Server rack

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The_Engineer

Gawd
Joined
Mar 20, 2005
Messages
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I want to find a server rack with a door on it, tall or short it doesn't matter. If I can't find one I want to build one. I refuse to pay multiple hundreds of dollars for some angle brackets with strategically drilled holes and some hinges for the door. Maybe there is more to this than I realize but somehow I'm doubting it. What I'm looking for here is either a good cheap source for a server rack or the detailed dimensions on what the holes need to be as well as widths and depths. I will eventually be filling this with a norco 4020 as well as some battery backup systems. I've seen all sorts of hacks around the net for things like steel carts from target and tables from Ikea but I really want something made out of steel or aluminum and was thinking a few angle brackets and a drill might get me to my goal but I'm not sure. Any thoughts on this subject would be appreciated.
 
If you are having batteries you are going to need a 4 post rack. You can get just the sides in varying length from home theater suppliers and stuff. Grab some of those.

The metal that makes up the rack flanges is usually made of high strength tool-steels or similar, because those things often have to support an immense amount of weight. There is a little more to it than you realize.
 
Whatsisname said:
If you are having batteries you are going to need a 4 post rack. You can get just the sides in varying length from home theater suppliers and stuff. Grab some of those.

The metal that makes up the rack flanges is usually made of high strength tool-steels or similar, because those things often have to support an immense amount of weight. There is a little more to it than you realize.
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I guess I know what you're saying but I'm sure home depot sells thick enough stuff to support these servers. Maybe aluminum is too soft for the load but a certain strength steel should be capable of this right?

I think i'll have to engage my brain on this a little bit more when its not so fried. LoL

I guess what i'm looking for is, has anyone out there built their own rack?
 
Someone was selling a rack here on the forums, but it was local to L.A. area. There's a site that sells parts so people could custom build racks, but I forgot the name. Check in the case modding subforum, or rack worklogs. CL is always a good choice... I'm sure there are some businesses trying to get rid of stuff right now. :X
 
The_Engineer said:
I guess I know what you're saying but I'm sure home depot sells thick enough stuff to support these servers. Maybe aluminum is too soft for the load but a certain strength steel should be capable of this right?

I think i'll have to engage my brain on this a little bit more when its not so fried. LoL

I guess what i'm looking for is, has anyone out there built their own rack?
Click to expand...

A decent rack can hold 2,000-2,500 lbs of static weight, I don't think home depot will cut it :)


As for your norco 4020, you will need a four post rack. Your best bet is craigslist or eBay, as pretty much anywhere else is going to be expensive for your budget requirements.
 
Definitely check craigslist. I just bought a 24U rack brand new in the box (still in the damn box when I bought it) for $250. I had my buddy check it out before I purchased and he said it was comparable to the APC netshelter for tons less.

I've got a Norco RPC-4020 & 3xRPC-470 inside. I also have 2x1U 1300W UPS. It's perfect for what I needed. It's in my home office and I needed to consolidate all of my boxes into a small corner of the room.
 
I'll have try and look at craigslist then. Other than the commercially built stuff though you guys haven't seen personal plans for these kinds of things floating around then? I'll go check peoples build logs and see what I can find. I'm in no particular rush so I've got some time.
 
I found a 42U half height rack on craigslist with front and back doors, 4 post, powdercoated gray, 4x140mm cooling fans in the base, and removable sides for $45 about 2 years ago. Another $20 at Home Despot for some casters and I had a cabinet for our servers here at work. We had budgeted $1500 on a rack so I spent the difference on other play toys - Raptors and video cards.
 
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