Ok, this is doing my nut in. I need a case for my file server. I've been using an antec sonata <model name here> for a while since it was really very quiet. However, I've now gome to 8 disks and it really can't handle the heat anymore. I have about 175 to spend all in so hdd adapters need to be figured in. I've found a couple of Lian Li machines that look the mutt nuts but are fairly pricey, add to that three hdd caddies and it gets way to expensive. I think this looks reasonable (spec not looks!) http://www.kustompcs.co.uk/acatalog/info_1184.html and it leaves me with some cash o get another 750gb drive The number of hard drives is only going to grow so I need a fair amount of expandability. Anyone have any suggestions? I don't really have time to build one.
http://www.kustompcs.co.uk/acatalog/info_1008.html adds another £40 or so onto the 1200 but it can take 10 HDDs and looks good. The antec case will be noisy, those tri fans are not quiet, and I quickly ripped them out of my 900. It has a completely seperate chamber for all 10 HDDs so heat will not be an issue, it even have good airflow for them The 1200 is nice but its very big, this case seems more long than tall which is probably easier to store etc. just my 2p, and yes I know you said you didnt want a Lian Li but I think they are your best bet. Scan have Samsung F1 750s going for about £55 as well, damn good buy.
The Li Li V2000 doesn't have spectaular HDD cooling though... The 1200 looks dog ugly, but will cool everything better...
Why 8 hard drives The V2000 is a phenomenal case, but doesn't have the best hard drive cooling - you could mod it though. Antec generally has better vibration reduction though.
The v2000's HD cooling is fine... unless they've made some massive changes to it recently. There's a nice 120mm fan at the front and dual 80s in the back (plus whatever your PSU has), and plenty of space between drives. Plus they're separated from the rest of the toasty components. Maybe your experience has been different, Mankz., but I've never had any kind of issue with mine.
The HD revolution!!! The V2000 does look lovely and Lian Li's reputation is clearly fantastic. There is a bit of a wind tunnel effect going on there from what I can see. Noise isn't the biggest of issues since it will be in the spare room. I do concede its a factor, you should hear the sonata with 4 120's running 2000rpm plus the cpu and psu fans. I swear it slowly moves across the room now! I was also looking at this since I have 10% off with these chappies. But again I'm not sure on the HDD layout. I keep coming back to the idea of building my own, but the fans and mobo tray and cables are going to come to about £120 as it is. This Antec one, whilst dog ugly, will (I think) keep the drives cooler. Confuzzulated
