I don’t know how easy it would be to swap out the PSU on the ES31469. I assume that if the PSU does get swapped, it might remove any warranty the case comes with. So, just keep that in mind.

I wish I could offer my input on your configuration, but my knowledge of mainboards using desktop CPUs and the power requirements that come with them is somewhat limited. Depending on the processor and its TDP along with the power consumption of the components you plan on using, I would start by simply adding up the watts (I think you’re likely looking at a desktop CPU maximum TDP of 65 W?). Yes, this seems overly simplistic and obvious, but it’s a good starting point to decide whether or not you’ll need a heftier PSU. If you can’t find the information on the Western Digital’s, try finding a comparable product, like a Seagate drive and use that number as a ballpark. Seagate is excellent at providing detailed specs on their drives.

I hope this helps!
Kristina

I certainly appreciate you taking time to respond. Main reason I got into this whole thing is to build my custom expandable NAS (plus possibly HTPC). I got tired of and running out of off-shelf NASes or they are really pricy (like from DROBO).

Did you mean to suggest CFI-A7879 from Chyangfun? I see 2 issues with it:
1) It does not have a 5.25″ drive (slim or regular) external bay too allow local movement of content off DVDs (BluRay or regular)

2) CFI-A7879 (8″x10″x12.12″=969.9 cu.inch) bigger in size than ChenBro ES34169 (10.24″x5.51″x 10.24″=577.765 cu.inch)

Please let me know which model would you carry, when and appx price range.

I also considered a Lien Li PC-Q08 case as an alternative (if I have to give up tidy size of ChenBro ES34169). But also it too big (9.08″x10.88″x13.9″=1363.31 cu.inch) and it’s not bare bones. It comes with some type of NAS backbone loaded with it, hence making it too pricy. One plus thing is that it does offer grand 6×3.5 bays with 5.25″ ext drive.

Silverstone SST-TJ08 and few from Sugo series offers few options, but none of them are as slim as ChenBro ES34169.

I am not sure if you would like to answer if end up buying ChenBro ES34169 (guess from somewhere else, since you don’t carry it) , then how easy it is to change the built in 120 W power supply?

I plan to use a board like Z68ITX-A-E (socket 1155) board with Western Digital 3 TB/6 gb GREEN drives.
I expect one or two devices connected on USB 3 ports on the motherboard at times.

As always, appreciate your response.

Thanks

I haven’t see other suppliers offer this case without a power supply, but that doesn’t mean you couldn’t remove it and swap it out for something different.

We are going to be carrying a case from Chyangfun, which is a nice alternative to the ES34069. We’ll keep you posted on the case here. It has a 200 W Flex ATX power supply and 4 hot-swappable HDD bays (including an internal 2.5″ bay). It’s smaller too. It might be what you’re looking for.
- Kristina

Is there any option to go higher with ES34169? I will using probably one or two USB 3 or eSATA drives attached to this NAS drive which will drive power also.

Alternatively is ES34169 available without powersupply? I can perhaps build my own externa, power supply upto 300 W.

Appreciate if you’d let me know.

Thanks

-Kristina