NAS / APU PC CASE 4-bay

Check out the full build video on YouTube.

• NAS / APU case with a clean minimalistic exterior.
• External dimensions 210 x 210 x 275 mm.
• Vibration dampening HDD mounts to reduce audible noise. (Now available with a stiffer less bouncy HDD mount after receiving some feedback, look for the “STIFFER” STLs)
• Print volume required: 210 x 210 mm, meaning you can print this on most common 3D printers like the Ender 3 (or similar), Bambu P1P/P1S/X1C and many more!
   

Parts compatibility:

• Mini ITX Motherboard
• 4x 3.5" HDDs OR 6x 2.5" HDDs, or 2.5" SSDs
• SFX PSU
• CPU cooler clearance: 78mm. (80 if you like it real tight)
  (Recommended cooler: Noctua NH-LH12S)
• Single-slot, half-height PCIe card. (See below)
  
  **** This case now supports the use of a half-height single-slot PCIe card. (Read under UPDATE LOG at the bottom of the page)
   

External parts required to complete this build (recommended):

• 12mm power button
• M3 threaded inserts
• M3 x 10mm screws 
• PC Screw assortment kit (use M3 motherboard mount with this kit, check file name)

Potential uses for a case like this:

• NAS / Home server
• Backup system to store your files externally in case of an unexpected disaster.
• Media streaming device for your home theater.
• Normal desktop computer if you need tons of storage. 
  
  For desktop use I recommend a good APU. 
  Check out the Ryzen 7 5700G (good, AM4) , or Ryzen 7 8700G (even better, AM5) and of course a motherboard with the correct socket for your CPU of choice.

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Recommended print settings: 

( ! ) All the external panels, front/rear/sides/top/bottom must be printed with zero top and bottom layers to use the infill as a air mesh. 

Layer Height: 0.2 

Nozzle: 0.4 or 0.6mm

Infill type: Honeycomb (for best strength)

Infill percentage: 15 to 25%

Number of external perimeters/walls: 5 walls or 2mm thickness. 

( ! )

IMPORTANT ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS, PLEASE READ BEFORE ASSEMBLY 

Many of the parts are joined using printed joining pieces which CAN NOT BE REMOVED ONCE THEY ARE INSERTED. Therefore it's crucial to assemble the parts in the correct order.

All 3D models have part numbers embedded into them as they otherwise look very similar, check carefully which number goes where.

The top and bottom half of the cover are assembled separately, THEN joined.

Order of external panel assembly:

1. Join panel 1 and 2 using a long corner joint.
    
2. Attach panel 3 using a long corner joint horizontally, and a short corner joint vertically.
    
3. Attach panel 4 the same way as panel 3.
    
4. Join panel 5 and 6 using a long corner joint.
    
5. Attach panel 7 using a long corner joint horizontally, and a short corner joint vertically.
    
6. Attach panel 8 the same way as panel 7.
    
7. Put the two halves together and slide in place the two side joints.
    
8. Finish by adding 3x short clamps to the front center of the case.

Side panel joint:

Short and long corner joints:

Possible HDD setups:

OPTION 1:

Up to 6x 2.5" HDDs

OPTION 2:

Up to 4x 3.5" HDDs

OPTION 3:

4x 2.5" HDDs + 2x 3.5" HDDs

Most product links used in this description are affiliate links, meaning I may earn a small commission for qualified purchases made through the links, without any additional cost to you.

Please report any compatibility issues if you encounter any so I can correct them. Please also consider creating a “make” of your build, this helps to give other potential makers of this case a better idea and understanding of your experience with building this case.

UPDATE LOG:

09APR24:

1. Additional files have been added which allow the use of a half-height single-slot PCIe expansion card. If you already printed the case, you need to re-print the motherboard mount (upgraded) and the upper rear panel. (PCIe version rear panel marked as “OPTIONAL”)
   
   
   
   The “original” motherboard mount has been replaced with a new one, and the “original” rear panel has also been replaced to match the placement of the PCIe version.
   
   If you downloaded/printed your case before April 09, 2024 and want this mod. You need to re-download/print the upgraded motherboard mount, and the rear panel with the slot cutout.
    
2. Added an additional “fixed” hard drive mount which has no flex to it for those who prefer that the drives are mounted static. Files marked as “OPTIONAL".
    
3. Added extra rear panel without the cutout for a SFX PSU for those using special motherboards with built in power connectors, or want to modify their files for other types of PSUs. Files marked as “OPTIONAL”.
    

13APR24: 

• Added one more version of the internal front panel to support a 80mm fan, instead of 92mm. 

30SEP24:

• Added mount for a 120mm fan to cool the drives. (Keep in mind that to use a "normal" 25mm thick 120mm fan you MUST use low profile 90 degree connectors for the SATA cables and HDD power, and possibly a fan grill to prevent the cables from going into the fan blades.