Question 1

What would be the best choice for a raid SAS controller to put to use in this case so that most of the drives would be put to use ?

Accepted Answer

I'm not sure what OS your running. But looking for one controller to put the most drives to use doesn't seem like the right question. If you wanted to fill up the box with disk, I assume your looking for some kind of redundancy. Having a single point of failure is probably not what your looking for in a single controller. First you have to stay with controllers that are supported by your OS. If you using software raid 3, or 4 controllers with drives in each raid on different controllers would give you the most redundancy. If your going to use hardware raid, than you need to look at performance, if this doesn't bother you or isn't of primary concern that 16 drive sas controller is probably what your looking for.

Question 2

Is it possible to connect a drive in the caddy to a standard sata port on the motherboard?  Do I have to remove the backplane to make that work?

Accepted Answer

The backplane terminates to 5 Mini-SAS SFF-8087 connectors. To connect to regular SATA ports, purchase a Mini-SAS SFF-8087 to SATA Reverse Breakout cable, which adapts each Mini-SAS connector to 4 SATA connectors (the "reverse" part is very important, a "forward" breakout will not work). Then you can plug the SATA cables directly into your motherboard. I have some of my drives in this case connected this way and it works great.

Question 3

How many fans, what size, and where are they? The given description lists conflicting information, saying both "3 x 120mm middle fans wall 2 x 80mm rear fans 80mm Fans" and "4 x 80mm Mid-wall fans, 2 x 80mm rear fans."

Accepted Answer

I just bought this 3 weeks ago and the current models are shipping with the internal fan wall that has three 120mm (3x120mm) fans already. No need to go and buy it separately anymore FWIW. And you will need to get faster, increased CFM fans; those that come with the unit don't cut the muster.

Question 4

Is this not a true SAS expander (since SAS can support like 64 drives per channel)? Or is it just using 4 SATA lanes per connector? If the latter, then I should be able to use a 3Ware 9650SE to control 8 drives (2x8087 ports) or any RAID non-SAS card with 8087 connectors for that matter.

Accepted Answer

Just 4 SATA lanes per connector. There are 5 x 8087 ports (one per back plane). You can use breakout cables or a RAID card like the one you mentioned for a cleaner look inside your case.

Question 5

Does a Asus KGPE-D16 fit in this case?

Accepted Answer

Yes it will. BUT, I'd recommend you look into buying a SuperMicro case. I returned my Norco right after receiving it. Absolutely miserable quality control on these Norco boxes. Every other drive bay was out of spec because as I was sliding the drives in, the top sticker on the drive was being scrape off. On top of that, a few of the drives would not seat properly. Couldn't return it fast enough! I know Linus did a video on how great these cases are but believe the negative reviews, the build quality is trash.

Question 6

What size slim DVD drive does it take? Does the one below work?

LG SATA Model GTB0N

Accepted Answer

i ended up selling the case, , rails, accessories etc before using it. but i did set the dvd drive inplace to make sure would fit. i used

SAMSUNG 8x Internal Slim DVD Burner SATA Model SN-208FB/BEBE

but i had to find some really small screws to put it in place.
also used

StarTech SLSATAADAP Female Slimline SATA to SATA Adapter with Power

to get a normal sata connection.

cant give u the newegg part number.. wont let me post that

Question 7

I  have Noctua i4 CPU Cooler for Intel Xeon CPU_ LGA2011, 1356 and 1366 Platforms NH-U12DXi4 CPU coolers with Supermicro X10DRi  motherboard. Does this case have enough clearance to these CPU coolers? I roughly measured and they should, just wanted to ask here in case someone else did the same... looking everywhere to good case for NAS/SAN build. thanks

Accepted Answer

I traded a few emails with Noctua tech support and I was able to use a Noctua NH-C14S with a NORCO RPC-4220 4U  and a ASRock 970 Performance AM3+ ATX AMD Motherboard.  I tried using a NH-D15 and it just would not fit, I had to return that and get the Noctua NH-C14S .  Good luck, I love my NORCO RPC-4220 and I actually own 2.

Question 8

First question: i have some intel raid controllers on a few computers. attached are mostly SAS Enterprise Drives and most of them are now 6TB 12 gb/s running at that speed and expander card. everything works perfectly but i need more room inside a case to warehouse the drives. i have several sitting outside the current tower chassis on the floor. Not very good security!
can you just sit this case on a desk, floor, closet or do you need to put it on a rack? I do not have any racks. What do you suggest? I need to tidy up and make it nice? 
Second question? Is this case compatible with the new 12 gb/s speed? I could never go back to running 6 gb/s?
Third question? I take it I can put in either an Intel or a Supermicro MB ( e-2600 dual cpu's ) with no issues on screwing them into this chassis and the like? 
Fourth question: I have an ordinary new PSU sitting around meant for a tower. will this chassis take it or you need special PSU?
And yes thanks to other Newegg clients I know about needing new cables no spreaders to backplanes.
Thanks for the advise.
John F.

Accepted Answer

You can totally lie it flat wherever--the bottom is just flat, smooth metal.  The case is pretty deep, though, so keep that in mind.

No idea what the backplane supports.  I'd check Norco's website.

I don't think you should have issues with motherboard installation.  It's a very large case with lots of stand-offs which IIRC accommodate just about anything, but NewEgg or Norco should list which form factors it supports.

Chassis will take regular ATX power supplies.

Question 9

Can I order this with a motherboard, power supply and fans already installed and tested before shipping?

Accepted Answer

Hello,

Thank you for contacting us with your question. We apologize. Since Newegg is strictly a reseller we are unable to modify or customize an item. The item is brand new and will be shipped to you with the manufacturer seal with the features listed.

Thank you, 
Newegg Support

Questions & Answers