Inter-Tech 4U-4129-N server case

I recently got a new rack mountable case from Inter-Tech — it was surprisingly cheap 😃 This is going to be the new server case for my hypervisor Alpha. Here are my thoughts, and some photos.

Table of contents

Specifications

Size: 4U, 650mm deep
Form factor: Mini ITX, μATX, ATX, eATX, SSI EEB
Manufacturer: Inter-Tech
Drive bays (mounting options): 3 × 5.25" external; 11 × 3.5" internal; 4 × 2.5" internal
Fan mounting options: 5 × 120 mm, front and internal; 2 × 80 mm, back

Review

What I like

Cheap
Lots of space
5×120 mm and 2×80 mm fans included
Internal fans are hot swappable and can be PWM controlled
Two 5×3.5" disk bays
Was able to replace the stock fans with Noctua

What I don’t like

Stock fans are loud (but move a lot of air)
The 5.25" rail mechanism feels a bit cheap and flimsy
Had a hard time attaching 2×80 mm Noctua fans. Had to grind off a screw thread on the case and modify one of the Noctua fans
One of the disk bays had some oil like substance on it
Break-away expansion slot cover plates

Fans

I replaced all stock fans with Noctua.

Front fans

No modifications required.

120 mm Noctua fan installed on fan grill for drive bay

Internal fans

120 mm Noctua fans fit perfectly in the hot swap brackets. But they will need a 4-pin header to be able to fasten it, mine had 3-pin but I was able to replace the fan header.