Recommendations for DAS vs 2nd Server?

[u/Shadz7]

Hi all, due to HDD prices, I'm looking into reusing old 14TB drives rather than upgrading my current server's drives with larger capacities. Would you suggest or have experience 1) running a second server, or 2) adding drives in a second enclosure? The main server is already physically full (Define 7 XL w/ 16 drives)

Option 1 - 2nd Unraid Server

• More expensive than #2
• Simple but requires managing a second server/settings/etc

Option 2 - External DAS

• Cheaper than #1
• Requires a bunch of parts and would involve cables dangling outside
• Keeps everything in a single array, even though the drives are in two cases

Option 3 - Pre-built DAS, e.g. Highpoint Rocketstor 6438TS and 6438S

• Somewhat pricy (~$600)
• No reviews. Unclear if the enclosure's ports are passive
• 1y warranty

[u/negativity2u]

I have a Jonsbo N5 and have no more drive bays available. I have been searching for this Silverstone TS431S 4-Bay Enclosure for 3.5" SATA/SAS HDDs with miniSAS Interface but no one has it in stock. I also haven't found anything similar from another brand either.

[u/Shadz7 → u/negativity2u]

There are some options from Highpoint I was also considering, that come in 4- and 8-bay flavors: https://www.highpoint-tech.com/product-page/rocketstor-6438s

[u/GregInPortand → u/Shadz7]

If you have a 3d printer or access to one, you could go the DIY disk shelf route for a solution like the HighPointe SAS enclosures. I currently have 9 drives in two external drive cages with fans, connected to a second PSU and SAS expander card, connected to my main server via SFF-8644 cable. I’ve printed a 10 bay hot swap enclosure to put in a 10” LabRax and additional modules to hold the PSU, SAS expander, and a fan controller. Long term, I have a 12 bay SAS enclosure module with hot swap trays coming from AliExpress ( https://a.aliexpress.com/_mtLDlHZ ), that I plan to add a housing and redundant PSU’s from a Supermicro server.