drive sleds).

[TVwazhere]

Define R6 and 7 are the ones that come to mind (whichever is cheaper, currently it seems to be the 7) They're $140 to $170 though AND require purchase of at least 2 more sleds to get up to 8. The Older Define R5 can still be found for about $125 currently on amazon. 

Enthoo Pro 2, P500A, P600S all come with 4 Modular HDD bays but can hold up to 8+ (again with separate purchase)

[Dedayog]

Fractal R6 has the room and already setup with rubber grommets.

 

Comes with 6 3.5" bay "sleds", can order more.

 

I am sure there are other more dedicated server cases for your needs tho, I just like my R6

[79wjd]

Anything cheaper around worth considering? The R5 was what I was looking at originally, but it’s a bit much to mainly just avoid spending $20 on rubber grommets.

 

@Dedayog @TVwazhere

[TVwazhere]

1 minute ago, 79wjd said:

Anything cheaper around worth considering? The R5 was what I was looking at originally, but it’s a bit much to mainly just avoid spending $20 on rubber grommets.

Not in my opinion

[Dedayog]

3 minutes ago, 79wjd said:

Anything cheaper around worth considering? The R5 was what I was looking at originally, but it’s a bit much to mainly just avoid spending $20 on rubber grommets.

 

@Dedayog @TVwazhere

Not really.  You're looking at a substantial amount of drives, and regular cases just don't fit that many comfortably and easily.  You're paying for it.

 

But you could just lay down a rubber mouse mat of 24x36 inches and then just place the drives on that if you want to go super cheap.

 

Considering the cost of 8x HDD's of decent size... a $150 case is just a small chunk of the cost.

[79wjd]

7 minutes ago, Dedayog said:

Considering the cost of 8x HDD's of decent size... a $150 case is just a small chunk of the cost.

I don’t disagree, but the Source 210 I already have is honestly “good enough”, it was just a thought that it might make sense to spend $70 or something on a nicer case as opposed to “wasting” $20 on grommets.

 

At $120-170, it’s not really worthwhile.

10 minutes ago, TVwazhere said:

Not in my opinion

Unfortunately that’s what i figured.

[79wjd]

@Dedayog @TVwazhere Any thoughts on the Antec P101? It seems to have generally good reviews, but I haven't been able to spot a good picture of the caddies indicating if they have any anti-vibration. I can get it for $30 less than an R5.

[TVwazhere]

14 hours ago, 79wjd said:

@Dedayog @TVwazhere Any thoughts on the Antec P101? It seems to have generally good reviews, but I haven't been able to spot a good picture of the caddies indicating if they have any anti-vibration. I can get it for $30 less than an R5.

The vent holes are VERY small on those side vents that are meant for intake, and there only on one side. Airflow wise for your multiple hard drives, you almost may as well have a sealed off front panel.

I'd say the interior is also much worse quality, but seeing as you're using a Source 210 it wont be a downgrade exactly. Personally I'd go with an R5 but in the end it's your decision.