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Cheap server cases

I need a cheap case for my server that will be able to hold 5 or more hard drives. I'm thinking of getting the Antec 3000B. It has 5 3.5" bays.
 
The Newegg case configurator can give you a selection to choose from. But the 3000-B is excellent for the money - the Compucase 6A19 is the same but without a door (directron.com is about the only place that carries it routinely - it may be listed under HEC now). Almost any case with at least 4 (assuming you'll want at least one optical drive) 5" bays will get you there - you can use something like the CoolerMaster HD rack (4-in3) to put 4 HDs into three 5" bays, or the Lian Li version which is similar but has a prettier face - the CM is technically a better solution.
. Newegg has over 250 cases that have 5xHD bays another 80+ with 6 bays. Plus you can always add more with the racks I mentioned (there are 4 in 3, 3-in-3, 3-in 2 models available) - or even with individual 3.5 to 5" adapters.

Here's a Link to the one G-Y mentioned. It is identical inside to the Silverstone version I reviewed here: http://www.techimo.com/reviews/ . I currently have the 4-in-3 rack in the bottom 3 bays of my Silverstone (which is hard to find any more).

And here is one I like because it looks all-business... Codegen 9000 series. You can get it at Dealsonic.com w/o the PSU.

Here is another excellent case that holds six HDs to start if you're willing to go the higher cost (several other brands, Tt for one, sell cases made on the same base chassis): Enermax CS-10182 .

Aerocool makes several cases with lots of drive room.

My CoolerMaster 4-in-3 rack is for sale - PM me if interested. Quite a few places are OOS on it.

.bh.

PS: If you don't find something in the above, hit me with more specifics and I'll see what pops up. And I seriously suggest you check out the Enhance PSUs at eWiz.com for your server - top quality, spectacular bargains (grabbed when Dell bought Alienware) and when gone, they're gone! .bh.
 
Originally posted by: InlineFour
Originally posted by: Remedy
What kind of CPU and motherboard will the system consist of?

A 1.8Ghz P4 and Tyan Tomcat i845GL. I have a RAID 5 setup that's why I need the extra HDD bays.


The reason why I asked was because depending on hot the CPU and drives get, could depend on what kind of intake and exhaust system. But, I guess judging by your taste in cases for the 3000B. You probably have no interest in Geeks server casefor $16 with 10% off coupon, $14.

edit: Another cheap one with no bezel. 1 in stock.
 
I think i'll go with the antec 3000b.

How do the Enhance PSUs compare to Fortron's? I probably don't need anything more than 300W since I won't have really power hungry parts.

Here the specs of the server I'm going to build:

1.8ghz p4 (northwood)
160gb x 3 HDD SATA but also have molex connectors
Tyan Tomcat i845GL
512mb RAM
 
I would rank the Enhance PSUs as a bit better than the equivalent Fortron. But many of the ones being sold at eWiz were the premium models as used in the Alienware line of PCs (looks like most of the top models are gone already). So they often have features like active PFC, autoranging AC voltage sensing, some have modular, etc. All are well below the normal price. You can go to the enhance site and get more info on the PSUs: http://www.enhanceusa.com/

Enhance makes Silverstone's current line of PSUs also.

And AFAIK the best shipped price on the 3000-B is still at Provantage.com but a trip to froogle might find a better deal.

.bh.
 
Fortron is best bang for buck in consumer PSUs and offers decent units as well as some good units.

Enhance makes thier own as FSP Group&Fortron/Source do.
Enhance builds for Silverstone and they are called the Strider series. Enhance builds server grade PSUs. Look at thier line-up http://www.enhanceusa.com/
More than you need but do consider the price point http://www.ewiz.com/detail.php?name=PS-EN5246G http://www.ewiz.com/detail.php?name=PS-EN1136F http://www.ewiz.com/detail.php?name=PS-EN5240G http://www.ewiz.com/detail.php?name=PS-E1136FA
The ENP units are better than the ATX units.

I like having Active PFC in a PSU and being cross flow w/80mm fan should not be a de-merit. Your going to have to chose. Go the thier site, look at output and connection types. Is SATA connectors a priority??

Enhance rates with Seasonic for build quality, most of thier units are 75%efficiant but the new line will be 80+%efficiant. The designation on these will be a GH at the end of the part number.


...Galvanized
 
WOAH. Provantage has the Antec 3000B for $31 while Newegg has it for $49. That is a definately a steal. Thanks Zepper. :thumbsup:
 
If one has a wire fan grill and another doesn't, then that will be the better model. Other than that, just go to the Enhance site and read the specs. You want one that leans more to the 12V rail (watts on +12 > watts on +5 and +3.3 combined).

.bh.
 
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