Fractal Design Array Mini-ITX NAS, as a monster?

[Morae]

I had to cancel my order for Q08 a couple of weeks ago, when they told me they couldn't deliver it until fucking August. As I was looking around for someplace that had one in stock, I happened across the Fractal Design Array NAS case.
Here's a review:
http://www.silentpcreview.com/article1041-page1.html

The pictures got me thinking. This case has potential, beyond NAS. Here are my thoughts:
- If I remove the HDD rack, I can run a full size graphics card, up to about 330mm. File down the wing on the front fan holder, the end of the card would sit right beside it.
- Since I'll end up watercooling (externally of course), I don't need a tall CPU cooler. This allows me to toss out that shitty little 300w SFF PSU, do a little carving, and mount a full size modular ATX PSU.
- A little laser cutting on the front panel to allow proper airflow for the single 140mm fan.
- And finally, a side-mounted slim optical drive and USB port I/O panel.

Your opinions, gentlemen?

[CrixD]

Well. Wait a bit, because there is coming a vers. 2 of the case, with 2 expansion slots instead of 1. :)

Else go for it, I've seen it, and it looks solid ;)

[Morae]

She won't need a second PCI slot, if I go with a GTX480, AC block, and single-PCI bracket adapter.

[CrixD]

True dat :p

[ballz0r]

It can fit a dual slot card... Looks like a good little case for modding.

[0xygenthief]

Looks like you and I are planning mini-itx builds Morae. I like the Q08 case as a gaming case and cruncher. Mostly because you can fit "enough" radiator surface area internally and not have to rely on a Mora or variation there of.

If this case is going to just sit in your home as a nas and never be moved then external rads sound pretty good. The case gives enough room for all the essentials for a small nas. I say go for it!

[Morae]

This is a build for my wife, not me. It's also a full fledged PC, not a NAS. This case just happens to be an interesting design for it, that's all. There will be at most, one SSD and two hard drives.

The original plan was the PC-Q08. I toyed with the idea of internal or external cooling with that too. Then I was leaning toward the Sugo SG07. But as it turned out, the SG07's mass production model was not the projected pure aluminum, and only had a Bronze-rated PSU, not Gold. So then it was back to the Q08, and I preordered it. A few weeks later the shop I had ordered it from, told me they couldn't get it until August (and nor could anyone else in Norway). I canceled the order and began looking around Europe for one. Germany has them, but the price is double. So I was in the midst of debating with myself when I came across this NAS case, and got ideas.

It can't be cooled internally, not with an overclocked GTX480 and CPU. But, this does give me a reason to buy an AC Kryos and a Mo-Ra 3. So it's a win.

[ballz0r]

It can't be cooled internally, not with an overclocked GTX480 and CPU.


*cough* bullshit *cough*

GTS 280 is 153 x 316 x 30

The case is 230W x 223H x 350D

with a single slot 480 there might be enough room to run one of those down the side.

[Morae]

No chance. Not with a full size ATX power supply and a slim optical drive in the right side, and 20mm of clearance from the single-slot card on the left side. Where ya gonna put fans? And how the Hell would a GTS cool a 480 and CPU?

I call bullshit.

[ballz0r]

here (http://www.realredraider.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=23999)is a 140 cooling 2 GTX295s and a GTX285

a 280 would piss it in

[Kuro]

What about that Lian-Li ITX case that can hold a full sized PSU I think a guy on here was already thinking of a idea with it can't remember who though... :shrug:

[Morae]

here (http://www.realredraider.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=23999)is a 140 cooling 2 GTX295s and a GTX285

a 280 would piss it in

I suppose, technically, I could put a 200mm in the front, as OxygenThief is planning to do with the Q08. No reservoir. After mounting the pump though, where would I cram the hard drives? Maybe vertical, long ways?

2000rpm sleeve bearing Yates are more noise than I'd be willing to deal with. And weren't you listening? This build gives me _a reason_ to buy a Mo-Ra 3. Damn it.


What about that Lian-Li ITX case that can hold a full sized PSU I think a guy on here was already thinking of a idea with it can't remember who though... :shrug:

You mean the PC-Q08?

...

[ballz0r]

LoL sorry, didn't mean to blow your cover

[Kuro]

...as OxygenThief is planning to do with the Q08...

...You mean the PC-Q08?

Yeah thats the one Morae :)

[Morae]

Hi Moraelyn
Thank you for your e-mail.

Our Array is unfortunately out of stock since approximately a month, because of a huge demand which we are of course very glad for.

But the Array R2 will hopefully be in stock again in the middle of July.

This is more or less the same as original Array only with small minor changes.


Regarding the fans we are thinking of producing a 180 mm fan but nothing is yet decided.


Best regards

Fractal Design team

They're at least quick to reply to emails.

I went looking for an Array and couldn't find one in stock anywhere. Emailed them about it. Again, forced to wait. Life is shit.