I’m replacing an SFF PC (HP ProDesk 600 G5 SFF) I’m using as a server with a larger one that’ll function as a server and a NAS, and all I want is a case that would have been commonplace 10-15 years ago:

  • Fits an ATX motherboard.
  • Fits at least 4-5 hard drives.
  • Is okay sitting on its side instead of upright (or even better, is built to be horizontal) since it’ll be sitting on a wire shelving unit (replacing the SFF PC here: https://upvote.au/post/11946)
  • No glass side panel, since it’ll be sitting horizontally.
  • Ideally space for a fan on the left panel

It seems like cases like this are hard to find these days. The two I see recommended are the Fractal Design Define R5 and the Cooler Master N400, both of which are quite old. The Streacom F12C was really nice but it’s long gone now, having been discontinued many years ago.

Unfortunately I don’t have enough depth for a full-depth rackmount server; I’ve got a very shallow rack just for networking equipment.

Does anyone have recommendations for any cases that fit these requirements?

My desktop PC has a Fractal Design Define R4 that I bought close to 10 years ago… I’m tempted to just buy a new case for it and repurpose the Define R4 for the server.

  • danOPA
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    1 year ago

    For cases with a solid metal or acrylic side panel, you can always just make space for fans on them.

    My desktop PC uses a Fractal Design R4 case with an acrylic side panel. I could definitely reuse that case and drill some holes in it for a fan.