My UNRAID server needed help!

I’ve been gradually expanding my Unraid server over the past year and have now reached 15 SSDs, which has started to make the internal layout quite messy. To bring order to the chaos, I began designing a modular drive enclosure system that groups drives in sets of six — aligning with the fan size. This setup not only simplifies cable management but also creates a more scalable and organized solution for future expansion.

Originally, I aimed for a completely fanless design to keep things silent, given I only use SSDs which generate far less heat than spinning drives. However, with the growing number of drives and limited airflow inside the case, temperatures started to rise more than expected. As a result, I modified the design to include an optional 70mm fan mount, allowing active cooling when needed. I plan to test the enclosure with and without a fan to see if passive cooling is still viable under normal usage.

All parts are 3D-printed flat and designed to slot together snugly, with a small drop of super glue added to secure the joints where needed. Drives and fans are secured using push-fit mechanisms, making the entire build tool-less and quick to assemble. To make installation even easier, I also designed a push-fit peg system to hold the SSDs firmly in place, eliminating the need for screws or a screwdriver — something that had become tedious as the drive count grew.

Each enclosure includes cut outs in the base for 10mm disc magnets (2.5mm thick, which fit perfectly), allowing individual units to stack securely while maintaining consistent airflow through the double-sided top mount. In addition to the magnet-based stacking, I’ve developed a 28mm disk connector system that physically joins two enclosures together. This creates a more rigid, stackable tower of drives that won’t shift or separate, even when handled or moved, while still supporting airflow and modularity.

Altogether, the system is designed to be silent, compact, and easy to expand. With tool-less assembly, magnetic or disk-based stacking, and optional cooling, it provides a flexible platform for SSD-based server builds like mine. As I continue to add drives or refine the design, I’ll be testing thermal performance with and without fans and posting updates based on how well the passive cooling holds up under load.

The parts list

4-Pin Molex to 4 x 3/4-Pin PC Case Fan Sleeved Adapter Cable, 3-Pin or 4-Pin (PWM Connector) to Molex Computer Cooler Cooling Fan Splitter Y Power Cable

https://amzn.eu/d/9bkIy03

XMSJSIY SATA Power Splitter Cable 15 Pin SATA to 5 x 15 Pin SATA Power Supply Cable Extension Cable 15 Pin SATA Male to 5 x Serial SATA Female Power Cord for HDD SSD Hard Disk Drive

https://amzn.eu/d/djHClFK

2pcs 70X70mm 12V 3-Pin PC Computer Case CPU DC Brushless Cooler Cooling Fan Black

https://amzn.eu/d/g9eMUiQ

2.5" drive enclosure

0.2mm layer, 2 walls, 15% infill