Mini fileserver heat considerations

So we are going to fit 5 HD:s with a 120 mm fan for minimum noise and maximum cooling effect in a box measuring 180×180×250mm.

Why use such a big fan if you want to keep the size to a minimum? Well we figure that to keep the noise down at the same time being able to cool the hardworking harddrives and also the motherboard, a big fan would be the best solution. First of all we can keep the speed down, keeping the noise to a minimum and still being able pull a lot of air thru the box.

After a few minor changes to the design the first steps to get a working prototype was made. Here you see a picture of the huge fan in the back:

minifileserver1