Possible to mount internal HDDs in external drives bays?

[dawgma]

Quick question:

I need space for 8 hard drives, but the options are severely lacking when looking for a case that specifically supports 8 x 3.5" internal hard drives.

So I was wondering if I can mount internal HDDs into external 3.5" drive bays? Or a 5.25" drive bay if necessary?

Is this possible without any modifications?

 

[Mondoman]

Yes, no problem. Just make sure you've got at least 1/2 inch or so of air space between adjacent drives, along with good air flow, so the drives don't overheat.

 

[dawgma]

Is that a yes for 5.25" external bays as well? Without modification?

External drive bays seem to have a lot of space... it would nice to be able to mount my RAID array in there (better airflow).

 

[skyguy]

If you can run the cables, that's the tricky part really.

If you don't mind ghetto-rigging it, you can get a Thermaltake iCage for $15 or so....it'll convert 3 5.25" drive bays into 4 3.5" drive bays. Just drop your hard drives into that and then either pop them into the internal 5.25 cage or else let it sit beside the case, take off the side panel, and run the cables into the case. not ideal, but it'll work.

Using a drive converter is the safest, cleanest solution though.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811999141

 

[dawgma]

thanks skyguy

 

[skyguy]

No prob. I may be mistaken, you might only get 3 hard drives converted. I can't remember, my brain hurts right now, sorry.

Either way, you get drives in your 5.25 and a fan at the front to keep the RAID nice and cool