Mini NAS chassis compatible with the Embed N100 mini PC, featuring four 3.5-inch hard drive bays

A failed attempt at a single-piece enclosure due to excessive supports prompted this design. Finding the Chuwi N100 casing aesthetically pleasing, I eschewed modifying it for NAS use. This enclosure's advantage lies in seamlessly integrating the N100 (theoretically accommodating devices up to 127x127x58mm; 128x128x58mm with minimal cable shrinkage). My unit, a Chuwi N100 II, utilizes an M.2-to-SATA adapter. A perforated cover facilitates SATA cable extension and houses a 2.5-inch drive, enabling future expansion via SATA cabling.

Employing prevalent quick-release hard drive cages, vibration-dampening screws secure 3.5-inch drives for swift insertion, supporting four drives in total.

The backplane is readily available online. The widespread use of this hard drive cage ensures numerous compatible backplanes. Installation uses a synchronous power supply module (many types exist; ensure compatibility with the backplane to avoid DIY wiring). Mine features DC isolated power. A thermal sensor module (position the sensor between cage slots, optionally using heat-shrink tubing, securing it to the left and right of drives 2-3, near the interface) controls fan speed. Sufficient space accommodates these components. A 120x120x15mm quiet fan is recommended. The backplane features hooks for cable management.

Considering the NAS's continuous operation, I added a magnetic dust filter cover to the rear of the fan for convenient maintenance. 9.5x4.5x1.5mm magnet recesses were created (though I purchased 10x10x2mm magnets online, receiving smaller ones; adjust accordingly if necessary). Four pre-drilled holes on the dust filter's backplate were initially intended to test the magnetic attachment of the fan's metal screws, but this proved ineffective. Alternatively, a readily available 12cm fan cover negates this step.

The hard drive cage cover uses magnetic fasteners. To enhance stability, the chassis employs two 5x2mm round magnets per magnet hole – eight magnets for the front cover attachment, four for the cover itself. The cover features a perforated design for enhanced airflow. Smaller perforations minimize the risk of cockroach infestation; adjust the yellow modification module’s infill percentage to enlarge them as needed.

Below is a parts list.

M3 heat-set nuts * 6 (backplane to chassis)

M3 x 10 screws * 6 (backplane to chassis)

5 x 2mm magnets * 12 (hard drive front cover)

M4 x 6-8mm countersunk screws * 4 (securing hard drive cage)

M2 x 10mm screws * 8 (securing hard drive backplane; M2 may require washers, while M3 might necessitate hole modification or enlargement)

9.5 x 4.5 x 1.5  [for fan dust filter] * 8 (received smaller magnets than ordered) + 12cm fan dust filter (a 12cm fan cover eliminates the need for magnets)

120 x 120 x 15mm fan (requires corresponding power supply)

Fan thermal control module (optional)

Power supply module (user selection)

Slim SATA data cables * 4

M.2 to SATA adapter * 1