BUILD 3x 5.25" to 4x or 5x 3.5" HDD Cage Recommendations

[xCatalystx]

First off sorry if this isn't the right section. I figured some of you guys would be using these type of converts. I'm looking for recommendations.
I'm looking at adding 2 of these so I can add a separate pool to my FreeNAS box. As I just tricked over 85%.

I haven't really used any myself as I usually use dell or supermicro server cases at work with plenty of hotswap trays.

• SATA or miniSAS is fine.
• Decent size fan + replaceable.
• Antivibration would be nice.
• Trayless would be nice but not a deal breaker.
• Must be available in Australia or Amazon/Newegg global.

Just hoping to get pointed in the right direction to avoid pool breaking trash.

 

[SweetAndLow]

I have no clue what you are talking about. Describe things better please.

Sent from my Nexus 5X using Tapatalk

 

[xCatalystx]

3 x 5.25-Inch to 4 x 3.5-Inch drive cage like umm https://www.amazon.com/Rosewill-5-25-Inch-3-5-Inch-Hot-swap-SATAIII/dp/B00DGZ42SM (first google resault)

 

[Stux]

I bought an Icydock 5in3 drive cage. Supports hot-swap, has a replaceable fan, as well as high/low/auto settings for fan. Works quite well. Mine is a caddyless version, which is perhaps not as secure as a caddy version. Am happy with it.

http://www.icydock.com.tw/eng/goods.php?id=136

I purchased it in AU from TechBuy.

There is a newer version which improves the retention system, and that's the biggest issue I have with the current one:
http://www.icydock.com.tw/eng/goods.php?id=251

 

[Ericloewe]

I'm mostly satisfied with mine (see signature), but they changed the design slightly in the time between my X10 and my X11.

The old design used very barebones "trays", which were basically a U-shaped aluminum frame. The newer units have real trays that can be used with 2.5" drives.

They're nominally compatible, but the new trays in the older unit make for a more difficult insertion, with elbow grease being required to avoid excessive stress on the SATA ports.

 

[xCatalystx]

I bought an Icydock 5in3 drive cage. Supports hot-swap, has a replaceable fan, as well as high/low/auto settings for fan. Works quite well. Mine is a caddyless version, which is perhaps not as secure as a caddy version. Am happy with it.

http://www.icydock.com.tw/eng/goods.php?id=136

I purchased it in AU from TechBuy.

There is a newer version which improves the retention system, and that's the biggest issue I have with the current one:
http://www.icydock.com.tw/eng/goods.php?id=251

hows the airflow and sound? I was kind of worried about a little 80mm fan cooling 5 drives. Esp during the warmer days.

I'm mostly satisfied with mine (see signature), but they changed the design slightly in the time between my X10 and my X11.

The old design used very barebones "trays", which were basically a U-shaped aluminum frame. The newer units have real trays that can be used with 2.5" drives.

They're nominally compatible, but the new trays in the older unit make for a more difficult insertion, with elbow grease being required to avoid excessive stress on the SATA ports.

I've seen quite a few people using the icydock fatcage units. It was on my shortlist.

 

[Stux]

Airflow is sufficient to cool the drives, not as quiet as my airflow optimized rackmount but not obnoxious and inaudible from anywhere except next to the machine.

 

[TXAG26]

Supermicro also makes a 3x 5.25" bay to 5 SATA HDD Cage. I have a couple and have been pleased with them.

W/out iPASS
http://www.supermicro.com/products/accessories/mobilerack/CSE-M35T-1B.cfm

w/iPASS
http://www.supermicro.com/products/accessories/mobilerack/CSE-M35TQB.cfm

 

[xCatalystx]

Supermicro also makes a 3x 5.25" bay to 5 SATA HDD Cage. I have a couple and have been pleased with them.

What's iPASS? haven't heard that term before. Supermicro is a bit of a pain to get in Australia without me selling a kidney, unfortunately. I will give it a look over.

I did see these from RoseWill https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00DGZ42SM/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER

Temperature is a big concern as the room gets very warm during the warmer seasons so I figured the 120mm fan (I'd replace the stock prob) would be an asset. I do plan on mounting these in a short depth 4U chassis and these will be the main source of intake air.

 

[Ericloewe]

Temperature is a big concern as the room gets very warm during the warmer seasons so I figured the 120mm fan (I'd replace the stock prob) would be an asset.

On the contrary. The 80mm fan will have superior static pressure, which is the limiting factor here.
For reasonable fan speeds, anyway.

 

[TXAG26]

What's iPASS? haven't heard that term before. Supermicro is a bit of a pain to get in Australia without me selling a kidney, unfortunately. I will give it a look over.

I did see these from RoseWill https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00DGZ42SM/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER

Temperature is a big concern as the room gets very warm during the warmer seasons so I figured the 120mm fan (I'd replace the stock prob) would be an asset. I do plan on mounting these in a short depth 4U chassis and these will be the main source of intake air.

I should clarify, it's the extra 2x5 "sideband" connector for enclosure management. I've never used them. I think one or two of mine may have that feature since at the time, I found them for the same price.

Ive heard that I f you cross both your fingers and toes and are running the right software with an HBA that also has the sideband connection (or one on the motherboard), it can report internal cage temps, fan failures, and possibly HDD activity and failures. Usually you see this feature on server backplanes for enclosure management.

 

[JDCynical]

I did see these from RoseWill https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00DGZ42SM/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER

Temperature is a big concern as the room gets very warm during the warmer seasons so I figured the 120mm fan (I'd replace the stock prob) would be an asset. I do plan on mounting these in a short depth 4U chassis and these will be the main source of intake air.

I have some of these Rosewills. They are ok. Nothing amazing, but they work with the perc 6 cards I have in my vm hosts.

Keep in mind that, especially with a short chassis, they may not be much room behind them, especially if the board is a full EATX. My SM EEATX boards just fit in behind it in my 21" deep 4U.

 

[xCatalystx]

Sorry for the late reply back. Been out of the country for a holiday (gotta get some sun), After doing abit of research im tossing up between:

(Cheaper Option) 2x Rosewill 3 x 5.25-Inch to 4 x 3.5-Inch Hot-swap SATAIII/SAS Hard Disk Drive Cage
($$ Option) 2x Icydock MB154SP-B

For now, i'm sticking to 4bays because if I need more A) I would need another HBA b) I would go the JBOD with mini-SAS route. At this stage highly unlikely.

I should clarify, it's the extra 2x5 "sideband" connector for enclosure management. I've never used them.

Ahh now that you mention it i think i've seen something like that on the supermicro server backplanes..

I have some of these Rosewills. They are ok. Nothing amazing, but they work with the perc 6 cards I have in my vm hosts.

How's the build quality? I did notice a few comment on Amazon about it over extending, it shouldn't be a problem in the case I've picked. also uatx board.

 

[JDCynical]

How's the build quality? I did notice a few comment on Amazon about it over extending, it shouldn't be a problem in the case I've picked. also uatx board.

They are... ok. No where near as nice as the SM ones you can get, being mostly plastic, but they do the job without being too fiddily.

As for them 'over extending', I'm guessing you are referring to the depth? I'm guessing that due to it being mostly plastic, the assembly is bigger than others (I measured mine and including the fan, it's about 8.75" deep). I can take some pictures if you like?

 

[xCatalystx]

They are... ok. No where near as nice as the SM ones you can get, being mostly plastic, but they do the job without being too fiddily.

As for them 'over extending', I'm guessing you are referring to the depth? I'm guessing that due to it being mostly plastic, the assembly is bigger than others (I measured mine and including the fan, it's about 8.75" deep). I can take some pictures if you like?

yeah, the depth. that would be cool if you could. planning on ordering stuff next week so gotta lock something in.

 

[JDCynical]

yeah, the depth. that would be cool if you could. planning on ordering stuff next week so gotta lock something in.

Sorry for not getting back to you sooner. I took some pictures and PMed you the links to them on imgur (unless anyone else is interested, in which case I'll post them here so everyone can see (and comment on the dust level on them ;) )

 

[xCatalystx]

Sorry for not getting back to you sooner. I took some pictures and PMed you the links to them on imgur (unless anyone else is interested, in which case I'll post them here so everyone can see (and comment on the dust level on them ;) )

No Problem, I saw the reply this morning when i got home but big night (engagement party) so was pretty stuffed. Thanks for the pics. thoughts on the stock fan? worth replacing?

The serial number label's are a nice touch =)

 

[JDCynical]

No Problem, I saw the reply this morning when i got home but big night (engagement party) so was pretty stuffed. Thanks for the pics. thoughts on the stock fan? worth replacing?

So far it's been OK. I've considered swapping it out for a thinner one, but that's about it.

The serial number label's are a nice touch =)

Something I picked up from here, it does make identifying a problem drive much easier and quicker. :)