Convert ATX PSU cage into HDD cage?

[GreenMeters]

So, there are a number of nice looking M-ITX cubes and other SFF cases, but most offer pretty paltry storage: only one, or sometimes zero, 3.5" drive spaces. Which is annoying, because a lot of those cases also support full ATX PSUs, even though most systems could be driven perfectly well by a PicoPSU.

Which got me thinking... has anyone tried converting the cage/case of an ATX PSU into a fanned, PicoPSU-compatible HDD cage? Or know of any products on the market that offer this?

Common dimensions of ATX PSUs are (WxLxH) 5.9 x 5.5 x 3.4". A 3.5" HDD is 5.75 x 4 x 1".

Seems like there should be room to stack two drives (with space between for airflow and noise-reducing silicone grommets) plus a case fan in back, and the PSU socket with prongs could be replaced with just a pass-through for the PicoPSU connector.

This would make a case like the Lian Li PC-Q03 a much more capable media box.

 

[dougp]

Have you looked at the Fractal Node 304? That thing can hold a number of 3.5" drives.

 

[dave_the_nerd]

That would be nice.

 

[GreenMeters]

Have you looked at the Fractal Node 304? That thing can hold a number of 3.5" drives.

Definitely a nice looking enclosure with a decent footprint, just wish it supported at least a slim optical drive.

 

[cbn]

So, there are a number of nice looking M-ITX cubes and other SFF cases, but most offer pretty paltry storage: only one, or sometimes zero, 3.5" drive spaces. Which is annoying, because a lot of those cases also support full ATX PSUs, even though most systems could be driven perfectly well by a PicoPSU.

Which got me thinking... has anyone tried converting the cage/case of an ATX PSU into a fanned, PicoPSU-compatible HDD cage? Or know of any products on the market that offer this?

I don't know of any products on the market that offer this.

Common dimensions of ATX PSUs are (WxLxH) 5.9 x 5.5 x 3.4". A 3.5" HDD is 5.75 x 4 x 1".

Seems like there should be room to stack two drives (with space between for airflow and noise-reducing silicone grommets) plus a case fan in back, and the PSU socket with prongs could be replaced with just a pass-through for the PicoPSU connector.

Yes, there should be room to fit two 3.5" hard drives in the space of even a standard 140mm length ATX PSU, the hard drives will only be 5mm longer.

But I also think there is also potential to convert a case with the smaller SFX PSU to a 3.5" hard drive bracket as well.

Take for example, my APEX MI-008. If I removed the SFX PSU I should be able to mount a 3.5" HDD cage in its place. The data port of the hard drive would be facing the side of the case opposite the expansion slot. It would extend somewhat beyond the boundaries of the SFX PSU (which is 125mm wide) but still fit with plenty of room to spare. This would give me the ability to mount three 3.5" HDD in that case without obstructing the side vents.