rack case for disk farm

[acaeti]

So it comes to this - 2 computer both with >1TB of RAID 1 just isn't enough space and is too much of a pain in the ass to keep turning on and off to make available DVD images.

I am looking for a rack or pedestal case that I can jam 12+ 3.5" disks into. I have a K8N-E Deluxe motherboard with 8 ports of SATA and will be getting additional SATA controllers to connect all the disks, and plan on running 2-3 raid sets of linux software RAID-5. I guess I'll also need a strong PSU for the unit as well.

Any suggestions out there? Or tell me this is the wrong way to do it and suggest something better!

 

[Fullmetal Chocobo]

Grab a large case and three of these Supermicro 5-in-3's. Wonderful things. Then all you have to worry about is the RAID controller for access to 15 SATA drives.

how much are you looking at spending?

 

[acaeti]

HAve you seen a case large enough for three of those? The largest I have seen is the CM Stacker with 7 external 5.25" bays, enough for only two 5-in-3 modules.

 

[Fullmetal Chocobo]

Originally posted by: acaeti
HAve you seen a case large enough for three of those? The largest I have seen is the CM Stacker with 7 external 5.25" bays, enough for only two 5-in-3 modules.

I have one, but I'm not quite sure how much you want to spend... I can fit two more in mine I think.

 

[acaeti]

I could see myself spending up to $600 if I had to, but i'd rather not

 

[acaeti]

How about anyone seen a 4U case that has 5.25" or a bunch of 3.25" bays rotated vertical like those Apple fiber channel RAID things?

 

[Fullmetal Chocobo]

Originally posted by: acaeti
I could see myself spending up to $600 if I had to, but i'd rather not

Okay. Enermax FS2300-BB case. 23 drive bays. Basically like a double wide. Here is a direct link. And it can be bought direclty from the manufacturer, for ~$450, plus shipping. The case itself is 100 pounds.

EDIT: Here's my pics

 

[acaeti]

Wow what a beast! Daddy likey . I will have to seriously consider that, though I'm sure shipping is a mint... Thanks for the pointer though!

 

[Fullmetal Chocobo]

Originally posted by: acaeti
Wow what a beast! Daddy likey . I will have to seriously consider that, though I'm sure shipping is a mint... Thanks for the pointer though!

No problem. I literally did research for 1.5 years before finding this, and then tried another year to get it (I finally found out about ordering directly from Maxpoint/Enermax).

 

[InlineFour]

What motherboard are using in your server Fullmetal Chocobo?

 

[Fullmetal Chocobo]

Originally posted by: InlineFour
What motherboard are using in your server Fullmetal Chocobo?

Supermicro X5DAE. No OCing, but damn it's a wonderful board.

 

[InlineFour]

Originally posted by: Fullmetal Chocobo

Originally posted by: InlineFour
What motherboard are using in your server Fullmetal Chocobo?

Supermicro X5DAE. No OCing, but damn it's a wonderful board.

What are your thoughts and oppinions on Tyan boards? I just bought the Tomcat i845GL for my budget server build. Here's the thread for complete specs.

 

[Fullmetal Chocobo]

Originally posted by: InlineFour

Originally posted by: Fullmetal Chocobo

Originally posted by: InlineFour
What motherboard are using in your server Fullmetal Chocobo?

Supermicro X5DAE. No OCing, but damn it's a wonderful board.

What are your thoughts and oppinions on Tyan boards? I just bought the Tomcat i845GL for my budget server build. Here's the thread for complete specs.

Tyan's are excellent. By far some of the more superior consumer level boards, especially for a server rig. Definitely a good choice. I had a Tyan back when I had a P4 setup, and my experience with them has been great.

 

[Zepper]

One of these: CG S101

Three of these: 4-in-3 More pix available on newegg.

If you decide to go that route or similar, I have one of the 4-in-3 cages for sale - click the link in my sig. Good luck.

.bh.