Question Best mid-tower ATX case for 8 - 10 HDD?

[balamindin]

Hello all,

I'm in a bit of a pickle. I've turned my old PC into a media server and added 2 x 3.5" HDD. This is in addition to the 3 x SSD that were already there -- took a little doing but got there in the end -- but this is it. I fear I've stretched it as far as I can. In the near future I can see myself adding more (4 - 6) 3.5" drives so I need a new case but I don't know which one to go for.

Budget is £160 and I'd like a mid-tower that can accommodate ATX motherboard and an ATX PSU. My GPU length is 288 mm. I'd like one that would have 8 x 3.5" drive bays (and 2 - 3 drive bays for my SSD).
NO RBG would be a plus.

The two cases I've seen so far are Fractal Design Define R5 and 7 but I don't like their front panels -- they'd be completing blocking the fans (except for those tiny vents on the sides). I don't care about the noise as this thing isn't gonna be in the bedroom but good airflow is a must.

Based on all that I've said, are there any other cases you'd recommend?

Thank you for reading.

 

[USAFRet]

Why not just an external enclosure?
For a media server, you'll not notice any performance issues.

A couple of these:
https://www.amazon.com/Mediasonic-ProBox-HF2-SU3S2-SATA-Enclosure/dp/B003X26VV4

I have one, 5 years old.

 

[balamindin]

Why not just an external enclosure?
For a media server, you'll not notice any performance issues.

A couple of these:
https://www.amazon.com/Mediasonic-ProBox-HF2-SU3S2-SATA-Enclosure/dp/B003X26VV4

I have one, 5 years old.

Well, I kind of want one single box that would fit nicely in the lounge (the way it is now).

It is a curious option you've provided though. I'll bear that in mind as a second choice.

 

[USAFRet]

Well, I kind of want one single box that would fit nicely in the lounge (the way it is now).

It is a curious option you've provided though. I'll bear that in mind as a second choice.

There is also an 8 bay version of that. Outside your budget, though.

 

[balamindin]

There is also an 8 bay version of that. Outside your budget, though.

This is heading towards a NAS route though. And if I didn't already have a spare PC, I'd be up for it. But I still want to have just one box.

As it is, either have an enclosure like you suggested (which is another box) or perhaps a full-tower like Define 7 XL..which would be one big box

Still not fond that front panel though

 

[SkyNetRising]

Based on all that I've said, are there any other cases you'd recommend?

Thermaltake Core V71

http://nordic.thermaltake.com/products-model.aspx?id=C_00002231

 

[balamindin]

I really didn't like the look of V71 so I wasn't sure where to go from there.

But then I discovered Fractal Design Mashify 2XL (Dark Windowed) and was pretty sure that was it. Pulled the triggered last week and built it out (transferred my old PC in it and added more drives) over the weekend -- it was fantastic. There was ample amount of space and cable management so easy. I had never used full towers before but now I don't think I'd ever go back

Thanks for all the replies.

 

[geofelt]

Go to newegg cases.
Filter on the number of 2.5 and 3.5" bays you want.

Perhaps added storage should come in the form of higher capacity drives. Up to 18tb is possible.

 

[SkyNetRising]

But then I discovered Fractal Design Mashify 2XL (Dark Windowed) and was pretty sure that was it. Pulled the triggered last week and built it out (transferred my old PC in it and added more drives) over the weekend -- it was fantastic.

The case looks great.
But does it have enough drive mounts for your requirements?
It seems, it has only 6 drive mounts included.

 

[balamindin]

The case looks great.
But does it have enough drive mounts for your requirements?
It seems, it has only 6 drive mounts included.

Correct but I had extra HDD mounts from my previous build (with Silent Base 802) and re-used them in this. Now, I have 8 x HDD and 3 x SSD, and still some room left for a few more HDD but obviously I would need to get more mounts.