If you want to build NAS you need to know about the Best Case For NAS first. You should determine your goals that push you to design your NAS then look for a compatible chassis. There are various options, we shortlisted a few for you. Let’s have a look at the chosen options, it will make your shopping for a NAS case easier for sure!
NAS stands for network attached storage and works exactly like a cloud service. On your computer data can be stolen at any time so you must protect your personal and private data. NAS case refers to a large size box that will keep a collection of hard drives inside. We can say NAS is a mini Fortress of Solitude and your other devices such as laptop and tablet will be the crystals.
From our shortlisted products we have SilverStone Technology CS380 as our overall best NAS case. If your preference is to keep your budget low then you can also try Cooler Master HAF XB EVO. Starting from the size, you can buy an ITX NAS case for small setups. However, the NAS ATX case is standard size, you can give preference according to your need.
Furthermore, material is important to consider, you should buy a case manufactured with strong material. Normally, a case lasts 5 years but if you choose a NAS case made of Tempered Glass, Alloy Steel, Plastic and Aluminum you can increase its lifespan. Up to 8 Hard Drive Bays capacity will be enough to store your large amount of data. The addition of hot-swappable bays, LEDs, sound proofing material and warranty will make your [purchase worthy.
Our Recommended list of the Best Case For NAS
- Fractal Design Node 804 No Power Supply MicroATX Cube Case
- Synology 2 bay NAS DiskStation DS220
- SilverStone Technology CS380 8-Bay Compact ATX Tower case
- AUDHEID K7 8 Bay NAS Case
- Cooler Master HAF XB EVO Case
- Thermaltake Level 20 VT Computer Case
NAS Case Requirements
- Form Factor: ATX, for compact system micro ATX
- Cooling Support: Look for both air and liquid
- Hard Drive Bays: Up to 8
- Airflow: Purchase a chassis with decent airflow
- Cable Management: look more space in behind the panel
- Sound Proofing: Buy a case that is designed with sound proofing material
- Aesthetics: Case with tempered glass and LED looks great
NAS vs External Hard Drive
There are many solutions for extra storage, mainly NAS and external hard drives, let’s see which one is better!
- NAS gives you a lot capabilities and flexibilities but external drive offers limited options
- NAS case can be upgrade like a breeze
- NAS is more protected, the chances of hard drive failure are high
- You can backup NAS but can not get your erased data on hard drive
- From another location you can not access external hard drive but you can use your NAS from a allowed device
1- Fractal Design Node 804 No Power Supply MicroATX Cube Case
Featuring the Node 804 in Black, a Micro-ATX chassis in an attractive black color. Comes with a unique form factor micro ATX and chic Scandinavian design. despite its small size, offers maximum configurability and exceptional cooling performance. The hard disc mounting technique allows for space for numerous HDD/SSDs.
In the small cube chassis simple style a window panel includes so you can see inside your construction. It has polished aluminum front panel accents that look great. Equipped with 3 Silence Series R2 hydraulic bearing blades and a built-in fan-controller for efficient cooling. The Node 804’s dual chamber design separates hot from cooler operating components.
Plus, it permits free airflow across the motherboard, CPU, and graphics card. This small Micro-ATX Cube case has a distinctive inside design that accommodates up to 8 3.5″, 4 2.5″, or up to 10 3.5″, 2 2.5″ HDD/SSD drives. In the front, there is additional space for mounting a small slot-in ODD, an optical bay drive, and 2 2.5-inch drives. This mini ATX chassis places a strong emphasis on thermal performance and maximum customizability.
Additionally, the cube chassis’ 5 expansion slots support different GPU configurations. You will have no trouble keeping your components cool and silent because it has been designed with great care for airflow and cooling. The Fractal Node 804 is a remarkably small cube design with a minimalistic aesthetic. It has a front panel made of exquisite brushed aluminum and a side panel with a window to display your setup in flair.
Pros:
- Sleek design
- Ultra high end manufacturing
- Better fan controlling
- Up to 10 storage drives space
- More than 1 radiator support
Cons:
- I/O ports are not at convenient space
- A bit bigger in size
2- Synology 2 bay NAS DiskStation DS220
The DiskStation DS220+ 2-Bay NAS Enclosure by Synology is a small NAS built. Using a dual-core processor, an AES-NI robust encryption engine, and support for the Btrfs file system. Offers fluid information sharing, video streaming, video editing ,photo archiving, as well as optimized conditions for data security and recovery. Two disc bays on the DS220+ are capable of handling 3.5″ SATA hard drives in addition to 2.5″ SATA hard drives and SSDs natively.
With two disc bays, 2048 user accounts, and a maximum of 1500 concurrent connections. This NAS enables you to store and share a vast quantity of files. Synology DiskStation Manager (DSM) OS, a browser-based operating system that makes it easier to manage your Synology NAS. It has a 2.0 GHz Intel Celeron J4025 Dual-Core CPU with a burst frequency of up to 2.9 GHz, and it has 2 GB of DDR4 RAM that can be expanded to 6 GB.
Making it possible to access frequently used data and programmes rapidly. This NAS can perform sequential reads and writes at speeds of up to 225.98 MB/s and 192.21 MB/s, respectively. Plus, It can also perform encrypted reads at speeds of up to 225.99 MB/s and encryption writes at speeds of 195.2 MB/s. Applications that require a lot of computer power run more quickly.
The efficiency of online PHP responses, database response times, and photo indexing are all improved by the dual-core CPU. Organize your photo memories into categories with ease, manage files seamlessly between desktop and mobile devices. You are ready to take advantage of lightning-fast web applications.
Pros:
- Excellent software
- Runs cool and quiet
- Easy installation and setup
- 4K media transcoding
Cons:
- Limited RAM expansion
- No NVMe slot
3- SilverStone Technology CS380 8-Bay Compact ATX Tower case
SilverStone created the CS380 to meet the demands of gamers looking for a small, adaptable NAS tower chassis. The CS380 can easily match the requirements for the majority of NAS systems. Because it can accept conventional components including ATX motherboards, NAS CPU ,standard ATX (PS2) power supply, dual 5.25″ drive bays, standard-sized adapters, and even liquid coolers.
Having 3 x 120 mm fans, 1 x 120 mm rear ventilation system, and easily replaceable filters. Makes it simple to keep everything cool and dust-free. Additionally incorporated are safety elements like a power switch and a locked front door. A modular, 8-drive hot-swappable drive cage that supports both 3.5″ and 2.5″ drives completes a strong chassis framework. For greater compatibility with almost all current hard drives or SSDs.
It makes use of a bespoke circuit board combining both SATA and SAS connections. The space-saving CS380 is ideal for anyone wishing to build a strong NAS. You can use it for home or place of business because it is almost equal in size to most ATX mid towers. Its design is mid tower that refers to its compact dimensions and it will be space-saving for you.
Eight hot-swappable 3.5″ or 2.5″ SAS/SATA drives with an integrated backplane are supported by this. Two adaptable 5.25″ drive bays, a lockable front door, and a power button design are all part of the classic SilverStone aesthetic. Furthermore, it contains three filtered intake ports on 120 mm fans.
Pros:
- Perfect unRAID case
- Cheap
- Lightweight
- Compact size
Cons:
- Need improvement for cooling
- Poor assembling
4- AUDHEID K7 8 Bay NAS Case
Users can easily position the CS381 wherever because it supports up to 12 drives in an unheard-of 30 liter Micro-ATX chassis. Built for either a vertical or horizontal configuration. Comes with hot-swap drive trays and long-life of 70,000 hours dual ball bearing 120 mm fans. Allows you to install up to 8 3.5″ or 2.5″ SAS-12G / SATA-6G drives.
Drive status is shown by two LED indicators so you can know everything about drives. The provision of an SFX or SFX-L power supply and the installation of cards up to 267 mm in length using standard height expansion slots. Case Storage Series’ High Performance NAS Chassis is a great option out there that offers interesting features. Features space for up to a 240 mm radiator for CPU cooling, allowing for virtually infinite CPU options.
The power button and the complete front can be locked together for added protection. Prevents your system from unintentional drive removal and power on/off. Offers consumers a wide range of hardware options, including compatibility for 3.5″ or 2.5″ drives in SATA or SAS format. Thanks to its enormous accommodation built to house Micro-ATX motherboards. Only a SATA data transmission cable connects the backplane with your motherboard.
Pros:
- Pretty well built
- More PCIE slots
- Anti-vibration pads
- Supports Flex ATX power supply DAS)
- Comfortably fit heatsink
- Enough space for SATA Molex power cables
Cons:
- Less space for fans
- Not visually appealing
5- Cooler Master HAF XB EVO Case
The Cooler Master HAF XB EVO offers the ideal fusion of style, functionality, and performance in a standout cube design. To fit your elevated components in a very small footprint, it has a dual-layer construction. To suit your storage demands, you can fit an ATX motherboard, a VGA card up to 334 mm in length
You can add a CPU cooler up to 180 mm in height, and a variety of ODD, HDD, and SSD drives. The excellent thermal system, which already usually has pre fans, mesh panels. Also you can modify it in the future with additional fans and water cooling, effectively and efficiently cooling all the components. Extreme cooling performance is combined with the renowned High Air Flow series in the Cooler Master HAF XB EVO. Strong front to back airflow is produced via the detachable horizontal motherboard tray, big mesh top and front panels, and two 120mm XtraFlo front fans.
Even for the highest high capacity tower heatsinks, substantial liquid cooling fans, and up to 3 top-tier graphics cards have plenty of room. The HAF XB EVO can be converted into a test bench with easy access to the internal hardware by removing the top mesh panel.
There are 2 USB 3.0 SuperSpeed connections, 2 X-Dock slots, and other interfaces are available on the front panel. Which means this case enables you to enjoy blazing-fast data transfer speed. Dust filters help stop dust accumulation that could harm your components or impair cooling. Additionally, cleaning is simple because the filters slide out with ease.
Pros:
- Extremely sturdy
- Unique shape
- Well-built
- A viable LAN box
- Excellent ventilation options
- Comes with removable motherboard tray
- All side panels are removable
Cons:
- Plastic tabs can break
- A bit heavy
6- Thermaltake Level 20 VT Computer Case
For a DIY NAS case you can look for the level 20 Series. Which celebrates 20 years of commitment to the PC industry, is the newest addition to Thermaltake’s TT Premium product range. The Level 20 VT is the M-ATX-compatible scrambler of the Level 20 family, providing enormous support. This chassis is intended to show that micro cases don’t necessarily need low power.
Features 4 x 4 mm curved glass panels and also you have at the front an integrated 200 mm fan plus support of liquid cooling. The addition of adjustable panels with filters make it easy to use and quicker to assemble. Additionally, the VT has a chambers layout with a horizontal motherboard tray. Enables cable hiding while showcasing liquid cooling components at the top.
The Level 20 VT utilizes our most recent case breakthroughs and puts them in a sleek, contemporary design. That is completely unmatched in the case industry right now. It’s all about large things coming in little packages in the Level 20 VT. Compatible with M-ATX motherboards, CPU cooling up to 185 mm in height, 350 mm long VGAs, and 200 mm long PSUs.
Additionally, it may accommodate up to 2 side-by-side 240 mm radiators in the top panel or 1 280 mm radiator just at top or on the side. There are 2 major chambers included that are designed to maximize space management. The upper chamber is created to contain the board and PCI-E parts. While the second chamber is designed to house the PSU and storage bays.
Pros:
- Made of heavy duty material
- Comes with LEDs
- Enough space
Cons:
- Expensive
Best Case For NAS Buying Guide
When you want to build NAS you should consider Best Case For NAS first. Without a case you can not achieve storage capacity that you want to get. Our overall best product is SilverStone Technology CS380, you can go through it and give preference to our choice. Look below mentioned factors to make your purchase worthy!
Durability
First of all, whenever you purchase a new case you should consider the durability of it. Commonly a case can be constructed with unruinable plastic or steel. Your case should not be broken in a short time of period, to ensure its sturdiness its material is a key point. We have included products made of Tempered Glass, Alloy Steel, Plastic and Aluminum you can choose any of them.
Size
After the durability you have to look at the size of your chassis and go for your required one. The size of a chassis has a relation with the location where it has to place. After the appearance you look for the inner side capacity, it must have enough room to place your all components. You can go for a standard ATX size, it is a good option with enough room.
Cooling System
For the life of your components the cooling system supported by your case requires your attention. Always buy a case with enough support of fans, it would be better for heat. A proper cooling system will save your drive from melting, failure or potential fire. We have added all the chassises with great cooling systems you can trust whichever you look at the most.
Cable Management
Although cable management of your case actually does not impact airflow. But it does not mean it is neglectable, obviously better cable managed rig will give better cooling. Get a case with well managed cabling so you can provide a healthier environment to your components. Look at the space behind the back panel that is responsible for cable management.
Warranty
You will pay for a case so it must justify it, warranty of your chassis will show its quality and durability. While buying a case you must pay attention to the warranty period that is offered by the brand. Normally, a case lasts for 5 years but you can increase it by better management. Affordable cases also are so durable so for NAS invest in a study and strong case that comes with at least 5 year warranty.
FAQs
Is A PC Chassis Important For NAS?
A PC case does not impact performance but it is important for better cooling performance.
Is A Large PC Case Preferable?
If you plan to install multiple GPUs for dual chambers then you should go for a bigger case but if you do not want bulky monstrosity sitting then you should go for small ATX or Micro ATX.
Can A PC Case Universal?
Generally a PC case is universal as if a case supports standard ATX components then it is possible that you can install mini and micro ATX components in it.
Also See:
- Best UPS for NAS
- Best NAS for Mac
- Best Router for NAS
- Best NAS for Photographers
- Best NAS for Home Media Server
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