Compact storage server or storage tower w/ 8 Bay(Min)

[gaikokujinkyofusho]

I am trying to find an 8bay (minimum) storage tower that doesn't take up a ton of space *and* doesn't cost a fortune. The best option would be a minimally sized self contained box like a via box I read about (but can't find for sale)

The second best option is a tower that has a basic (JBOD, no raid needed since I plan on using ZFS) 8 disk controller (8 dsk ctrlr so I don't have to have mult eSATA cables). I haven't found anything like this yet.

The third best/least preferable is the options are what I have found already is the Rosewill RSV-S8 and the SANS DIGITAL TR8U but they are more than i need (don't need raid if I'm using ZFS).

If I go the storage tower route (ie with no mobo/microproc, unlike the via solution) then I will need to invest in a computer as well and since I am looking for compact I was looking at mini-computers. Problem is I would need something that has a minimum of 2 eSATA ports or can accept a eSATA card and most of them look like they don't have this integrated and are too small to take a card; I am sure there is one out there, I just can't seem to find it.

I am not looking to spend much on this, max $450 which also limits my options (that is $450 for Storage Tower + Mini-Comp **or** $450 for full compact 8-bay storage server). Any recommendations for hardware that fits my needs would *really* be appreciated or if there is some compact/affordable option that would allow me to install OpenSolaris/FreeBSD/FreeNAS I'm all ears! (please don't suggest a monster Drobo, I'd have to put out a 3rd mortgage just to put a down payment for one of those things)

Summary:
-Compact as Possible
-One box solution (server) or two box solution (mini-comp + storage tower)
-8 Bay Minimum
-Cheap (~$450, willing to sacrifice performance)
-Preferably something with a 8 port controller (so I don't have to run multiple eSATA cables)

Cheers,

-Gaiko

 

[Handruin]

I posted my own NAS build using a Cooler Master Centurion 590 which has 9 bays 5 1/4". I paid around $70 for the case, but that was a while ago. I also posted my NAS build here if it helps at all. I built mine with computer parts (it wasn't a pre-built storage server) and I ended up with OpenFiler as the NAS OS. I tried FreeNAS, but found OpenFiler to fit my needs better and it also performed better.

 

[Mercutio]

Newegg sells an ARK rack mounted case that has nine 3.5" bays and three 5.25" (enough to hold a 5 in 3 enclosure), which holds a very respectable number of drives. When they're on sale they drop down to $60 with free shipping. Cabling is a nightmare but they're very easy to silence.

 

[gaikokujinkyofusho]

Hi Handruin, Thanks for pointing me to your previous post, that thread was *Really* useful! and also Mercutio's suggstion as well (the price/specs are right for sure, wiring does look like it would be a bit hairy though)

Cheers,

-Gaiko

 

[ddrueding]

Newegg sells an ARK rack mounted case that has nine 3.5" bays and three 5.25" (enough to hold a 5 in 3 enclosure), which holds a very respectable number of drives. When they're on sale they drop down to $60 with free shipping. Cabling is a nightmare but they're very easy to silence.

I really like this chassis. Easy to work in, though messy when it gets full. Also, don't try and stick a bunch of HDDs in it at the same time as a couple high-end GPUs; it won't fit.

Why I was certain it would, and didn't even check during the build, is something I'll have plenty of time to figure out as I take it apart again.