Best case for large server

[hifiaudio2]

I am going to build a large media server based around the Asrock C2750D4I MB / 8 core Atom / Avoton chip.

I basically need a large tower case capable of holding 10+ drives. I was interested in the Antec 1900 but have seen quite a few negative reviews of it, with the most concerning part stating that although the bottom area has a fan intake, there is no ventilation for the air to flow through, so the HDs down there could get quite hot. I plan on connecting all of the drives to an internal LSI Sas HBA, so unless there is a HD backplane in the case, I need to assume I will need plenty of cabling area for each drive to get a power cable and sas/sata data cable.

So what other cases are a good competitor to the 1900 and can hold tons of drives? Drive dampening is a plus as well as the case running silently.

 

[dave_the_nerd]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811112387

?

 

[smitbret]

I thought everyone just used these along with a 5 in 3 cage in the 5.25" slots:

http://www.coolermaster.com/case/full-tower/haf935/

or

http://www.cmstore-usa.com/haf-x-high-airflow-full-tower-computer-case-with-windowed-side-panel/

with a pair of 5 in 3 cages.

Personally, I find this case compelling and a likely candidate if my current server outgrows the Fractal Design Define R4 that it's in right now:
http://store.nanoxiausa.com/collect...6789dedb|7b5c0251-ee0e-4288-965b-ed5cef2501ef

 

[Fallen Kell]

Well, the real issue is it being quiet. Lots of HDDs + quiet does not usually work too well. A lot of people resort to suspending the HDDs on bungee/elastic cord using 5.25" drive bays or internally in the case.

 

[smitbret]

Well, the real issue is it being quiet. Lots of HDDs + quiet does not usually work too well. A lot of people resort to suspending the HDDs on bungee/elastic cord using 5.25" drive bays or internally in the case.

That's why I stuck mine in a Fractal Design case instead of going the CoolerMaster route. They are surprisingly silent even when loaded with drives.

 

[hifiaudio2]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811112387

?

Cool, thanks! This looks like a better option.

 

[hifiaudio2]

Ended up getting the Noxonia Deep Silence 5. Thanks a ton for the advice, I almost got the Lian Li but the DS 5 was $150 delivered from Wayfair.com and seemed so well made. Thanks again!