Silverstone made two retro-like cases recently, with space for optical drives, here's the vertical one with three 5.25" bays: https://www.silverstonetek.com/en/product/info/computer-chassis/flp02/

The other one is horizontal and only has space for one optical drive: https://www.silverstonetek.com/en/product/info/computer-chassis/flp01/

I think they look nice.

I have a few of these: https://www.zigbee2mqtt.io/devices/TH02Z.html#tuya-th02z

They're fine with rechargeable aaa batteries.

I put one outside, slightly under the roof, and after about a year it got damaged somehow. It's showing significantly off temperature and humidity, even after being inside for months after that.

So maybe not good for outside weather.

Does the plx introduce noticeable latency, and does it get hot?

I want to get a few, but I don't really have the airflow you do, so I'm a bit worried.

These guys sell eink monitors: https://shop.boox.com/products/mira