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I currently have a fractal case w\ it being fairly full. Currently running Unraid. Was wanting to see about a smaller enclosed server case and found ones w\ a 15-17 depth (limited space in my office). I was going to put the motherboard in its own rack. So wanted to see about getting a 12 slot hot swappable rack to put the drives in and connect with a SAS. But for the life of me and days of looking cant find a rack that is JUST the 12 3.5 inch drive hot swap bays and doesnt also include the extra space for the motherboard. Which of course makes it double the depth... Figured if anyone would know where to find something like this you would. But if not thanks for taking the time to read my message! Your content is great!
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It sounds like you're looking for a compact, 12-slot hot-swappable drive rack to fit into a smaller server case. Since you're aiming for something specifically for drives (without additional space for a motherboard), I understand how frustrating it can be to find just the right fit.
Here are some options you could explore:
12-Bay Hot-Swap Drive Enclosures:
There are a number of SAS/SATA 12-bay hot-swap enclosures available, but they often come with a full chassis. A few options to consider:
Norco 12-bay hot-swap enclosures: These are designed for larger server setups but might offer what you're looking for in terms of just the drive bays. Some models might allow for more compact setups if you are okay with mounting them separately.
Supermicro SC836: While typically designed for larger servers, some users have found ways to integrate it into smaller enclosures by removing excess space or components. It features 12 hot-swap bays and could be a good match.
Custom Solutions:
If you're handy with DIY solutions, you could consider buying a smaller 3U rackmount enclosure or a modular storage system and modify it to remove unnecessary components. This would allow you to use just the hot-swap bays.
Search for 3rd-Party SAS Expansions:
Some brands like iStarUSA and Chenbro offer hot-swap SAS drive bays with compact enclosures that might fit your size constraints. While most of these enclosures will be designed to accommodate more than just the drives, you might be able to find a solution that works with your smaller case size.
Check on eBay or Server Surplus Markets:
Sometimes, older or used server parts can offer the exact specifications you're looking for at a lower price. You may come across 12-bay enclosures sold individually from decommissioned servers.
Recommendation:
If you're really looking for just the hot-swap bays without additional space for the motherboard, I'd suggest starting with the Norco or Supermicro options and seeing if they can be mounted or integrated into your smaller case. If that’s too bulky, consider modifying existing server cases to fit your needs or looking at modular systems.
