One Rack to Rule Them All or Multi-Rack?

[ViciousXUSMC]

I am slowly trying to get my computer room/desk area together into a rack configuration.

Desktop on the floor, R710 on my desk, PFsense on a table, switch ontop of that, etc, etc.

I love the idea of having a proper rack for connectivity, organization, and professionalism.

Thing is this.

The R710 needs a 29" rack depth, I need something in the 15-22U size to avoid imminent wife murder factor if I brought home a 42U full size rack to hold that server.

The vast majority of the smaller/cheaper racks are made for shorter stuff, like switches, audio equipment, etc.

For those who have been through this. Did you find it best to get a full size rack to mount everything (not 42U but ~30" depth) or did you end up with a shorter rack to keep the smaller equipment on?

I can fit everything except the R710 on a short rack that will take up less space, and less money. It's quite a conundrum. I even plan to build my desktop into a rack case, I very well may end up with the R710 being the only thing I ever own that needs the full 29" depth.

 

[Evan]

Also depends what quality your looking for, netshelters cx are a good quiet option as are rittal,hp,etc half height racks but they tend to be hard to come by for purchase, wait and watch.

 

[K D]

If you don't mind an open rack then the startech 25U is good and not too expensive new.

 

[ViciousXUSMC]

Open is fine, I have looked at them. About $200ish. It is one of the ones I have strongly considered.
Just hate paying $200 for a 25u when there are 42u all over the place for $100.

Guess that's the name of the game due to supply/demand.

 

[pricklypunter]

Buy a 42" one and get to work with the grinder

 

[jmck]

What area do you live in? I'm thinking of selling my Dell 24U and getting a 42U.

 

[JustinH]

If you don't mind an open rack then the startech 25U is good and not too expensive new.

I got the 12U version. Very solid and adjustable depth as well. I’ve got a Dell R510 and a Intel 2213H in there (plus other short depth gear)


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[coinstash]

Looks like I missed this thread on first glance. My comments on another thread:

https://forums.servethehome.com/index.php?threads/dell-racking-question.18945/

 

[ViciousXUSMC]

Think I may try something like this: DIY Server Rack Plans

I have a good friend that works in a cabinet shop, he can probably help me with all the cuts and such to make it professional.

 

[coinstash]

The DIY timber rack is actually pretty nice, but I can't imagine having 32 Xeon Phis running in my loungeroom so it doesn't really have to look like furniture. For audio gear it might be awesome though.

 

[ViciousXUSMC]

The only thing I do not like is the rack rails are the threaded type, so far I think all my rails are ready/rapid rails that use square holes.
I'll have to see if they sell a DIY rail with the square type holes as well, if so then I am going to look further into this.