External 5.25" Enclosure

[space55]

Hello!

I've got a Corsair Obsidian 750D, but I love the look of the all aluminum front - without anything in the 5.25" drive bays. Are there any external 5.25" drive enclosures to fit some stuff like an optical drive, card reader, possibly a fan controller, etc?

Even better, is there a way to put the aluminum front pieces on a hinge to pull it out when I need it, but keep it closed when I don't?

If I were to get one, black looks would be nice, but I could always paint it. It needs to be 3+ drive bays.

Thanks!

 

[SchizTech]

I hadn't thought of the possibility of an enclosure of that size but they apparently do exist.

Example: http://www.amazon.com/Vantec-5-25-Inch-Enclosure-Interface-NST-530S3-BK/dp/B0093HKFYW

That one's a bit pricey; three of them would cost a fair bit.

Here's one on ebay, silver in color but less expensive:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/LDGJ-USB-2-0-5-25-Hard-Disk-Drive-External-SATA-Enclosure-Case-Silver-US-Plug-/190970631332?pt=US_Drive_Enclosures_Docks&hash=item2c76bc94a4

 

[Major_Trouble]

The items you list to be placed in an external enclosure usually connect directly to your motherboard when installed in a case 5.25 drive bay. How would items then be connected if not utilising usb port around the back of your machine. I don't think what you want exists but I wait for someone who knows better.

 

[space55]

I know what you're talking about. I plan on custom doing up the wiring for the DATA connections and PWR connections. Would I be best off just buying something like a CM HAF-X or something of the sort with 10x5.25" drive bays, and putting a future system in there?

Thanks!

 

[SchizTech]

Well a different case would let you create a neater and self-contained setup. You might look for a case which has a door over the drive bays, or whatever else you're looking for.

 

[Major_Trouble]

If you like the clean look of your case and don't want it spoilt by devices in the 5.25" drive bays just get usb versions and tuck them away out of sight until you need them.

How often do you use your dvd drive or card reader anyway.

 

[space55]

In all honesty, I have a DSLR that I use quite a bit, I burn videos that I edit (not illegal), I burn Windows install ISOs for other people, I tend to store some stuff on DVDs, and I plan on making a collector's edition DVD thing for some friends for a game I'm working on.

It's possible I may just get a slimline optical drive, do something with my card reader and such, and try to figure out a reservoir in my system that's not in a 5.25" bay. I'll go looking.

Also, would it be worth getting one of those keyboard shelves for my desk, and putting slimline optical drives in it and such? Sounds like not so bad an idea.