Case for SATA array

[mtl_hed]

OK, so I've got my card and drives picked out and I want to find a good case that is for a storage array _only_. No motherboard.

Basically, if I could just by the case from this solution, it would be perfect:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16816133001&nm_mc=OTC-Froogle&cm_mmc=OTC-Froogle-_-Server+-+RAID+Sub-Systems-_-Norco+Technologies+Inc.-_-16133001

But, the only cases I can find with SATA hotswap trays are meant for the server itself. I already have a server with a SCSI backplane that I do not want to lose. I intend to attach this new array to the existing server via SAS+expanders or eSata+PM's.



So, my question is: Does anybody know of a storage only case with at least 10 SATA hotswap bays for $500US or less? If not, are there any cases that have split SATA/SCSI backplanes(6-12 needed for SCSI and the rest SATA)?

[XS Janus]

Maybe buy some of these: http://www.icydock.com/product/mb455spf.html
and just get a 9+ exposed 5.25" bays.
like Sharkoon Rebel (cheap): :shrug:

[mtl_hed]

Well, I thought of that too. The cheapest of those "5 in 3" bays i could find was about $80US. It would end up being nearly as expensive as just buying a dedicated case, but look lot more cheap. It just seems strange that I cant find a case similar to that Norco case but without the RAID card or expanders.

[XS Janus]

I have those 5in3 Icydocks and they are VERY solid from the outside. The backplane, I must say, has very soft black plastic on conectors that wears and breaks way TO easily.
But one thing I you need to remember is that most server cases use regular 5.25 inch hotswap bays. While that offers more cooling space between the drives it also consumes more space for the drives. On top of that you will probably need to buy aditional bays for a lot of cases cause they tont come with any included.

I was in the same kind of pickle bout' a month ago and just ended up with a Chieftec server case WH-02B-B with 9 bays and 2 of those icy docks 5in3. It has 4 bays in the top section and 5 bays in the lower one. That means up to 13 drives + DVD!
The system looks like a real server now:D very industrial.