My home NAS server is in desperate need for an overhaul. It was born around 2016 and is still going strong (after a couple of HDD upgrades).
Some basic specs:
- ASRock Rack AD2550R/U3S3 motherboard https://www.asrockrack.com/general/productdetail.asp?Model=AD2550R/U3S3
- 4GB DDR3
- 1 x 16GB SATA DOM SSD to hold the OS
- 6 x 3.5″ SATA HDD for 8TB of storage.
It has always been “an open frame installation” to help with passive cooling hahaha :-), with no proper mounting for the components. I have generally just screwed the HDDs to a sheet of acrylic, and mounted other parts to a sheet of MDF or plywood. Cooling fans and power supplies are just cable tied to any available location.
Recently I obtained a mini 6U server rack to store all the NAS components, plus more.
The next step in using this rack is to better hold the 6 x 3.5″ HDDs. Eventually I’ll get a hot swap caddy but will need to save more money before I buy a reliable model. I’ve seen cheaper caddies that also come with plenty of reviews like “..avoid at all cost..” and “Didn’t detect drives very well.”
This is the starting photo showing the disk locations, and a strategically placed cooling fan.
HDD Holder
I made a new holder in Fusion 360 to hold the 6 drives. Steps to do this are:
- Download a 3.5″ HDD model from Thingiverse.
The model I used had issues in that the dimension from the edge of the HDD casing to the side mounting holes was 3.36mm.
In reality this dimension is closer to 6.34mm. Since I include guides to support the HDD while it is being screwed in, this is a critical error in the model. It pays to always verify critical dimensions, and never assume 3D models that you receive are 100% perfect.
- I imported this model into Fusion360 and copy-pasted for a total of 6 disks. The gap between each disk is 4.56mm. The gap was mainly chosen to allow the stack to easily fit in the rack.
- Create a base, I allow 0.5mm clearance either side of the disk for wiggle-room.
Openings in the base serve just to save filament when printing.
I’ve not included any screw tabs for securing to the rack shelf. This is intended to just sit freely on the shelf for easy removal when needed.
- Create the left side upright. I added rails to support the HDD during assembly. This is where the dimension in the model is incorrect and the mounting hole in the upright will not align with the 3D model of the HDD.
- Repeat for the right side.
- The model showing all 6 drives:
- Export the holder only from Fusion360 as a .stl file.
- Slice with Prusa Slicer, layer height 0.3mm.
- Print using PLA on a Prusa MK3S+, and 6 hours later …….
- Install the physical disks and install in the rack.
