Rosewill has 1 chassis that is superb but the fan bracket wasn’t meant to support a radiator. Some of the other servers from them I’ve used also have weird quirks or bad decisions. So far the two cases from Sliger I have used have been very well thought out
I have used a Supermicro chasis for about 8 years now - bought it from eBay. It has 12 3.5" drive bay - uses trays. It's nice but the fans in it can get loud. I also have a Rosewill 4U case - plenty of room, but mine has an irritating storage system. (I also only paid $40 for the Rosewill from FB Marketplace, so the price was right). I'm starting to think about an LLM system - a 4U should have room for a GPU. Now, how to talk the missus into the LLM server...hmmm.
@@ChrisRider I've been tempted to get a used supermicro chassis over the years but when I was looking it was hard to determine if the backplane was SATA2 or 3. I never got around to pulling the trigger and ended up with Rosewill which has been great for the 6 or so years I've used it. For damn near everything. The last rosewill case didn't stack hard drives correctly, as in, if you tried to fill it the trays were too close together preventing you from being able to max it out. I found Sliger while looking for a smaller server chassis to mount my gaming rig in. Their CX3171a XL fit the bill. It might work for you as an LLM server, not sure if has the capacity you are looking for though.
Nice! I just racked my desktop in CX3172a XL and it’s my first Sliger chassis. So far I’m liking it but uh my GPU broke so I haven’t really got to use it. The 4200e is nice for compactness. Definitely a good choice.
I only give this case a 6/10. Added a custom printed TPE drive sleeve to solve the rattling. Btw, killed 3 in 3 months, Seagate toasted my warranty on my remaining 7 drives. Even with 10 drives, you will struggle to saturate a 10 G connection. The issue is you can't plug a SAS Drive into the front. I didn't buy with intention for that but wanted to let others know. It's a great budget case, but its not perfect. That said, the fact you can do 10 drives and a 360 AIO is amazing. They need to add rubber grommets and an optional SAS backplane to be the end all be it all for a 4U AIO 10 drives in a server case.
Great video! Currently between this and the HL15; I'm probably leaning towards the HL15 as it'll be my first (and primary) rack mount but I could see myself getting this as a secondary rack mount case.
The HL15 is pretty slick. I haven’t used it IRL but I think the backplane is the real selling point for the HL15 and if you can afford it, that would be the way to go IMO.
Without third party devices the default case has a maximum storage capacity of 12x 3.5" HDD and 10x 2.5" SSD. Pretty good for home use. For the power users though, it may not be enough...
I've had this case for about 6 months now. It looks like they may have changed the rails a bit from when I purchased. My rails don't actually fit in my rack, but it's a pretty cheap rack, so that might be why. Still pretty annoying that I have a rack mount chassis finally and I can't actually service it in the rack. And it's an incredible bummer that they don't even have an option for a filter on the front. What a mess the lack of a filter screen creates. I can't say I noticed any noise from the hard drives vibrating. But that's what the server closet is for.
I'm about to order one of these for my proxmox server (which will be running a truenas VM, thus wanting the disk bays). I've worked with some other Sliger cases in the past and they have all been really nice to work in so I'm looking forward to it. The one thing I'd really like to see is a proper backplane, even if that added another $100 to the price.
This is a fine rack mount workstation chassis. It would be great for a high-performance workstation to host an open source LLM. In fact, when I start gathering parts for mine, its going in this Sliger chassis. I do however have one issue. With a file server use case in mind, 4U is too much vertical space for a box that only holds ten drives. My InterTECH 4420 has TWENTY 3.5-inch drive bays and was the same price as this Sliger. Remember I'm not knocking Sliger. THEY MAKE GREAT RACKMOUNT WORKSTATION CHASSIS, and I'm about to buy this one. It just misses the mark as a 4U server chassis.
It definitely fits the bill for a few use cases but as you said if you need massive storage maybe pick up a 4u chassis with more capacity. Nonetheless in general terms it’s still a great chassis.
My only complaint with Intertech is they are either really expensive in the states and/or rarely available, if you are in Europe they are a great choice. I wanted to give the 4410/4420 a go but ended up going with the Sliger instead because the markup was crazy for the few US vendors I could find them on.
I like the case but my only gripe is I would have to give up idrac to use it. Also worth noting that the motherboard tray tends to get easier to take out once it has been done a few times. I am not sure if it is residue from the manufacturing process that makes it tough or their tolerances are so good that the metal has to wear down a little to loosen up the fit.
What server rack and rails are you using? I’m looking at a star tech open rack but apparently because of the dimensions/spacing post to post the sliger rails don’t fit (star tech spacing is 450mm, where as the sliger rails require 450.85mm)
I’ve used the same rails bought from Sliger and used them on a StarTech adjustable rack and Vivo adjustable Rack. No issues observed so far for either rack and rail kit.
I have this case but one of the passthrough to hdd is busted and I need to fix it. But other than that I’m very happy. Only thing I’d like to see as an option in the future is a backplane that maybe just plugs into those passthroughs for a little less cable clutter and making it easier to also have more plugs for SSD cages
@@SPXLabs it showed up that way. Took me some troubleshooting to figure it out but Sliger CS has been good. They apparently include some extra passthroughs but haven’t had time to look and they said if I don’t have them they will send me more. A backplane would definitely add a decent amount and I agree it is already pricey. That’s why I think it could be a “clip on” aftermarket accessory. But even if they don’t do it it’s still a great case. I’m also thinking about getting one of their other HDD 3U cases to use as a JBOD. Run a lot quieter than one of those enterprise disk shelves.
@@user-cm3wd5hk1p Oh snap that's not cool. I bet it did, that would be the very last thing I'd ever think about checking lol. I like that they have a variety of options for many different types of builders.
Caddy-less is definitely cheaper, and the cooling is better - but you need those 4 studs & screwdriver. There are neater solutions. Vibration is not a big issue with 'only' 4 or 8 drives .... once you have 24+, 60 or 100 in a 4U that's different
Probably depends on which 4u. I think the 15 hit swap bay chassis is the best they offer all the other ones are awkward or have even have issues where you can’t stack drives due to trays being too close together
The 15 bay is a huge pain in the butt to work on at times, if you aren't worried about having to dig around inside the chassis often they are definitely fine for the price but after working in more than a few rosewill cases over the years for something with a bunch of disks I'd much rather something with caddies or 'press fit' like this or the HL15. The price of the rosewill with 12 bays that is hot swap isn't priced much less than this case and Sliger build quality is definitely a good step above rosewills offerings.
Power does not come through the Mini SAS to SATA breakout cables. As mentioned in the video you have to choice to use the included sata power cables or the ones that might come with your PSU, like I did.
The lack of drive fasteners with rubberized dampeneing material make this an absolute no-go for anyone concerned with vibration issues. Also, I'd personally like to see more fans, especially in the front to keep the drives cool. This death trap is a drive killer. Such a shame, because the rest wasn't too shabby. Although, it's very cheaply made with very little consideration given for sharp edges and smooth operation of joints. It's like the el cheapo crap you find on Ali Express. It's really not a very nice chassis.
It definitely doesn’t feel cheap. I’ve also dropped it from about 28 inches and it didn’t get a single scratch or dent, on its way down off the rack. I can kind of see your point with hard drives but I think it will be okay since the drives are not tightly packed and if you move to higher industrial fans that run at higher RPMs, you could avoid any heat drive killing issues.
Have you considered making your videos at 24p? The reason I ask is that I watch UA-cam on my TV with a Roku. I like to watch at fast speed and when I do your video drops down to 480p quality . So I usually end up not watching. I notice that 24p video plays just fine at faster speeds. Thanks.
24 Pence? I have not considered doing that. I have been flamed way too much in the past for doing anything less than 60fps. People always yell saying it's not buttery smooth enough and stuff. Your the first person in almost 4 years to say anything about FPS....
@@SPXLabs thanks for the reply. Yeah I like to watch content 1.5x to 2x speed. And on the Roku with 60p content it gets dropped to 480p. So I usually end up deciding to not watch it then. Thanks again.
What is your preferred chassis? How does this stack up?
That's the case I use actually. Used Rosewill ones before but they had a lot of limitations.
Rosewill has 1 chassis that is superb but the fan bracket wasn’t meant to support a radiator. Some of the other servers from them I’ve used also have weird quirks or bad decisions. So far the two cases from Sliger I have used have been very well thought out
I have used a Supermicro chasis for about 8 years now - bought it from eBay. It has 12 3.5" drive bay - uses trays. It's nice but the fans in it can get loud. I also have a Rosewill 4U case - plenty of room, but mine has an irritating storage system. (I also only paid $40 for the Rosewill from FB Marketplace, so the price was right). I'm starting to think about an LLM system - a 4U should have room for a GPU. Now, how to talk the missus into the LLM server...hmmm.
@@ChrisRider I've been tempted to get a used supermicro chassis over the years but when I was looking it was hard to determine if the backplane was SATA2 or 3. I never got around to pulling the trigger and ended up with Rosewill which has been great for the 6 or so years I've used it. For damn near everything. The last rosewill case didn't stack hard drives correctly, as in, if you tried to fill it the trays were too close together preventing you from being able to max it out. I found Sliger while looking for a smaller server chassis to mount my gaming rig in. Their CX3171a XL fit the bill. It might work for you as an LLM server, not sure if has the capacity you are looking for though.
I’m a huge fan of Sliger. I have my desktop rack mounted in a 4200e as well as a virtualization server in a 4150a.
Nice! I just racked my desktop in CX3172a XL and it’s my first Sliger chassis. So far I’m liking it but uh my GPU broke so I haven’t really got to use it. The 4200e is nice for compactness. Definitely a good choice.
I only give this case a 6/10. Added a custom printed TPE drive sleeve to solve the rattling. Btw, killed 3 in 3 months, Seagate toasted my warranty on my remaining 7 drives. Even with 10 drives, you will struggle to saturate a 10 G connection. The issue is you can't plug a SAS Drive into the front. I didn't buy with intention for that but wanted to let others know. It's a great budget case, but its not perfect. That said, the fact you can do 10 drives and a 360 AIO is amazing. They need to add rubber grommets and an optional SAS backplane to be the end all be it all for a 4U AIO 10 drives in a server case.
Ths is the issue I ran into with SAS drives
Came for the breakdown/review...subbed for the RA music
Die waffen legt an!
that tiberian sun sound track !!!
Praying for a remaster! The c&c red alert master was perfect. Hope we can get that again for tiberian sun + dlc
Great video! Currently between this and the HL15; I'm probably leaning towards the HL15 as it'll be my first (and primary) rack mount but I could see myself getting this as a secondary rack mount case.
The HL15 is pretty slick. I haven’t used it IRL but I think the backplane is the real selling point for the HL15 and if you can afford it, that would be the way to go IMO.
Interesting case. May be worth picking up when I need to add more storage.
Without third party devices the default case has a maximum storage capacity of 12x 3.5" HDD and 10x 2.5" SSD. Pretty good for home use. For the power users though, it may not be enough...
it needs a nice amd beast inside !
I've had this case for about 6 months now. It looks like they may have changed the rails a bit from when I purchased. My rails don't actually fit in my rack, but it's a pretty cheap rack, so that might be why. Still pretty annoying that I have a rack mount chassis finally and I can't actually service it in the rack. And it's an incredible bummer that they don't even have an option for a filter on the front. What a mess the lack of a filter screen creates. I can't say I noticed any noise from the hard drives vibrating. But that's what the server closet is for.
They have new rail kits. And from the two racks I’ve used them in, they work well.
Hurray for dedicated closets!
I'm about to order one of these for my proxmox server (which will be running a truenas VM, thus wanting the disk bays). I've worked with some other Sliger cases in the past and they have all been really nice to work in so I'm looking forward to it. The one thing I'd really like to see is a proper backplane, even if that added another $100 to the price.
Seems like you aren’t the only one. Very happy with this case so far. It’s great
Well done!
This is a fine rack mount workstation chassis. It would be great for a high-performance workstation to host an open source LLM. In fact, when I start gathering parts for mine, its going in this Sliger chassis. I do however have one issue. With a file server use case in mind, 4U is too much vertical space for a box that only holds ten drives. My InterTECH 4420 has TWENTY 3.5-inch drive bays and was the same price as this Sliger. Remember I'm not knocking Sliger. THEY MAKE GREAT RACKMOUNT WORKSTATION CHASSIS, and I'm about to buy this one. It just misses the mark as a 4U server chassis.
It definitely fits the bill for a few use cases but as you said if you need massive storage maybe pick up a 4u chassis with more capacity. Nonetheless in general terms it’s still a great chassis.
My only complaint with Intertech is they are either really expensive in the states and/or rarely available, if you are in Europe they are a great choice. I wanted to give the 4410/4420 a go but ended up going with the Sliger instead because the markup was crazy for the few US vendors I could find them on.
@@nadtz I got mine shipped direct from Intertech. I don't think they do that anymore.
Are the rails in this video the general model or the promark? thanks!
The general ones
Tiberian Sun music!
Yeah buddy!! Old but gold
I like the case but my only gripe is I would have to give up idrac to use it. Also worth noting that the motherboard tray tends to get easier to take out once it has been done a few times. I am not sure if it is residue from the manufacturing process that makes it tough or their tolerances are so good that the metal has to wear down a little to loosen up the fit.
Yeah idrac is the best remote management. Ipmi on other systems has been just okay for me. The newer boards with HTML5 are the best but rare.
@@SPXLabs I need to toy with newer boards but they've always felt sluggish and primitive in comparison.
Yeah whelp what are you gunna do about it
What server rack and rails are you using?
I’m looking at a star tech open rack but apparently because of the dimensions/spacing post to post the sliger rails don’t fit (star tech spacing is 450mm, where as the sliger rails require 450.85mm)
I’ve used the same rails bought from Sliger and used them on a StarTech adjustable rack and Vivo adjustable Rack. No issues observed so far for either rack and rail kit.
I have this case but one of the passthrough to hdd is busted and I need to fix it.
But other than that I’m very happy. Only thing I’d like to see as an option in the future is a backplane that maybe just plugs into those passthroughs for a little less cable clutter and making it easier to also have more plugs for SSD cages
Really?? How did that happen?
An integrated backplane would be cool. The case is a little pricey already not sure how much cost that would add.
@@SPXLabs it showed up that way.
Took me some troubleshooting to figure it out but Sliger CS has been good. They apparently include some extra passthroughs but haven’t had time to look and they said if I don’t have them they will send me more.
A backplane would definitely add a decent amount and I agree it is already pricey.
That’s why I think it could be a “clip on” aftermarket accessory. But even if they don’t do it it’s still a great case.
I’m also thinking about getting one of their other HDD 3U cases to use as a JBOD. Run a lot quieter than one of those enterprise disk shelves.
@@user-cm3wd5hk1p Oh snap that's not cool. I bet it did, that would be the very last thing I'd ever think about checking lol.
I like that they have a variety of options for many different types of builders.
Caddy-less is definitely cheaper, and the cooling is better - but you need those 4 studs & screwdriver. There are neater solutions. Vibration is not a big issue with 'only' 4 or 8 drives .... once you have 24+, 60 or 100 in a 4U that's different
Just stating from a noise perspective not functionality. I know any amount of noise will bother some people. Otherwise, it's fine IMO.
Red alert music!
Yeah buddy!!!
I think some of the Rosewill 4U cases offer a lot more than this chassis especially when it comes to more drive mounts.
Probably depends on which 4u. I think the 15 hit swap bay chassis is the best they offer all the other ones are awkward or have even have issues where you can’t stack drives due to trays being too close together
The 15 bay is a huge pain in the butt to work on at times, if you aren't worried about having to dig around inside the chassis often they are definitely fine for the price but after working in more than a few rosewill cases over the years for something with a bunch of disks I'd much rather something with caddies or 'press fit' like this or the HL15.
The price of the rosewill with 12 bays that is hot swap isn't priced much less than this case and Sliger build quality is definitely a good step above rosewills offerings.
I pretty much agree with everything said here
Those drives having zero vibration dampening is a major design flaw.
does the power come through those breakout cables or do you have to connect a wire to the back of it to power it?
Power does not come through the Mini SAS to SATA breakout cables. As mentioned in the video you have to choice to use the included sata power cables or the ones that might come with your PSU, like I did.
Thanks for clarification. A psu can power your 5 hdd?
I think my PSU can do upwards of 10 maybe more with some breakout cables. Haven’t tried to see how many I can power
@@SPXLabs just to be clear, you re putting a sas power plug from your psu to the back of that blue cable to power it?
Yes! Exactly.
AYY EYE OUH
The lack of drive fasteners with rubberized dampeneing material make this an absolute no-go for anyone concerned with vibration issues. Also, I'd personally like to see more fans, especially in the front to keep the drives cool. This death trap is a drive killer. Such a shame, because the rest wasn't too shabby. Although, it's very cheaply made with very little consideration given for sharp edges and smooth operation of joints. It's like the el cheapo crap you find on Ali Express. It's really not a very nice chassis.
It definitely doesn’t feel cheap. I’ve also dropped it from about 28 inches and it didn’t get a single scratch or dent, on its way down off the rack.
I can kind of see your point with hard drives but I think it will be okay since the drives are not tightly packed and if you move to higher industrial fans that run at higher RPMs, you could avoid any heat drive killing issues.
12:17, are the rails slanted?
No, the camera is. Tripod is missing a foot.
They should also work on their clearances. You shouldn't have to whip out a hammer to slide the tray off!
Could have been jammed in from shipping. The other case I have from them slid right out.
Have you considered making your videos at 24p? The reason I ask is that I watch UA-cam on my TV with a Roku. I like to watch at fast speed and when I do your video drops down to 480p quality . So I usually end up not watching. I notice that 24p video plays just fine at faster speeds. Thanks.
24 Pence? I have not considered doing that. I have been flamed way too much in the past for doing anything less than 60fps. People always yell saying it's not buttery smooth enough and stuff. Your the first person in almost 4 years to say anything about FPS....
@@SPXLabs thanks for the reply. Yeah I like to watch content 1.5x to 2x speed. And on the Roku with 60p content it gets dropped to 480p. So I usually end up deciding to not watch it then. Thanks again.
@@johnvillalovos Sorry about that... out of curiosity do the chapters show up? That way you can skip to more relevant content??
@@SPXLabs chapters show up just fine on the Roku. Thanks.
Okay good! Whelp, thanks for trying. I guess this is goodbye forever 😭