Overview

The SilverStone SST-CS01S-HS is a compact Mini-ITX case purpose-built for NAS (Network Attached Storage) builds. Its sandblasted, anodized aluminum chassis gives it a premium look while keeping weight manageable at around 5.44 kg. The defining feature is the front panel with six hot-swappable 2.5-inch drive bays, plus two internal bays, for a total of eight 2.5-inch drives. A built-in 6Gbps SAS/SATA backplane simplifies cabling and supports RAID configurations. Cooling is handled by SilverStone's proprietary 120mm Air Penetrator fan, which uses a vertical layout to create efficient stack-effect airflow. The case also includes a low-profile expansion slot (up to 191 mm) for adding a network card or storage controller.
This case exclusively supports Mini-ITX motherboards; standard ATX or Micro-ATX boards cannot be installed. All drive bays accept 2.5-inch SATA or SAS devices only—3.5-inch HDDs are not compatible. The backplane provides six hot-swap bays with 6Gbps SAS/SATA connectivity, while the two internal bays require direct cable attachment (SATA power and data). The expansion slot accepts low-profile cards up to 190 mm in length. A power supply unit is not included; we recommend a standard SFX PSU (typically up to 100mm depth), but measure your PSU before purchasing to ensure fit.
Launched around 2015, the SST-CS01S-HS remains a niche product for those needing dense 2.5-inch hot-swap storage in a small footprint.Check the retailer's page for the latest price. SilverStone backs it with a standard one-year warranty. Its enduring appeal lies in the combination of hot-swap capacity and compact size.
This case is an excellent choice for a home media server or Plex box, especially if you plan to use multiple 2.5-inch SSDs for near-silent, low-power storage. The hot-swap feature is a major plus for home lab enthusiasts who frequently swap test drives or need to replace failed disks without downtime. It also suits budget-conscious small businesses that want a reliable backup target using affordable SATA SSDs in a RAID array.
The most direct competitor is SilverStone’s own DS380, which supports eight 3.5-inch hot-swap drives. If you need massive storage capacity per dollar, the DS380 is a better fit. Another alternative is the Fractal Design Node 304, which holds six 3.5-inch drives but lacks hot-swap capability. For users committed to an all-SSD NAS with hot-swap convenience, the CS01-HS is nearly unrivaled at this price point.
The inability to use 3.5-inch HDDs is the biggest limitation if you prioritize capacity over speed. Additionally, the case’s 2015 design means only USB 3.0 (5Gbps) is available on the front panel—no USB-C or faster USB standards. This may become a bottleneck with modern storage devices. The price is also steep compared to a standard Mini-ITX case; you are paying a premium for the hot-swap backplane and compact form factor. Make sure your use case truly requires hot-swap 2.5-inch drives before committing.

Product Disclosure (Amazon)

  • Manufacturer: SilverStone
  • Seller: New Oriental Technology
  • ASIN: B019FN6CZE
  • Note: This article covers a manufacturer-made product based on Amazon listing details.