Recommendation for a file server case?

[aatf510]

Hi, I am looking to build a storage computer with some lower end components and 3 harddrives. This is going to be left on 24/7, so I am definately looking for something quiet and cools harddrives relatively well (at least there is no huge cpu and video cards to worry about).
I'd only like to spend about $50, but I know it's impossible. However I am definately keep it under $150.

Any ideas? Thanks!

 

[rhino56]

try to find a nice big case on ebay and put a few decent fans on it. removing fan grills really helps cut the noise down also.

 

[Fallen Kell]

Well, you can always pick up an Antec P180 on closeout sale. But that will still run in the $130-150. But for only 3 drives, you can pretty much get any case that has a 120mm input and 120mm exhaust fans.

 

[Zepper]

See my rosewill thread here. The Rosewill R6A series. Most are around $50. shipped (the models with free shipping) right now on Newegg. These are the same (meaning identical to) as the Antec SLK3000-B inside. You can get them with or without door and with a bit of bling (R6AS5-BK) for a couple dollars more. Excellent for your purposes. And this PSU iStar 350PD1 will be more than adequate (I've been running my system on an old Sparkle 250W unit while I waited for my next PSU to arrive), plus Newegg does call it a Server PSU but it's not. This is the lowest price I've ever seen for a PSU with activePFC and full-range AC sensing. That should do you for under $100. If you get an R6A series case, you will need another 120mm fan as it comes with only one. I'd recommend this fan Arctic Cooling AF12 for your exhaust and use the one that comes with for the intake/HDD fan as only 25mm thick fans will fit there.

.bh.

 

[Late4Dinner]

I'd say go for the cheapest case with the most drive bays (both 3.5 and 5.25--you can use adapters) you can find. In my experience, even cheapo crap cases are still decent enough. Then invest in a good power supply. DO NOT risk using any PS the case might come with, you would eventually regret it.

If the case doesn't meet your cooling/airflow needs, another beauty of cheapo cases is that their thin, soft metal is easy to cut. A $10 hole saw set and $10 drill bit set will work wonders. Toss in a $5 file for clean-up, and you have everything you need to make all your airflow dreams come true (except fans, grills, sound-deadening, etc.).

Remember, the price of tools don't count toward case costs.