Rack Questions

[LegalMaven]

I have a two-post rack in my basement that I'm currently using for cabling and network hardware. I'd like to put a rackmount server in it as well, but I'm wondering whether the two posts can support a full server. If it can, how big can I go?

 

[Cactus Jack]

If it is bolted to the floor it can handle a lot of weight (couple hundred pounds).

 

[|Tormentor|]

Usually when mounting servers directly into a rack it is good to have four posts. Although at work we found away around that with a two post by putting in selves. Then putting the server on the shelf. That way it is not hanging onto the rack by its ears, but sitting balanced in the rack nicely.

 

[ambit]

Typically a cantilevered rackmount shelf like the third one down in this picture: http://www.signamax.com/index.php?typ=SXE&showid=132 are used when placing a server in a 2 post rack.
Some Dell PowerEdge's will come with special 2 post specific rack mount rails if you ask when ordering.

 

[StickyLoad]

I'd be worried about having all the weight of a server distributed over 2 posts instead of 4. I guess it depends on how many U's your server is. I'm sure it could support 1-2u with ease.