The original post: /r/datahoarder by /u/Disgamer on 2024-08-18 20:17:38.
I'm looking to start my first plex media server using an old gaming PC. I want to use ICY Dock 6 with several 8TB SSDs (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01M0BIPYC/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1) I know that the define 7 has 2.5 inch bays as well, but I want to use the ICY Dock to maximize the storage space.
I was going to transfer it to a Fractal Define 7 XL, however it only has 2 5.25 in bays for the docks. I was originally going to use Seagate Iron Wolf HDDs, but my concern was noise as I am going to set it up in my room(I don’t have anywhere else to put it)
I have few questions:
Are there any cases like the Fractal Define 7 XL that have room for an ATX motherboard and 3060TI(If not, my plan was use a PCI ribbon cable and mount it flat.) and several 5.25 inch bays?
If I were to use the ICY Dock, how would I daisy chain several of them together?
For the future, if I ever need to expand beyond what is in that case, what are my options? Are there any cases that consists of just 5.25 in bays? If so, could I just connect it the drives in the original case and daisy chain it? How would I do that?
I've looked into traditional server rack housings, however from what I've seen, the Fractal Define 7XL is a lot better deal in terms of bays, even if I cant use the dock. Ive seen server housings that cost more but only have a fraction of the drive bays.
Im leaning toward the Define 7 XL(even if I cant use the dock) because Im planning to use an old monitor to interface with it. From what I've seen, lot of the server racks only have USB and not the traditional IO(Though I could be wrong, this my first server.),
Is there a way to connect it to my main PC and use a program like a virtual machine to interface with it within my main PC?
I have a ton of movies that Im going to add. I should be set for a while, I just I want to make sure that in future I am able to expand if necessary. Im willing to spend a bit more now for future expandability.
Any advice is appreciated!