3 Interesting DIY PC / Server Case Options for Home Labs
I’ve been building White box PCs since the early 90’s and if you seen my home lab blogs and videos its a passion that has continued on for so many years. When I look for a case, I’m usually looking for practicality and usability as it relates to the indented design. As a DIY home lab builder, using commodity cases is normal but unique cases for home labs are not always easy to find. When I do look for unique Home Lab case ideas, I usually run into lists of the gamer builds that are not so much meant for Home Labs. In this blog I wanted to compile a list of cases that are a bit more unique but someone might want to use for a home lab. For each case, I listed out some of my thoughts around home lab use cases. Of course, deeper research will be needed to determine if they fit your indented use.
#1 – Cryorig TAKU, The PC Monitor Stand Mini ITX PC Case
USE CASE: Could be used for a stackable home lab or workstations
PROS:
- ~1U Formfactor | ++ Coolness factor | Portability | Light Weight | Low Noise
- The slide out system tray makes for easy access to internal components, especially when stacked
CONS:
- Tight form factor limiting options
- Sometimes limited SFX Power Supplies Options
- ITX Standard might be hard for Home Lab deployments
- Limited to 3 Drives
Other Links:
- Cost ~$200
- Video Review
- NewEgg
- Manufacture Site
#2 – Fractal Design Define 7
USE CASE: Sure this may look like a standard PC Case, but what’s unique about this case is the MANY ways it can be configured and re-configured. Because of this unique flexibility it would work well as a Workstation or ESXi Host.
PROS:
- MANY case configurations options
- Want even more space? Look at the Define 7 XL
- Supports ATX and some E-ATX configurations
- Clean case design with 3 Color Options
- Horizontal and vertical PCI Slots
- Wire management
- Air Filters
- 9 Fan Connections
- Lots of Disk space
CONS:
- No 5.25″ disk bays
- No front facing USB or external ports (all on top)
- It’s big and the XL even bigger
- Some options sold separately
Other Links:
- Standard ~$140 | XL Version $220
- Amazon
- Video Review
- Manufacture Site
#3 – JONSBO N1 Mini-ITX NAS Chassis
USE CASE: With so many disk options could see this case being used for FreeNAS or even a vSAN cluster
PROS:
- LOTS of disk space 5 x 3.5 and 1 2.5
- MINI-ITX / Small form factor
- PCI Low Profile slot
- Upright or Lie-down configurations
- Check out the manufacture site for more and similar case designs
CONS:
- Does require SFX power supply
- The size may limit flexibility
- Only one PCI slot
- No 5.25″ disk bays
Other Links:
vmexplorer 