Best bang-for-the-buck mITX case

[kevindd992002]

I'm building a 4 x 3.5" HDD NAS that will utilize the ASRock J5005-ITX motherboard. This system will also have Sonarr, Radarr, and SABNZBd (using mp4 ffmpeg post-processing scripts to convert all my series and movie files to mp4). I'll start with one HDD but will expand to a maximum of 4 (motherboard only has 4 SATA ports) as needed. I need an ITX case that will provide proper air cooling as I live in a tropical county (average ambient temp is 33C). I want it to be a small form factor build and preferably with an SFX PSU. This is my first ITX build so I'm not really familiar with the famous/proper ITX cases around. Having done a little bit of a research, I see these cases thrown around:

Fractal Design Node 304
Fractal Design Core 500
CM Elite 130
A couple of Silverstones which I they are the only one who produce cases that support SFX PSU's

Any help would be much appreciated

 

[SumGhai]

I don't think a CM Elite 130 has the space for 4 x 3.5" HDDs. Fractal Core 500 supports only 3 x 3.5" HDDs.

My first thought is the Node 304 which you've listed, and if you want to use a SFX PSU you can always get a SFX to ATX adapter for that case. There's also the Silverstone GD06 supports 4 x 3.5" HDDs. But it's 22.4L so it's not that small in volume.

 

[TheHig]

Cooler master Elite 130 or 120 Advanced. 3x 3.5 in drives out of the box. One additional 3.5 in drive in the 5in bay via a 5in to 3.5in drive adaptor.

Can use a cheaper ATX psu or SFX with an adaptor as mentioned above.

Also 4x 2.5 in drives supported out of the box if you go with those.

 

[smitty2k1]

I have the Node 304 that holds my server (see signature). Nothing but good things to say about it. It does fit a full ATX power supply, but I highly recommend going with SFX-L or smaller to save your sanity. No real benefit in the Node 304 to going with SFX over SFX-L

 

[kevindd992002]

Thanks. Other than the ones I listed, do you guys have any other recommendations? I'm aiming for a good airflow case, of course. Won't the FD Core 500 be better overall than the FD Node 304?

As for SFX/SFX-L PSU's, what's a good one to use? My board will be a low power one so I woukd imagine it's the HDD's that would take bulk of the load from the PSU. How about just going full silent with a picoPSU 160W? I'd think 160W is enpugh for my use case but I want your opinions.

 

[Choidebu]

The board only consumes 15 to 30W.
2.5" HDDs consume up to 5W.
3.5" HDDs consume up to 10W.

You don't need SFX.

Get a pico and a random but suitable laptop adaptor ~90W or ~120W and call it a day.

But then again it's your money. If it's cheaper and you got the space for it, why not?

 

[kevindd992002]

The only problem here is that 3.5" HDD's can consume up to 25W during spin-up. The motherboard does not stagger HDD spin-up so a picoPSU 90 watts (which is what I currently have) will be overloaded for a few seconds. And I think that a good 300-450W SFX is about the same cost as to that of a picoPSU-160-XT kit (w/ power adaptor) from mini-box.com. Plus the fact that SFX PSU's are more efficient, although that's arguably significant for low-power applications like this.

 

[smitty2k1]

The only problem here is that 3.5" HDD's can consume up to 25W during spin-up. The motherboard does not stagger HDD spin-up so a picoPSU 90 watts (which is what I currently have) will be overloaded for a few seconds. And I think that a good 300-450W SFX is about the same cost as to that of a picoPSU-160-XT kit (w/ power adaptor) from mini-box.com. Plus the fact that SFX PSU's are more efficient, although that's arguably significant for low-power applications like this.

The Silverstone 450w SFX version 3 with integrated cables is going for a VERY attractive price these days and has a quiet 92mm fan. This version also comes with the SFX-ATX adapter for use in a Node304 or similar case.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01LZFMKCI/?tag=theminutiae-20

 

[kevindd992002]

The Silverstone 450w SFX version 3 with integrated cables is going for a VERY attractive price these days and has a quiet 92mm fan. This version also comes with the SFX-ATX adapter for use in a Node304 or similar case.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01LZFMKCI/?tag=theminutiae-20

How do I know it's version 3 and is there a modular version of that?

 

[NFSxperts]

Just in case you're interested, here's my NAS in a Elite 120. Like TheHig said, you can mount the 4th hdd in the optical bay.
https://smallformfactor.net/forum/t...krack-g1840-nh-d14-internal-power-brick.1856/

 

[miptzi]

Another vote for the node 304. Superior hdd capacity (can you be sure that 4 drives will quench your storage needs forever?) Superior build quality and appearance, room to work around the mobo, CPU cooler clearance, built-in fan controller....

 

[kevindd992002]

I can't be sure but I delete my media after I watch them. So I can manage. But of course, future proofing is still the way to go. It looks like the Core 500 is better than the Node 304. Do you have anything against the Core 500?

 

[smitty2k1]

I can't be sure but I delete my media after I watch them. So I can manage. But of course, future proofing is still the way to go. It looks like the Core 500 is better than the Node 304. Do you have anything against the Core 500?

It only holds three 3.5" drives, has a useless 5.25" drive (unless you get an adapter to hold another 3.5" drive), and it's ugly?

 

[kevindd992002]

It only holds three 3.5" drives, has a useless 5.25" drive (unless you get an adapter to hold another 3.5" drive), and it's ugly?

Right, but it has better cooling than the Node 304. And looks is relative, I don't find it ugly. I'm hearing cooling issues with the Node 304.

 

[smitty2k1]

Right, but it has better cooling than the Node 304. And looks is relative, I don't find it ugly. I'm hearing cooling issues with the Node 304.

I've got my Node304 loaded with 6 HDDs and have no issues with cooling. The two 120mm in the front for intake and single 140mm in the rear for exhaust. What more do you need for cooling?

I think you're overthinking this.

 

[mcwobby]

I like the Cooler Master Elite 120 over the 130. It’s usually cheaper and includes great drive sleds, which makes installing multiple hard drives a breeze. There’s only official mounting for 3*3.5” drives (or 6 2.5” drives) but you could easily fit a forth in the 5.25” bay.
I fitted out my office with ~30 PCs made in those 2 cases.

Definitely recommend getting a SFX PSU over an ATX one just for your sanity, but its not that bad with an ATX one.

 

[jØrd]

Might I suggest the Silverstone CS01-HS

STH review