Build the Hardware
Assemble the Server
Use the original creator’s video as the assembly guide, with two important hardware changes for the tested Home Server Guide build.
The 3D-printed enclosure, original parts list and assembly video belong to the original MakerWorld creator. This website does not claim ownership of the case or reproduce the full assembly instructions. It explains only the changes required for the tested Home Server Guide build.
Before you start
Open both original resources before beginning. The MakerWorld page contains the model files and creator information. The video demonstrates how the printed parts fit together.
Before you start
Make sure you have everything listed on the previous Case, Parts & Tools page before beginning. The parts list is kept there so this page can focus only on assembling the server.
Do not buy or fit every component shown in the creator’s video. This build replaces the Active Cooler and Molex fan with the Noctua 5V PWM fan and uses the tested power arrangement described on the previous page.
How to follow the video
- Watch from the beginning. Follow the case and drive-bay assembly shown in the video.
- Do not install the Raspberry Pi Active Cooler. The pins used by the cooler are needed for the Noctua PWM fan used by this guide.
- At 7 minutes 42 seconds, do not install the Molex fan. Install the Noctua 5V PWM fan instead.
- Connect the Noctua fan to the Raspberry Pi before fitting the Pi into the case. Once the Pi is installed, there is not enough access to connect the fan safely.
- Continue watching the physical assembly after 7:42. The creator is still building the enclosure, so do not stop the video at the fan step.
- Stop the video at 10 minutes 40 seconds. Everything after that point uses a different operating system and software configuration. Return to this website and continue with Raspberry Pi OS.
Important differences from the video
| Original video | Home Server Guide | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Raspberry Pi Active Cooler | Not installed | Its connection uses the pins required by the tested PWM fan arrangement. |
| Molex non-PWM fan | Noctua NF-A8 5V PWM fan | The Raspberry Pi can control the fan speed according to temperature. |
| Power arrangement shown by the creator | Recommended 12V power brick connected to the Radxa HAT barrel jack | The HAT powers the Raspberry Pi and all connected drives together. |
| Different operating system after 10:40 | Raspberry Pi OS Lite 64-bit | The rest of this guide documents one tested software path. |
Before moving on
- The printed case and drive bays are assembled.
- The Radxa Penta SATA HAT and PCIe ribbon are installed.
- The Noctua PWM fan is installed and connected before the Raspberry Pi is secured in the case.
- The Raspberry Pi Active Cooler and Molex fan from the video have not been fitted.
- The drives and SATA connections are installed for the RAID route.
- No cable can touch the fan blades.
- The server is still disconnected from power.
Required photo: one clear photograph of the completed, unpowered server showing the finished enclosure, drive bays and rear connections. Individual 3D-printed-part photographs are not required because the creator’s video covers the assembly.