Those who are self hosting at home, what case are you using? (Looking for recommendations)

https://lemmy.blahaj.zone/post/6923980

Those who are self hosting at home, what case are you using? (Looking for recommendations) - Blåhaj Lemmy

TLDR: If you were building a NAS for 8 HDDs and 1 SSD today, what case would you use? I’m going to be rebuilding my system soon (currently using an old PowerEdge T610) using one of my other older (R5 1600) systems and I’ve basically hit a road block on picking a case. I’ve got 8 HDDs that need to fit in the system after it’s rebuilt (plus at least one SSD) so I’m kinda limited in that regard. The rest of the system is planned out (mostly because I’m reusing old parts) it’s just the case I’m stuck on. I’m wanting to avoid rack mounting currently mostly due to space (and wanting to keep it under $200) I was thinking maybe the Fractal Design Define R5, the Fractal Design Node 804, or the Phanteks Enthoo Pro 2 but I’m open to suggestions. EDIT: And for those that want to know why I want to move away from the PowerEdge T610, it’s primarily due to repairability. Primarily the PSU, I don’t want to have to buy used PSUs in case mine dies again.

Fractal Design, definitely. The model I’m using is no longer made but they have very good ones today too. Look into the Define and Meshify lines. They have models that can utilize the full height of the case for HDD/SSD slots with openings on both sides for maximum ease of cable routing.

The Define 7 or Meshify 2 is most likely what you want. They only come with 6 HDD brackets included but you can buy more and they have slots for up to 11.

The R5 is another good choice, I like those brackets more, but it’s not so flexible as the others I mentioned, and the 5.25" bays will most likely go unused and just take up space.

Don’t get the Node 804, it’s much larger than it seems (check out yt videos) and is cramped and hard to work in.

I second the R5 case. I have one for my NAS and it’s been a dream to work in.