Desktop Raspberry Pi Cluster Case

I have at least one older version of this case. The new enclosure is more structurally solid and the ability to easily add a SSD/2.5 drive is a nice addition. The build was easier as the pieces align cleaner, but the screws are still not entirely flush with the body. Additionally, the screws and holes for tightening the sleds the PIs are on need a screw-driver, though they appear to be finger-tighten-able.I knocked a star as the one I received, the bottom piece has a Utronics logo and no space for a SSD due to the metal being too tall. I can fit 3 SSDs, not 4.

I purchased this enclosure on August 22, 2022 and I am using the UCTRONICS microSD card extender (ASIN: B09CKRDFTH), and two fan adapters (ASIN: ‎B09TP9HT3C) along with my four Raspberry Pi 4B's and four POE+ hats (ASIN: B0974TK3KD). This enclosure also has four screw holes on the top & bottom so that you can connect multiple enclosures together, forming a taller cluster. You just need to purchase the M2.5 screws separately to do this. I used a sound meter to measure how loud the fans are when everything is powered on. I ran the enclosure with all four Pis powered on with POE hats and both enclosure fans running and it only caused an increase of about a 1-2 dB in my office. I had the sound meter about 12 inches from the enclosure. This would be the difference in the noise level between a quiet living room and a typical office.Overall, the enclosure is pretty sturdy; however, I did have some issues with my enclosure. The first issue was my fault...I didn't notice the specs on how thick the drive can be that you attached to the brackets. The specs say no thicker than 7mm, but my drives were around 9mm. I wasn't able to remove the bracket that I had in the 3rd position without removing the bracket in the 4th position when I had my drives attached. Plus, I wasn't able to have a POE hat on the Pi on the 4th bracket when I had my drive attached to the bottom of the 3rd bracket. Again, that was my fault, not UCTRONICS...they did list this limitation in the description. I just missed it.None of the screw holes are actually pre-threaded. So, it takes a little more effort to get the screws started because you are creating the threads in the holes as you initially install the screws. If you aren't careful, you may actually break off the screw while assembling the enclosure.The main issue that I have with the enclosure is the manufacturing inconsistencies in the screw holes for the thumbscrews that hold the four Raspberry Pi brackets in the enclosure. The first enclosure that I received had two holes out of the eight that were too big, so the thumbscrews just slipped out of the enclosure. I contacted the UCTRONICS customer support section via email and described my issues. This is how I found out about the drive thickness limitation. They sent me a replacement enclosure due to the thumbscrew hole issues. The replacement enclosure also had thumbscrew hole issues, but this time, the holes were almost too small. I actually use a screwdriver to install the thumbscrews, which defeats the purpose of having thumbscrews. Also, I had two thumbscrews that were so difficult to install even with the screwdriver, that I stopped before they were screwed in all the way because I was afraid that I was going to snap them off. Another minor, cosmetic issue with the replacement enclosure was the UCTRONICS label was printed upside down on the top of the enclosure. I contacted them again about the issues with the replacement enclosure and they agreed to send me another replacement enclosure. I am currently waiting on the 2nd replacement enclosure to be shipped.This enclosure only includes the screws that you need to put it together and to attached a Raspberry Pi and drive to it. If you plan on using a POE hat with your Pi, you will need to purchase different standoffs than what is typically included with the POE hat. POE hats typically come with female-to-female standoffs, but you'll need male-to-female standoffs to use your POE hat with this enclosure. I purchased a 25 pack of M2.5 x 10mm standoffs (ASIN: B09H6SR45T) for my POE hat and they work perfectly.Aside from the thumbscrew hole inconsistencies, this isn't a bad enclosure. The overall concept is good, they just have some inconsistencies in their manufacturing process. I've had an awesome experience with their customer service while discussing the issues that I've encountered with the drives, thumbscrews, etc. They responded to my emails within 24-48 hours, were always helpful and professional, and listened to my issues and concerns (didn't just blow me off). If it wasn't for the thumbscrew hole issues, I would give this enclosure 5 stars.

this the idea looks great and the design is almost good however the build-man-ship is lacking as some screw hole were over sized and screws would screw in tight or would be difficult to screw in tight the direction are good and the screw layout is detailed so this is not a situation of using the incorrect screws. second the Poe Pie hat will not work in this because you cannot secure the Pi to the board as the the pie has t one screwed into the plate of the rack,

While the metal feels sturdy, the screws are very weak and none of the holes are pre-threaded. While attempting to thread the holds, two of the screws stripped and one broke off in the hole itself. In an effort to simply use the screws that were provided (because they don't give you extras), I ended up chipping the metal. After about 30 minutes of trying to make use of this, I gave up.I've been building DIY for many years and I don't expect to put this kind of effort into a commercial product. This was absolutely frustrating to receive in the mail and I will not be buying from this vendor again.