{"product_id":"pillarmax-open-source-16-bay-nas-3-5-drives","title":"pillarmax - Open Source 16-bay NAS + 3.5\" drives.","description":"\u003cboostme\u003e\u003cboosttitle\u003eBoost Me\u003c\/boosttitle\u003e\u003cboostcontent\u003eWith this 16-bay delight, I give it out for all to utilize as OPEN SOURCE.  A boost would definitely help this month long design feel accomplished though. :)\u003c\/boostcontent\u003e\u003c\/boostme\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNote: The formatting of this writeup is more condensed and easier to read on \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003ca target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer ugc\" href=\"https:\/\/jackharvest.com\/index.php\/2025\/04\/11\/pillarmax-3d-printed-16-bay-nas-for-drives-super-cool-super-power-efficient-super-economical-super-free-and-doesnt-require-mini-itx\/\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ejackharvest.com\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e. I have no ads; I hate money, clearly. That said, I have copy and pasted it here, and edited nothing, simply so its available.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThere are post-processing pictures on \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003ca target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer ugc\" href=\"https:\/\/makerworld.com\/en\/models\/1203850-pillarpro-open-source-8-bay-nas-3-5-drives#profileId-1217302\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePillarPro's writeup\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e. I didn't include them on pillarmax. You know what you're doing probably.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e--------------------------------------------------------------------------------\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/makerworld.bblmw.com\/makerworld\/model\/DSM00000001310374\/design\/d040e26d-8600-49e8-9d6e-b6f36c1a7989.png\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eDownloads First:\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cfigure class=\"table\"\u003e\u003ctable\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/makerworld.bblmw.com\/makerworld\/model\/DSM00000001310374\/design\/5c055797-811d-4b63-a3d6-0b14ff397e5e.png\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePillarMax Main Pieces\u003cbr\u003e[This page]\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/makerworld.bblmw.com\/makerworld\/model\/DSM00000001310374\/design\/2c181a64-a2a0-41e5-8854-24973e70731b.png\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAutomatic customizer tool for creating the standoff plate for your Mini PC.\u003cbr\u003e[This page]\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eJust insert the distance between the screw holes on your mini-pc’s motherboard from left to right, and up to down. Boom. Download.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/makerworld.bblmw.com\/makerworld\/model\/DSM00000001310374\/design\/51c920d2-6a83-4495-8080-0a0750f5ef19.png\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePillarMax Mini PC SAS Card (full height) Adapter.\u003cbr\u003e[\u003ca target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer ugc\" href=\"https:\/\/makerworld.com\/en\/models\/1237248-m-2-to-full-height-pcie-mounting-bracket-adapter#profileId-1257119\"\u003eDownload\u003c\/a\u003e]\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/makerworld.bblmw.com\/makerworld\/model\/DSM00000001310374\/design\/5445b56c-c42f-45ee-bc30-674b352eb51c.png\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAnti Vibration TPU Screws.\u003cbr\u003e[\u003ca target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer ugc\" href=\"https:\/\/makerworld.com\/en\/models\/1175068-anti-vibration-tpu-rubber-pc-fan-screws#profileId-1184071\"\u003eDownload\u003c\/a\u003e]\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\u003c\/table\u003e\u003c\/figure\u003e\u003cp\u003ePillarMax takes a 16-bay $5000 Synology-like approach, and delivers a DIY solution into your lap for under $300. Potentially for under $150, depending on how much crap you already own.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eRequirements.\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMust sip \u003cstrong\u003epower\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMust be \u003cstrong\u003eeconomical\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMust be \u003cstrong\u003equiet.\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMust be \u003cstrong\u003ecool.\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMust be \u003cstrong\u003eeasy to print \u0026amp; build\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eI consider Mini-ITX not aggressive enough for power savings, no matter the processor dropped in\u003c\/strong\u003e. Thus, a SOC (system on a chip) solution is required. Laptops and Mini PCs have their processor baked on, and have a \u003ci\u003efar\u003c\/i\u003e lower TDP than any desktop variant.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eMeet the PillarMax.\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eI was going to start with a purchase sheet, but, I think its more exciting to show what you’re getting first.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePillarMax, like the PillarPro, is broken down into only 2 main pieces (and their doors): \u003c\/strong\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003ehard drive chamber\u003c\/strong\u003e, and, \u003cstrong\u003ethe Power Chamber\u003c\/strong\u003e. The ‘garage doors’ for each side are different for a reason; We want the airflow coming in across all the hard drives, as this dense of a machine is best suited for negative air pressure.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/makerworld.bblmw.com\/makerworld\/model\/DSM00000001310374\/design\/1dc5d37f-cf7a-4a69-8079-e3431632c9de.png\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/makerworld.bblmw.com\/makerworld\/model\/DSM00000001310374\/design\/0ff8e9b3-f340-40b7-9e58-296a36a64340.jpg\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/makerworld.bblmw.com\/makerworld\/model\/DSM00000001310374\/design\/b508a5f9-57ab-40f8-8447-795820262063.jpg\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/makerworld.bblmw.com\/makerworld\/model\/DSM00000001310374\/design\/876a3126-6102-47cb-860e-7fea5feabec0.jpg\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/makerworld.bblmw.com\/makerworld\/model\/DSM00000001310374\/design\/26b7fb71-d570-4ef8-95f3-956e49e06772.jpg\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/makerworld.bblmw.com\/makerworld\/model\/DSM00000001310374\/design\/cdecaa2d-fb9d-4322-8553-fe900969b096.jpg\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/makerworld.bblmw.com\/makerworld\/model\/DSM00000001310374\/design\/4833b807-4763-4a77-ac95-929c2f5be787.jpg\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe design is, I believe, the most dense 16-bay NAS possible! With air gushing through the 3 fans, its easily one of the most thermal friendly as well. Not to mention the power usage… all around, really happy with it, and can’t wait for everyone to be able to join the fun with their old mini pcs (or new!).\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe IO up the rear left is in any order you’d like (except the power plug). There are 6 keystone jacks you can use to route your Mini-PC’s connections from. You can just print blanks of course if you don’t see a need, or just want to add those later. At minimum, you’ll want a network port and 5 blanks.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eShow me more about these pieces.\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe outside consists of two \u003ci\u003emain \u003c\/i\u003ecomponents: The \u003cstrong\u003ehard drive chamber\u003c\/strong\u003e, and the \u003cstrong\u003epower chamber\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/makerworld.bblmw.com\/makerworld\/model\/DSM00000001310374\/design\/f91de595-a62c-4926-a5d8-1c8854946505.jpg\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003ehard drive chamber \u003c\/strong\u003ewith two garage doors installed.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003epower chamber \u003c\/strong\u003ehas 3x 92mm fans, 6 keystone jacks, 1 dc barrel jack, and provisions to mount your Mini PC, 5V Downstepper, and 12V downstepper. (More on that later, don’t freak out, its easy).\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/makerworld.bblmw.com\/makerworld\/model\/DSM00000001310374\/design\/dab6d5d6-c784-4d84-b3db-caab5f4532cf.jpg\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/makerworld.bblmw.com\/makerworld\/model\/DSM00000001310374\/design\/088152c5-d58b-47ca-8b1e-17121041f07a.jpg\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIt’s hard to believe, but yes, these two components each fit a print bed. \u003cstrong\u003e238.2mm\u003c\/strong\u003e x \u003cstrong\u003e230.3mm\u003c\/strong\u003e of bed space is required for the hard drive chamber…\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e…and the same 238.2mm x 230.3mm for the power chamber.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003e(Don’t worry about that broken piece, version 1’s strength in that spot was less than it should have been; Bolstered for you though!\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg class=\"image_resized\" style=\"height: auto; width: 184px\" src=\"https:\/\/makerworld.bblmw.com\/makerworld\/model\/DSM00000001310374\/design\/78e2f97e-4518-4645-afca-2f73e1ffd83d.png\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/makerworld.bblmw.com\/makerworld\/model\/DSM00000001310374\/design\/501ce78b-e141-4a33-94aa-f0d27ea8b63e.jpg\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e3D Printing Note: \u003c\/strong\u003eBoth the power chamber and HDD chamber take advantage of using PLA as support for the PETG print. This means, when you remove the supports, they are removed with nominal effort, as the two are allergic to one another. (This also means you should set your purge pretty high (3x or 4x from normal) when swapping between the two filament types; Mixing in the nozzle by any amount will cause that layer to be extremely weak, and sheer right off).\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eHow do they go together?\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/makerworld.bblmw.com\/makerworld\/model\/DSM00000001310374\/design\/97800b5a-1fed-421a-8556-d1114cda8646.jpg\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eOnce the two SATA backplanes are installed (1 8x in the left, 1 8x in the right) with nice short M3 screws, you’ll wonder “why did you advise I use such short screws?”\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eSimple. From the other side, you’ll use more M3 screws\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/makerworld.bblmw.com\/makerworld\/model\/DSM00000001310374\/design\/f5e4120c-824b-48db-bae3-d4558896ce09.png\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eHere’s an exaggerated look at how these two parts connect to one another. They use the exact same pilot holes that your Backplane screws use.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe backplane is only needing enough threads to get hooked to the plastic.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe other side should use screws that traverse and go all the way through, but not interact with the screws for the backplane.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eI suppose you could send really long screws all the way through, with a nut on the opposite side in the power chamber. The thought didn’t occur to me until typing this. Do it however you want. xD\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/makerworld.bblmw.com\/makerworld\/model\/DSM00000001310374\/design\/a2feeb0d-1554-45fd-a0a6-5a8791b7b0a6.jpg\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePerfectionist warning:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eYou do NOT need to use every screw hole. In fact, some of them are terribly placed on account of crudely piping over the measurements from PillarPro. Simply do your best to get 50% of the screws in place.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe bulk of the weight is going to be in the drive chamber. You’ll lift underneath that side. This is just so the power chamber is connected. \u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/makerworld.bblmw.com\/makerworld\/model\/DSM00000001310374\/design\/623574bf-5d9c-4f61-9b56-95fcace50c4d.svg\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eBut what about the inside of the power chamber? I’m scared.\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eDon’t be scared; The inside consists of a few main components: \u003cstrong\u003eThe mini pc of your choice\u003c\/strong\u003e, and some voltage converters (down steppers) to make things the correct voltages for feeding our equipment. Also 3 fans. Easy.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/makerworld.bblmw.com\/makerworld\/model\/DSM00000001310374\/design\/f7d82a7e-a9cc-4ca5-9fa0-a8aba0d1ceba.jpg\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eYour Mini PC (well… the motherboard from your Mini PC) resides on \u003cstrong\u003ecustomizable stilts\u003c\/strong\u003e [hyperlink pending] which sits on a 5 inch square. This is the mini-PC “standoff board”.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003eSimply measure the hole distance from left to right, and then top to bottom, pop those numbers into the automated customizer builder for this Mini PC standoff maker, and download your personally tailored print!\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/makerworld.bblmw.com\/makerworld\/model\/DSM00000001310374\/design\/5c694690-8e4a-4f75-8465-c21ea17a4c12.jpg\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eYour M.2 Slot (one that supports NVMe) will become occupied by this $8 adapter. This gives us an x4 motherboard slot to work with (which we’ll put a SAS card into for connecting hard drives).\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eA mini PC only provides 3.3V to this slot, because they only expect you to be putting in storage. But we’re super cool, and need 12V also.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eHere’s the power layout as seen in the image:\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e[Red5V+ | Black5V- | Black12V- | Yellow12V+]\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThus, we wont need the 5V input lines. In a future step, I’ll simply have you clip them off.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe riser clips that mount to that M.2 adapter board are readily available to download, and come in “low profile” and “standard profile” card heights.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eYou may need to move the clips left or right depending on your setup and crap in the way on the card or mini pc motherboard.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eOverall, pretty simple. You now have the brains of your box ready!\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/makerworld.bblmw.com\/makerworld\/model\/DSM00000001310374\/design\/6da81994-804d-4880-9e1e-11011d84226a.jpg\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/makerworld.bblmw.com\/makerworld\/model\/DSM00000001310374\/design\/2c4c2dc1-5874-4f98-8781-c021f698fc76.jpg\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003ePutting these two units together can cause you to notice that your printer isn’t perfect, and that you had some mild warping.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/makerworld.bblmw.com\/makerworld\/model\/DSM00000001310374\/design\/78e7ab13-963c-4a1f-b28c-451c1ca29975.jpg\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThus, a belly-band of sorts is available as an optional download to hide these unsightly warpings.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis is the step to slide this on. There will be TPU feet in the way later.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/makerworld.bblmw.com\/makerworld\/model\/DSM00000001310374\/design\/43349009-6118-4417-833d-114b12d1183c.jpg\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eUsing the pull-through TPU fan screws (and some printed M3 washers to keep the metal grates on better), install the top two fans in the upper portion of the power chamber.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/makerworld.bblmw.com\/makerworld\/model\/DSM00000001310374\/design\/010cf50b-3f2d-4afe-9fdf-b080abd2a69e.jpg\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eSince you’ve got the TPU out anyway, print the 16 feet.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIt was originally less, but, with 16 hard drives inside, this has some genuine heft to it, so the feet were doubled. (note your belly band is now locked in place).\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThey are pressure fit, but, a dab of super glue is probably not a terrible idea if you plan on sliding it around a lot. (And my TPU is soft so…)\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/makerworld.bblmw.com\/makerworld\/model\/DSM00000001310374\/design\/273cac32-ae65-47c0-a8c3-38e0363f2782.jpg\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eSlide the 5V downstepper into this hole here.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eNote the polarity of the terminals.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe input is both 12V or 24V. That’s pretty handy because…\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eMoving into electrical now. Don’t worry. Hold my hand. Its easy.\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/makerworld.bblmw.com\/makerworld\/model\/DSM00000001310374\/design\/6d60ec9d-1a9a-46ae-978c-639166d07218.jpg\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e…your DC input barrel jack is gonna be feeding in 24V. \u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/makerworld.bblmw.com\/makerworld\/model\/DSM00000001310374\/design\/623574bf-5d9c-4f61-9b56-95fcace50c4d.svg\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003eThe wall plug is a 24V\/10A ‘laptop brick’ style power supply. 12V 20A could have been used, but is significantly more expensive and difficult to find than 24V\/10A, which gives the same watts.\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eBefore we dive too far into electrical, lets step back and take a look at a simplified diagram for where wires are gonna go.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/makerworld.bblmw.com\/makerworld\/model\/DSM00000001310374\/design\/254cf17a-ff51-4c2d-87dd-fa1c9acfb3b7.png\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eOk, stop STOP. Don’t freak out. This is actually niiiiiiiice and easy, ok? \u003cstrong\u003eLook. We’re using these little lever lock electrical wire clamp-down things instead of wirenuts! It’s like electrical for fisher-price babies, you got this. \u003c\/strong\u003eIt’s just to spread the electricity to more places that need it, ok?\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHere. Photos. We like photos. Lets go slow.\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003ci\u003e(For you speedster electrical wizards, the above diagram is probably enough; Don’t forget the 5V from the downstepper to the Molex, which is pictured below as seen in PillarPro (you just have a second molex in PillarMax; Or you can use a splitter, I don’t care)\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg class=\"image_resized\" style=\"height: auto; width: 377px\" src=\"https:\/\/makerworld.bblmw.com\/makerworld\/model\/DSM00000001310374\/design\/59d34e8f-5337-43fe-abe4-deb745076f12.png\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eOnly two things need 24V from the wall.\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/makerworld.bblmw.com\/makerworld\/model\/DSM00000001310374\/design\/e51b8ffc-b202-4a28-aaac-a66ca9156318.jpg\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e…And you already hooked one of them up! (the 5V downstepper)\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis here is the 12V downstepper. This particular one eats 24V and craps out 12V, which we need for some stuff in here. \u003cstrong\u003eDo not follow my colors, as your unit may be reversed. Always pay attention to polarity as it is depicted on your hardware\u003c\/strong\u003e. \u003ci\u003e(Author Note: Killed one of these myself building too late at night)\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eOk, scary warning complete. Follow the chart above; Plug the 24V+ pigtail from the downstepper into your 3-way 24V+ nut. Do the same for the 24V-. (Not pictured, so you have to look up your polarity)\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e24V stuff is out of the way. Dude! Already!? Nice.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis is as good a time as any to plug that 3rd fan in with more TPU pull-through screws.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eFeel free to plug those fans into the motherboard (using the fan resistor cables from the parts list at the bottom so the fans spin a bit… slower).\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/makerworld.bblmw.com\/makerworld\/model\/DSM00000001310374\/design\/2561d66b-95bc-4986-b782-43773033f6da.jpg\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003eNote: You don’t have to use the TPU screws; If you order the fans I did, they come with some decently long screws and nuts that go all the way through.\u003c\/i\u003e \u003ci\u003eI just love excuses to print stuff.\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/makerworld.bblmw.com\/makerworld\/model\/DSM00000001310374\/design\/8fb64a3f-b6a1-42fa-a933-1469ecda3f64.jpg\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eNow, the 5V stuff — erm, thing.\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/makerworld.bblmw.com\/makerworld\/model\/DSM00000001310374\/design\/0c60d70b-92bc-4951-b3a6-15cb7cffc9cb.jpg\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eRemember this? Eats 24V and craps out… 5V.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/makerworld.bblmw.com\/makerworld\/model\/DSM00000001310374\/design\/99e14b8c-9417-4c97-b0be-99bf3a4b91f7.png\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIt needs to lead to your molex adapter so we can plug 4 molex into those hard drive backplanes. If it isn’t clear, this end gets snipped off and terminated into the 5V poles here on the downstepper. [5V+ and 5V- from the cable and went to this 5V here].\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/makerworld.bblmw.com\/makerworld\/model\/DSM00000001310374\/design\/684eaf31-8ff7-4b26-bd86-d1070d607be0.jpg\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eOk, only look at the 5V here (in this case red and black… which you can follow with your eyes on the black wires — things get tricky when they don’t color code anything on these Molex cables; Follow the chart above). Don’t look at anything else. I happened to use a splitter here cause I’m a madman, but ideally, you have the left and right on their own, leading back to the terminal individually (screwing down two wires per 5V+ and 5V-). \u003cstrong\u003eThese backplanes support staggered spin-up though, so the amount of draw all at once wont freak out a setup on a splitter \u003c\/strong\u003e(just a single point of failure I suppose).\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eOnly 12V stuff now. See? Easy. Almost done.\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/makerworld.bblmw.com\/makerworld\/model\/DSM00000001310374\/design\/4aa5ed4c-437b-4eab-86a4-1cf2d9e36e18.jpg\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eYour power cable for your mini PC (which runs on 12V~19V, right? RIGHT? YOU DOUBLE CHECKED THAT RIGHT?) needs 12V. The colors speak for themselves here, thank goodness.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003eMost mini PCs come with a 19V power brick, but actually support 12V power when checking their documentation. If yours only supports 19V, I highly recommend the Topton N100 or N150 boxes, as they’re cheap, powerful, 6w TDP devices that run on 12V natively.\u003c\/i\u003e \u003ci\u003eAn excellent runner up is the 6th and 7th gen intel NUCs with i3 or i5 processors; ~$50 ebay.\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eYour M.2 PCIe to x4 slot adapter card needs 12V (yellow+, black- here). These cards come with the 5V line too (red\/black), but most (if not all nowadays) cards wont use the 5V (probably why there isn’t a 5V indicator light on this adapter at all, but there’s a 12V and 3.3V).\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eSince 5V isn’t needed here, I snipped mine.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/makerworld.bblmw.com\/makerworld\/model\/DSM00000001310374\/design\/dc03592f-dd68-44b5-80e8-4df21aa08bc1.jpg\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/makerworld.bblmw.com\/makerworld\/model\/DSM00000001310374\/design\/0b66aa1f-43f5-42f7-a043-db046ae29fdf.jpg\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eTake a break from 12V for a sec and plug your keystone jacks in that you want. There’s plenty online to choose from (USB 3.0, USB-C, HDMI, etc) — at minimum I recommend an Ethernet keystone jack.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003eProtip: Even if you know how to punch down your own Ethernet in a keystone, I recommend the coupler; So nice for cable management.\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg class=\"image_resized\" style=\"height: auto; width: 116px\" src=\"https:\/\/makerworld.bblmw.com\/makerworld\/model\/DSM00000001310374\/design\/3df07dac-72a5-4b38-98e1-258ffac29ec1.png\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/makerworld.bblmw.com\/makerworld\/model\/DSM00000001310374\/design\/92409dbc-1222-49a0-8202-538b6e45093f.jpg\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eA second glance at that 12V cable on your M.2 adapter while sliding your Mini-PC into place partially (I SAID PARTIALLY; You gotta plug a bunch of crap in first, silly). Actually, pull it out. This was a terrible time to put that in.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/makerworld.bblmw.com\/makerworld\/model\/DSM00000001310374\/design\/2bd1e5c3-04b0-4566-be18-adcc6b7466fb.jpg\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eReminder: Plug your \u003cstrong\u003e12V\u003c\/strong\u003e+ and – portion of your Molex cables into your 12V+ and – hubs if you haven’t already; (Your 5V is already plugged into the downstepper directly – unlike mine that are floating here in the picture); Peel apart the other two wires for some slack, and put them in your 12V in the proper receptacle).\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eBe careful. If yours are not colored, both sides will be black. Don’t be confused. Use some color tape or sharpie to keep your path obvious; Use the chart above to determine orientation.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eScary power section is done. Just roll into home plate now!\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/makerworld.bblmw.com\/makerworld\/model\/DSM00000001310374\/design\/fce40de9-cb2f-47eb-ad02-4ddc4285bc75.jpg\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003ePlug all those sweet sweet SATA ports in. Try to keep some semblance of order here so it looks nice for the spiders that crawl in here.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/makerworld.bblmw.com\/makerworld\/model\/DSM00000001310374\/design\/30990258-397b-4ce6-85e1-3f1ded2e2d25.jpg\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNow you’re gett’n it.\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eNice.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003e(And don’t sweat that hungry looking power port on the bottom right if you’re rocking the 9300-16i. Sources online say “The aux power connector is only needed if the power supply for that PCIe slot is limited to 25W.” — and that’s not us. That 12V has way more than 2A to give, if asked.)\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/makerworld.bblmw.com\/makerworld\/model\/DSM00000001310374\/design\/430d49d0-55c7-42de-a00a-fd6a3851c6a7.jpg\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003ePlug some of that crap in…\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eEthernet\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePower\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHDMI\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCouple USBs\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/makerworld.bblmw.com\/makerworld\/model\/DSM00000001310374\/design\/179f7749-7a39-4e17-8736-ee5e691a7c03.jpg\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eOooo. Nice.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003eI didn’t include any blank keystones; Many people have already made these online, and since they’re a standard size, I’ll leave that up to you to print.\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/makerworld.bblmw.com\/makerworld\/model\/DSM00000001310374\/design\/e45d1232-2a6b-4742-a0ae-ef7ca7b42e62.jpg\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eTIP: If your Mini PC doesn’t have a 2.5G NIC, but has USB 3.0 ports, and you’ve got some cheap dumb switches that take advantage of 2.5G (or 5.0G), I really recommend it. Keep it all tucked inside so on the outside you’re just dealing with a normal Ethernet jack on the keystone.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/makerworld.bblmw.com\/makerworld\/model\/DSM00000001310374\/design\/126ba316-6252-4fde-9a86-cd48a780a68a.jpg\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eGive those top cables a solid bend, have the left two sata port groups go left, and the right two go right.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/makerworld.bblmw.com\/makerworld\/model\/DSM00000001310374\/design\/d63d9103-ce9f-4f3f-ba47-8b2c35aaaea5.jpg\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eClosing the garage door will have some friction. That’s fine. Again, move the cables to the left and right the best you can to relieve as much pressure as you can.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eYou wont relieve all of it; The fan runs into the cables so you’re stuck with \u003ci\u003esome\u003c\/i\u003e pressure.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003ePower. So much power. (And yet, not much at all)\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/makerworld.bblmw.com\/makerworld\/model\/DSM00000001310374\/design\/e4fc1df0-36a4-4e17-9af7-18b084af6bef.jpg\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAgain, 24V, 10A adapter. It can be 15A. 20A. 30A. Whatever – but less than 10A and our comfortable “ceiling” we want to stay away from at full power is gonna get dicey.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpeaking of, lets talk about power consumption!\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eI’m rocking a TopTon minipc with an N150 processor (6w TDP, 4\/4). A half-loaded PillarMax uses ~90W when running intensive tasking like resilvering. That’s insane good.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eFor reference, a Synology DS1821+ (an \u003cstrong\u003e8-bay\u003c\/strong\u003e desktop model that costs \u003cstrong\u003e$1000\u003c\/strong\u003e) utilizes ~60w when rebalancing drives intensively.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eOk, wow. Sick. Does this cost a fortune?\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003ePillarPro with 8 bays came in at ~$210 if you had \u003ci\u003enothing\u003c\/i\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003ePillarMax with 16 bays, I’m proud to say, slides in at \u003cstrong\u003e$296.17 \u003c\/strong\u003eif you have \u003ci\u003enothing\u003c\/i\u003e. Synology’s cheapest 16 bay option is probably the \u003ca target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer ugc\" href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/search?client=firefox-b-1-d\u0026amp;sca_esv=ea28a01ba0d65b63\u0026amp;q=synology+16+bay\u0026amp;udm=28\u0026amp;fbs=ABzOT_CWdhQLP1FcmU5B0fn3xuWpA-dk4wpBWOGsoR7DG5zJBsxayPSIAqObp_AgjkUGqel3rTRMIJGV_ECIUB00mupujJbyw82c7vlYBaFJu3BmNAQzAFr6obCTLutWM17qnmiOU-zUTKn7eXIlsD8HYbVMoPCUoQ-8w2eBI-HPhrVEu8E-X-pRJi-IDF2DFIJu34aAXq7SSNs64lEYJnUMf4GCLzulQQ\u0026amp;ved=1t:220175\u0026amp;ictx=111\u0026amp;biw=1718\u0026amp;bih=1286\u0026amp;dpr=1#oshopproduct=gid:11798511671937524500,oid:4266595143383897071,iid:13057345314668314700,rds:UENfMTE3OTg1MTE2NzE5Mzc1MjQ1MDB8UFJPRF9QQ18xMTc5ODUxMTY3MTkzNzUyNDUwMA%3D%3D,pvt:hg,pvo:3\u0026amp;oshop=apv\u0026amp;pvs=0\"\u003eRS2821RP+\u003c\/a\u003e, which slides in at an \u003cstrong\u003eeyewatering $3,322.99 \u003c\/strong\u003eon Newegg, only has gigabit NICs on it, and is tinnitus invitingly \u003ci\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eloud\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eLets break it down! \u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/makerworld.bblmw.com\/makerworld\/model\/DSM00000001310374\/design\/623574bf-5d9c-4f61-9b56-95fcace50c4d.svg\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cfigure class=\"table\"\u003e\u003ctable\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd colspan=\"3\"\u003eDescription\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eURL\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eQty\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eUnit price\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTotal price\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e5.5 x 2.5 MM DC Power Jack Socket (Male + Female)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e \u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e \u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003ca target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer ugc\" href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/SDTC-Tech-Threaded-Connector-Dustproof\/dp\/B0B6FFN4V5?crid=39VGF7J51ACX2\u0026amp;dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.FEoG_Ghi1kV1nnZdJhadkoeMPRihDIWUTvKhCrShOiGgdSBqirgvN3F74DbruKQk7wHtwZgeLCmSukWLINfs3jJEPQswbQnN_kWHA5hqw1vNIUWhYlJDsUdasnDA_d6E23xnYfKPwUnFav5ZIFdKIfXQE84U8I9ToDCyYkFkQTmkdUWoaomHDQvJOM3qgLrloij6n_scAfonqMfCtSnk5pRhtXsLPbDtQzC0574v3C6yV3QNwaj1BhL2X4gfNzelb-bwpYdMqt9ivSde7gRBLqN-pe35_ow0m7uyrvWfnVr-1xgl243BJ7wRNX3IqZxYUUTp50UhtepRibSggAatut-3nY7neDcgwZ8hDcV5XgU.YwhVuB7HQ4agG-qEuX_xMEP6_o8Y_cKM-kiTC_Zgtgw\u0026amp;dib_tag=se\u0026amp;keywords=18awg%2Bdc%2B5.5%2B2.5%2Bfemale%2Bmale%2Bbarrel%2Bpack\u0026amp;qid=1741489883\u0026amp;s=electronics\u0026amp;sprefix=18awg%2Bdc%2B5.5%2B2.5%2Bfemale%2Bmale%2Bbarrel%2Bpack%2Celectronics%2C138\u0026amp;sr=1-23\u0026amp;th=1\"\u003eLink\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e1\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e$8.99\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e$8.99\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e12V\/24V \u003c\/strong\u003eto \u003cstrong\u003e5V 15A \u003c\/strong\u003eStep Down Converter\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e \u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e \u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003ca target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer ugc\" href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/dp\/B09X1ZGR38?th=1\"\u003eLink\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e1\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e$10.00\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e$10.00\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e92mm Fans (two pack) + Grills\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e \u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e \u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003ca target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer ugc\" href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/dp\/B0DDT5G8P5?ref=nb_sb_ss_w_as-reorder_k0_1_9\u0026amp;amp=\u0026amp;crid=3GFEA6KLQCQKD\u0026amp;sprefix=92mm%2Bfans\u0026amp;th=1\"\u003eLink\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e1\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e$11.99\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e$11.99\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePC Fans Noise Reducers (Level Blue)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e \u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e \u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003ca target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer ugc\" href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/dp\/B0D8SM1W3N\"\u003eLink\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e1\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e$2.07\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e$2.07\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eEthernet RJ45 CAT6 Keystone Couplers (5pk)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e \u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e \u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003ca target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer ugc\" href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/VCE-Listed-5-Pack-Keystone-Coupler-White\/dp\/B0116T7XMQ?th=1\"\u003eLink\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e1\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e$6.99\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e$6.99\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e24V to 12V (20A) Voltage Converter\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e \u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e \u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003ca target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer ugc\" href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/gp\/product\/B0CYQ8X29T\/ref=ox_sc_act_title_3?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER\u0026amp;psc=1\"\u003eLink\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e1\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e$14.57\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e$14.57\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e24V 10A \u003c\/strong\u003eExternal Power Brick\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e \u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e \u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003ca target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer ugc\" href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/dp\/B0D5B33JCH\"\u003eLink\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e1\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e$24.99\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e$24.99\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003ci\u003eMini\u003c\/i\u003e SAS HD to SATA Breakout Cable (0.5m) [\u003cstrong\u003e8643 4xsata\u003c\/strong\u003e]\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e \u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e \u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003ca target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer ugc\" href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/dp\/B0912DLX31\"\u003eLink\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e4\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e$9.69\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e$38.76\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSAS Card (IT Mode) Supporting 16 drives (like SAS9300-16I)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e \u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e \u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003ca target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer ugc\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ebay.com\/itm\/125105426128\"\u003eLink\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e1\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e$25.00\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e$25.00\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eA variety pack of M3 screws\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e \u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e \u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003ca target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer ugc\" href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Machine-Screws-Countersunk-Phillips-Assortment\/dp\/B0CCPH974T?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.P_MOBrskKLS2bpPXZVnpjEgRUmO6MTRlcAiteJVlgvk7qjXhG3zsTXbsbCnilAzwmttbHZDV_f15UwTWkn2zmsgjsy-ifPHEpAnFqcVlaTHonSRSmUJFvOkh5Lw3UJLhdqrdtYPR9eOvcuXD2W8PcPPGzGphZj9YZOF8NuNVooh7aqLgcDbuuoO0Gu5umBfpEbC39Y3HVxrN4RMHlcAfHlB0oyNIPtSPBmhKHj6sNfFNzWCg8liVr-vKjaMHujNnMSAPuImbdKEWkXzitthCyOsShq5Ll3nBWVrfZQpaGcKS3_I_-5l75ALXRUruAzLYoL1XR04nbB3vT-jbEXsQJCp1NTMobxzV4fzSQZ4qZLZwrhcff3nC6VMHxpbH-vP1K3dlSvKis5xw61GkxTPg__7A-0EPm_E1zV1AeojDncsWLoI7HAK3Mb4Rv82YOFdo.a9Yw2BJKdI1qdHGaxvqgcHBqCfWT7fdtxZfVFlKqbSc\u0026amp;dib_tag=se\u0026amp;keywords=m3%2Bscrew%2Bpack\u0026amp;qid=1741492599\u0026amp;sr=8-5\u0026amp;th=1\"\u003eLink\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e1\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e$8.99\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e$8.99\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eJonsnobo 8-bay Backplane for Hard drives\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e \u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e \u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003ca target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer ugc\" href=\"https:\/\/www.aliexpress.us\/item\/3256806651819610.html\"\u003eLink\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e2\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e$20.00\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e$40.00\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMulti Molex Adapter (for powering Jonsnobo backplane)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e \u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e \u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003ca target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer ugc\" href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Modular-Adapter-1000PS-Supernova-nex650g\/dp\/B0B85681X3?crid=1WF0GY6DX0EGD\"\u003eLink\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e2\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e$9.99\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e$19.98\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e1 Foot Ethernet Cables\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e \u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e \u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003ca target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer ugc\" href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/LEKVKM-Ethernet-Internet-Outdoor-Computer\/dp\/B0BW5NV48Z?crid=16MFKG6WJ479S\"\u003eLink\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e1\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e$8.24\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e$8.24\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePCI-E 4X to M.2 NGFF Adapter Card\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e \u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e \u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003ca target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer ugc\" href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/MZHOU-Adapter-Transfer-Signal-Light\/dp\/B09C1B2XC3?crid=2WKWHJB13UMYK\"\u003eLink\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e1\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e$8.99\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e$8.99\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e1 to 5 Wire Nuts Connectors\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e \u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e \u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003ca target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer ugc\" href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/MTUERANC-Connectors-Compact-Terminals-Connect\/dp\/B0D5CRM4MN\"\u003eLink\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e1\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e$8.62\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e$8.62\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e1 to 2 Wire Nuts Connectors\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e \u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e \u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003ca target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer ugc\" href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/MTUERANC-Connectors-Compact-Terminals-Connect\/dp\/B0D14PG744\"\u003eLink\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e1\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e$7.99\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e$7.99\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e0.5m USB 3.0 A to A Cable ($1.23 \\ Optional)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e \u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e \u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003ca target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer ugc\" href=\"https:\/\/www.aliexpress.us\/item\/3256807255491165.html?spm=a2g0o.order_list.order_list_main.119.648d1802qaRRPX\u0026amp;gatewayAdapt=glo2usa\"\u003eLink\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e0\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e$1.23\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e$0.00\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e0.5m Hdmi Cable ($1.29 \\ Optional)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e \u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e \u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003ca target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer ugc\" href=\"https:\/\/www.aliexpress.com\/item\/2251832489445595.html?spm=a2g0o.order_list.order_list_main.101.648d1802qaRRPX\"\u003eLink\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e0\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e$1.29\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e$0.00\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e5pk USB-A 3.0 Keystone Jacks ($4.28 \\ Optional)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e \u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e \u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003ca target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer ugc\" href=\"https:\/\/www.aliexpress.com\/item\/3256807963876127.html?spm=a2g0o.order_list.order_list_main.113.648d1802qaRRPX\"\u003eLink\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e0\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e$4.28\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e$0.00\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e4pk HDMI Keystone Couplers ($4.44 \\ Optional)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e \u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e \u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003ca target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer ugc\" href=\"https:\/\/www.aliexpress.com\/item\/3256807900377886.html?spm=a2g0o.order_list.order_list_main.107.648d1802qaRRPX\"\u003eLink\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e0\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e$4.44\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e$0.00\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e2.5Gbe USB Ethernet Adapter (Optional)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e \u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e \u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003ca target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer ugc\" href=\"https:\/\/www.aliexpress.com\/item\/3256805535177212.html?spm=a2g0o.order_list.order_list_main.89.648d1802qaRRPX\"\u003eLink\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e0\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e$6.67\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e$0.00\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e \u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e \u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e \u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e \u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e \u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e \u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e \u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMiniPC: NUC6i3SYB \/ SYH \/ NUC7i3 etc\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e \u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e \u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003ca target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer ugc\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ebay.com\/sch\/i.html?_nkw=intel+6th+gen+i3+nuc\u0026amp;_sacat=0\u0026amp;_from=R40\u0026amp;_trksid=p2334524.m570.l1313\u0026amp;_odkw=intel+6th+gen+i3\u0026amp;_osacat=0\"\u003eLink\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e1\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e$50.00\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e$50.00\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e \u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e \u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e \u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e \u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e \u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e \u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e \u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e \u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e \u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e \u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e \u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e \u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e \u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e \u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e \u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e \u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e \u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e \u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e \u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e \u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e$0.00\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNotes:\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd colspan=\"4\"\u003e \u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSubtotal\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e$296.17\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e \u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd colspan=\"4\"\u003e– Drives are also required. (duh)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAdjustments\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e$0.00\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e \u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e \u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e \u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e \u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e \u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e \u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e \u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e \u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e \u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e \u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e \u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e \u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd colspan=\"2\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e$296.17\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e \u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e \u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e \u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e \u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e \u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e \u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e \u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\u003c\/table\u003e\u003c\/figure\u003e\u003ch2\u003eFIN\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eOk, but, bonus material, right?\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/makerworld.bblmw.com\/makerworld\/model\/DSM00000001310374\/design\/027adde3-0980-418d-a71e-696afefca152.jpg\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003ci\u003eIf you’re caught in a situation where your MiniPC has short Sata ports, but all you have are typical 2280 Sata SSDs… here’s a handy clip you can install to clear everything and run from. Bonus for all that cooling you now have! (And yes, I’m running my entire 70+TB pillarmax with TrueNAS stored on this floating Sata 2280 lifter like a madman)\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eI subscribe to r\/minilab and I’m hoping that maybe…\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/makerworld.bblmw.com\/makerworld\/model\/DSM00000001310374\/design\/e423c97b-c7b9-49ae-abf6-a0696565e29e.jpg\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWell you’re in luck! PillarMax, completely unintentionally, fits perfectly inside a 10-inch mini rack (at least the one I printed), so that should be great news for those in this situation… \u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/makerworld.bblmw.com\/makerworld\/model\/DSM00000001310374\/design\/f7a02ed2-4b98-49b2-8048-2eca04fc2655.svg\"\u003e Hyper-dense 16-bay NAS right inside your rack!\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eEnjoy your 16-Bay PillarMax NAS!\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/makerworld.bblmw.com\/makerworld\/model\/DSM00000001310374\/design\/eb1b0b65-ad7c-4486-acd9-95dec80d3777.jpg\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eDesign by im.jackharvest on MakerWorld (license: CC0).\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Mymadmanlab","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":67448988991792,"sku":null,"price":190.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0987\/0809\/5280\/files\/0_59ca09a1-5037-47cd-bc2f-ad06fe188ee1.png?v=1785823596","url":"https:\/\/mymadmanlab.com\/products\/pillarmax-open-source-16-bay-nas-3-5-drives","provider":"Mymadmanlab.com","version":"1.0","type":"link"}