3.5 ironwolf drives to 2U IBM server

[blueether]

So before I switched to FreeNAS I had a commodity box (old desktop) that I had 2x2TB and 2x1TB IronWolf drives in it.

I now have an IBM x3650m3 that only supports 2.5" drives but I like to make use of the 3.5" in an external enclosure.

I have an LSI 4i4e card that I can use and was thinking of a esata case but by the time you buy the enclosure and a cable it get really expensive so I was wondering what other options I have - remembering that I live at the bottom of the world and every thing seen very pricey.

How workable is converting the old desktop into JBOD?

 

[HoneyBadger]

Workable using a PCI bracket that converts SFF-8088 to SFF-8087 and some internal breakout cables, but the power control logistics get confusion fairly quickly.

If you already have the rackmount server, then you're willing to accept a given level of noise. Take a look at something like the Lenovo SA120, EMC KTN-STL3, HP D2600, Dell MD1200 - enterprise DAS shelves with SAS backends. Not sure how the price stacks up versus the bracket, breakout cables, and a little power control board to handle the button press.

 

[blueether]

Workable using a PCI bracket that converts SFF-8088 to SFF-8087 and some internal breakout cables, but the power control logistics get confusion fairly quickly.

So for now I've just passed some .5m long sata cables through one of the pci bracket holes to the LSI 4i4e and jumped the PSU power_on to low to simulate power button pressed. I may just through an esp8266 on the +5 V standby line (5v to 3.3 dc-dc stepdown) and have it pull power_on low.

Hell with $10 worth of kit I'll be able to power up a DIY shelf via wifi - IoT to rule the world?

If you already have the rackmount server, then you're willing to accept a given level of noise. Take a look at something like the Lenovo SA120, EMC KTN-STL3, HP D2600, Dell MD1200 - enterprise DAS shelves with SAS backends. Not sure how the price stacks up versus the bracket, breakout cables, and a little power control board to handle the button press.

Disk shelves seem to start at $350 - 450 down here

 

[HoneyBadger]

The price difference certainly makes the decision a little easier. Just be careful on the SATA cable running; running internal cables externally might be subject to interference.