5x SATA cages for 3x 5.25" bays?

[c.f4]

Originally Posted by Ameel

A few fair few reviews that ive come across compare the norco ss-500 with others. For example, one compared with icydock and the supermicro, and rated the ss-500 as better overall. The x-case is a re-branded ss-500

I have recently built a home NAS using the SS-500. First one had a dodgy sata port which kept giving me timeouts in FreeBSD.

Got my replacement from techbuy and it is actually one of the newer versions. Fan is loud as fuck though but thank god it will be sitting in the garage come the new house

Since its my first 5in3 I can't comment on comparisons but for what it does and the weight makes it feel sturdy and reliable.

Will be buying another soon.

[Ameel]

My setup at the moment. Hard drives fit in VERY easily. No screwing. Just plug a plastic rail on each side of hdd and slide into slot.

My setup has space for 6 more HDDs as can be seen below.

Very cheap option too!!

[Soulblade2]

Hey that's not bad.

Is that ssd just sitting on the bottom?

[Ameel]

Originally Posted by Soulblade2

Hey that's not bad.

Is that ssd just sitting on the bottom?

its just a regular 2.5", no ssd. It's screwed at the bottom at the moment. I might either switch to a USB OS or get a 3.5" to 2.5" frame to put it into the cage.

[Aetherone]

Originally Posted by Ameel

My setup at the moment

Thats an interesting case, brand/model?

edit: read up the thread u clown

[Ameel]

Originally Posted by Aetherone

Thats an interesting case, brand/model?

edit: read up the thread u clown

the case is alright. nothing fancy, just 9x5.25" bays.

The front you see is actually the 3x5.25" to 5x3.25" cages fitted with Scythe fans. Case didn't look "as cool" without the cage & fan tbh :P

[Slipperystuff]

Those cages are pretty awesome, question: How secure are those plastic rails? do they move around at all? i shift my server around a lot to lans etc so they need to be pretty secure.

[Ameel]

Originally Posted by Slipperystuff

Those cages are pretty awesome, question: How secure are those plastic rails? do they move around at all? i shift my server around a lot to lans etc so they need to be pretty secure.

The cage is very sturdy. The plastic rails look regular (like others that i have used/seen). They are EXTREMELY easy to put on hard drive (no screws whatsoever). Once you have them on and slip the hdd into the cage, they're locked FOR GOOD (unless you apply pressure to take them out obviously).

Really satisfied with the cage and rails. Also, if you're getting that make sure to get the 5-in-1 sata power cable (see the one im using in the picture). It's SOOOOO FREAKING CONVENIENT

edit:
Oh on the down side (only con there is), you have to bend the metal of the 5.25" bays to allow the cage to fit (i.e. top 2 of a 3x5.25" bays that you want to put it in, where the 5.25" would usually sit on). I think the hotswap 5-in-3 cages are similar in that sense too.

Looking at it overall, they could have done the design of the cage to allow it through without bending (there seems to be space), but they didn't?

[Dr Evil]

Originally Posted by Ameel

The cage is very sturdy. The plastic rails look regular (like others that i have used/seen). They are EXTREMELY easy to put on hard drive (no screws whatsoever). Once you have them on and slip the hdd into the cage, they're locked FOR GOOD (unless you apply pressure to take them out obviously).

Really satisfied with the cage and rails. Also, if you're getting that make sure to get the 5-in-1 sata power cable (see the one im using in the picture). It's SOOOOO FREAKING CONVENIENT

edit:
Oh on the down side (only con there is), you have to bend the metal of the 5.25" bays to allow the cage to fit (i.e. top 2 of a 3x5.25" bays that you want to put it in, where the 5.25" would usually sit on). I think the hotswap 5-in-3 cages are similar in that sense too.

Looking at it overall, they could have done the design of the cage to allow it through without bending (there seems to be space), but they didn't?

Just went and ordered one cause I've only got room to replace the current 4-in-3 HDD Bay. Been wanting for a long time but spending $100+ on a extra hdd slot is NOT worth the money at all. But this price ($49 incl Shipping) was well worth it imo.

Hope the build quality is okay. But I'm currently using a CM 4-in-3 so I'm sure it'll be the same if not better.

[Ameel]

Originally Posted by Dr Evil

Just went and ordered one cause I've only got room to replace the current 4-in-3 HDD Bay. Been wanting for a long time but spending $100+ on a extra hdd slot is NOT worth the money at all. But this price ($49 incl Shipping) was well worth it imo.

Hope the build quality is okay. But I'm currently using a CM 4-in-3 so I'm sure it'll be the same if not better.

Quality is great. Just the looks of it, it appears better the CM one. also. i recommend you get the 5-in-1 sata power (you can email or live chat them to request adding items to your order. they're really responsive!!!)

Also, have a fan to put in the cage (doesn't come with fan). I also got the shockabsorbing rubber screwless thingies (freaking hard to put and wasted a few of them just pulling them with a plier and hurt my finger tips too D: ).