Rackmount cases; ID this?

[MalVeauX]

Hey folks,

I'm looking at starting to use rackmounts because I've just got too many drives for general cases.

Can someone explain/ID the following:

I've seen suspended HDD cages hanging from this part of most rackmounts, but then there's these extra bars. I have no idea what they are.

Thanks!

Very best,

 

[Zap]

Those are "card keepers." They make sure that expansion cards (PCI, PCIe cards) are physically unable to leave the slot.

 

[MedicBob]

Zap has hit it right on the nose.

There are several ways of holding cards in. Each manufacture seems to like their own way. Occasionally you still see full PCI cards that generally only fit into eATX cases.

 

[MalVeauX]

Heya,

Ahh, ok. Too bad. I had hoped it would be something I could use to mount even more 3.5" HDD's. Alas.

So I guess I'm on the hunt for a case that can hold more drives. Not just 6~8. More like 10 or more. Hell, more like 12 or more really. I saw a 20 drive hot swap capable case, but $350 is a lot for just the ability to hold a bunch of drives. I don't need hot swap. Just want to be able to fill the thing with a ton of drives.

Any suggestions for a good 12~14 HDD capable case would be great.

Very best,

 

[Zap]

Going for 28TB of data?

How about getting any normal large tower and then using a 5¼" to 3½" adapter?

This case combined with two of these adapters would be $130 plus shipping for a total of SIXTEEN HARD DRIVES. If that isn't enough for you, then I would suggest putting the pr0n down and backing away from the keyboard.

You can also go super cheap if you don't care about quality by getting some random cheap case (I saw some $20 Rosewill) with one of those adapters to easily get ten 3½" drive bays.

 

[JSt0rm]

Go fiber and look into the many fiber hd racks

 

[MalVeauX]

Heya,

Going for 28TB of data?

How about getting any normal large tower and then using a 5¼" to 3½" adapter?

This case combined with two of these adapters would be $130 plus shipping for a total of SIXTEEN HARD DRIVES. If that isn't enough for you, then I would suggest putting the pr0n down and backing away from the keyboard.

You can also go super cheap if you don't care about quality by getting some random cheap case (I saw some $20 Rosewill) with one of those adapters to easily get ten 3½" drive bays.

I saw that case; the only thing keeping me away from it is the lack of motherboard tray that has a place to remove a back plate to allow for a big heat sink to be attached (like a Mugen 2). That HDD 3.5" adapater is perfect though. Most of the ones I found were hotswap and expensive and stuff. $10 is much better. I'm getting two of those for sure, so awesome, thanks!

Go fiber and look into the many fiber hd racks

Could you link an example(s)? I'm not familiar with `fiber'.

Very best,

 

[JSt0rm]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...-121-_-Product

 

[WoodButcher]

Heya,

I saw that case; the only thing keeping me away from it is the lack of motherboard tray that has a place to remove a back plate to allow for a big heat sink to be attached (like a Mugen 2). That HDD 3.5" adapater is perfect though. Most of the ones I found were hotswap and expensive and stuff. $10 is much better. I'm getting two of those for sure, so awesome, thanks!

Very best,

You don't need a hole in the mobo tray to use a backplate for heatsinks, all those I've used fit between the tray and the motherboard. Put it in place before installing the mobo with a little double sided foam tape.
A hole in the mobo tray is a relatively new offering from case manufacturers. Because so many enthusiasts cut their own to swap out heatsinks and waterblocks easily the manufacturers use this as a selling point. The opening in many cases does not always align properly with different motherboards so is often a disappointment.

Cut your own if that case is adequate but check the width of the case to see that a tower heatsink will fit.

 

[AlkiYY]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811146051

I was thinking of this case for a media server. 9 3.5 bays and 7 5.25 bays. Get two of the adapters that Zap suggested and you'd have space for 17 HD's with room for an optical drive. Or if you have a few extra bucks for some 5in3 adapters and you'd have 19HD's.

 

[MalVeauX]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811146051

I was thinking of this case for a media server. 9 3.5 bays and 7 5.25 bays. Get two of the adapters that Zap suggested and you'd have space for 17 HD's with room for an optical drive. Or if you have a few extra bucks for some 5in3 adapters and you'd have 19HD's.

What a beast!

Now that's what I'm talking about.

Very best,

 

[Ghiddy]

How much are you willing to spend? For around $600 you can get a custom case that can store I think 45 hard drives (spindle). Google "BackBlaze" for more info.