Compact & silent NAS case?

[Cantello]

Hi all!

In order to replace my current file server (eeeBox with 500GB) with a more spacious solution, I am looking for a case that is both compact, holds 2-4 (better four of them) 3.5" drives and is silent.

The obvious choice for a DIY NAS case would be the Chenbro ES34069 (Mini-ITX, 4 hot-swappable bays, compact) but this seems to be rather loud and difficult to silence with its non-standard 70mm fans.

Another good solution would be the hfx mini server (fanless, 4 drive bays, µ-ATX board), but this one is not as compact as the Chenbro one, plus it's considerably more expensive, although it's fanless. However, I like a cube or a tower-style (albeit much smaller) case better than the rack-mount style of the hfx case.
Two more cases that might be suitable are the Lian-Li V352 (µ-ATX, lots of space) or the Lian-Li Q08 (mini-ITX, lots of space, too), but I fear that these - being made from aluminum - might not be as sturdy and silent as other cases. Additionally, both have a 5.25" bay, which I really don't need.

Is there any case comparable to these cases that might be better suited for my needs?

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Just for reference, this is my intended set-up:

• Case (to be decided, see above)
• MB: Either Intel DQ57TM (µ-ATX, Q57 chipset for KVM-over-IP; would like this a lot for administering the server) or Zotac H55-ITX Wifi (mini-ATX, H55 chipset, 6x SATA ports)
• CPU: Intel Core i3-530
• Storage: 2.5" drive for the system (either SSD or regular, or even CF disk or USB drive), 2x Samsung or WD Green 1TB drives
• OS: Ubuntu server (easier for me to administer and flexible)

 

[Jesse B]

If you're fine with going with a uATX case, then I highly recommend this case:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...147112&cm_re=r101-p-bk-_-11-147-112-_-Product

Yes, it is a cheap-o brand, yes, it is cheap itself, but mine is of excellent quality. It's a very sturdy feeling case for something this cheap. The exterior panels aren't quite as thick as I would like them to be, but I can still put quite a bit of pressure on them, and for $30, I'm not complaining at all. It also has 4x 3.5" internal drive bays, 2x 3.5" external drive bays (which can be used as internal just fine), and 3x 5.25" external drive bays. I threw a Corsair 400CX in there for the power supply, and then the rest of my server hardware. It works like a charm, and with the front and rear 120mm fan locations, you can keep it cool quietly.

One note, the included 120mm fan (rear) is pretty damn loud, so I'd buy two new fans.

 

[HDClown]

Lian Li cases are awesome. They are built to very high standards and fans that Lian Li uses are VERY quiet. Had I decided to build my own NAS, the Q08 was my choice, but I ended up buying a QNAP instead.

 

[Cantello]

Thanks for your replies, I have now decided to go with a compact mini-ATX case and am seriously considering the Lian-Li Q08, although the included 5.25" slot bothers me a bit as I won't need it, but then again, the Q08 seems to be of better build quality than either the Chenbro or the Chyang Fun case so it might be the sensible choice here...

 

[memilanuk]

I'd be interested in hearing how your build goes... I'm heading in a similar direction sometime this fall as time/funds allow. I have to admit, I really like what I see in that Chenbro case as far as size/features. Never heard anything bad about Lian Li, though.