10Best.Guide

Server Rack

Top Picks

Last Updated: September, 2023
Pros
  • Sturdy and robust product
  • Adjustable size and depth
  • Simple and intuitive instructions
  • High-quality tools included
  • Reasonable price for the product
Cons
  • Incorrect dimensions provided
  • Poor packaging
Bottom Line
This server rack is a sturdy and robust product that is adjustable in size and depth. It comes with simple and intuitive instructions and high-quality tools. However, the packaging and assembly instructions could be improved, and the dimensions provided are incorrect.
Pros
  • Sturdy and solid
  • Easy to assemble
  • Reasonable price
  • Enough space for small network setup
  • Good for home office or lab use
Cons
  • Metal is slightly flimsy
  • No assembly tool included
Bottom Line
The 10U Echogear rack is a sturdy and reasonably priced option for small network setups in home offices or labs. However, it may not be suitable for commercial communication racks or locations with tough environments. Buyers should be aware of the non-standard widths and limited mounting spots.
Pros
  • Affordable price
  • Lightweight and easy to hang
  • Includes mounting hardware
  • Sturdy when mounted
  • U locations on both rails
Cons
  • Skimping on hardware
  • Screw assembly not reliable
Bottom Line
This 6U rack is a well-made and priced option for a home network setup. It is lightweight and easy to hang, includes mounting hardware, and is sturdy when mounted. However, some customers have experienced issues with the hardware and manufacturing quality. It is important to ensure that your equipment is shallow enough to fit in the rack.
Pros
  • Sturdy construction
  • Easy to assemble
  • Versatile
  • Expandable
  • Includes shelves
Cons
  • Threaded screw holes in front vertical rails
  • Powder coating on framework
Bottom Line
The ECHOGEAR 20U Open Frame Rack for Servers & AV Gear is a sturdy and versatile storage solution that is easy to assemble and expand. However, it has some design flaws and may not fit all types of equipment.
Pros
  • Sturdy and secure
  • Affordable price
  • Hefty solid steel rack-rails
  • Adaptable to different needs
  • Comes with nice cage nuts and bolts
Cons
  • Limited assembly instructions
  • Difficult to put together
Bottom Line
This rack is a sturdy and secure option at an affordable price. It is adaptable to different needs and holds 8U worth of rackmount equipment. However, the assembly instructions are limited and the hardware included is insufficient.

The Ultimate Buying Guide for Server Racks: Types, Key Considerations, Features, Prices, Tips and FAQs

Overview

A server rack is an essential piece of equipment for anyone who needs to store multiple servers in a single location. They come in various sizes and configurations, so it's important to choose the right one for your needs. In this guide, we'll cover everything you need to know about server racks, including types, key considerations, features, prices, tips, and FAQs.

Types

There are various types of server racks available in the market, including:

- Cabinet Racks: These are enclosed racks that provide maximum security and protection for servers. They come with doors and side panels that can be locked to prevent unauthorized access.

- Open Frame Racks: These are racks without doors and side panels. They are ideal for those who need easy access to their servers for maintenance and upgrades.

- Wall Mount Racks: These are racks that can be mounted on the wall. They are ideal for those who have limited floor space.

- 19-Inch Racks: These are racks that are designed to accommodate equipment that is 19 inches wide. They are the most common type of rack used in data centers.

Key Considerations

When choosing a server rack, there are several key considerations to keep in mind, including:

- Rack Depth: This is the distance from the front of the rack to the back. It's important to choose a rack with enough depth to accommodate your servers and any additional equipment.

- Rack Height: This is the distance between each rack unit (U). It's important to choose a rack with enough height to accommodate your servers and any additional equipment.

- Rack Capacity: This is the maximum weight that the rack can hold. It's important to choose a rack with enough capacity to accommodate your servers and any additional equipment.

- Cooling System: This is important to prevent your servers from overheating. Make sure to choose a rack with a cooling system that meets your needs.

- Cable Management: This is important to keep your cables organized and prevent them from getting tangled. Make sure to choose a rack with a good cable management system.

- Power Distribution Unit (PDU): This is important to distribute power to your servers. Make sure to choose a rack with a PDU that meets your needs.

- Locking Mechanisms: This is important to prevent unauthorized access to your servers. Make sure to choose a rack with good locking mechanisms.

- Casters: This is important if you need to move your rack around. Make sure to choose a rack with casters if you need to move it around.

Features

Some additional features to consider when choosing a server rack include:

- Adjustable Mounting Rails: This allows you to adjust the depth of the rack to accommodate your servers.

- Removable Side Panels: This allows for easy access to your servers for maintenance and upgrades.

- Ventilation: This is important to prevent your servers from overheating. Make sure to choose a rack with good ventilation.

- Cable Management Accessories: This includes cable ties, cable trays, and cable organizers to help keep your cables organized.

Prices

Server racks can range in price from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars, depending on the type, size, and features. It's important to choose a rack that meets your needs and fits within your budget.

Tips

- Measure your equipment before choosing a rack to ensure that it will fit.

- Choose a rack with a cooling system that meets your needs to prevent your servers from overheating.

- Choose a rack with good cable management to keep your cables organized and prevent them from getting tangled.

- Choose a rack with a locking mechanism to prevent unauthorized access to your servers.

- Choose a rack with casters if you need to move it around.

FAQs

Q: What is the difference between an open frame rack and a cabinet rack?

A: An open frame rack is a rack without doors and side panels, while a cabinet rack is an enclosed rack with doors and side panels.

Q: What is a 19-inch rack?

A: A 19-inch rack is a rack that is designed to accommodate equipment that is 19 inches wide. They are the most common type of rack used in data centers.

Q: What is rack depth?

A: Rack depth is the distance from the front of the rack to the back.

Q: What is rack capacity?

A: Rack capacity is the maximum weight that the rack can hold.

Q: What is a PDU?

A: A PDU (Power Distribution Unit) is a device that distributes power to your servers.

Q: Do I need a cooling system for my server rack?

A: Yes, a cooling system is important to prevent your servers from overheating.

Q: Can I move my server rack around?

A: Yes, if you choose a rack with casters, you can move it around.

Q: How much does a server rack cost?

A: Server racks can range in price from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars, depending on the type, size, and features.

Runner-Ups

Pros
  • Well-built and sturdy
  • Comes fully assembled
  • Lots of ventilation
  • Adjustable
  • Good price point
Cons
  • Shipping damage
  • Warped vertical rails
Bottom Line
The Startech rack cabinet is a well-built and sturdy option that comes fully assembled and offers lots of ventilation. However, buyers should be aware of potential shipping damage and the possibility of warped vertical rails. Overall, it is a good value for the price and a great option for home theater equipment or as a locking cabinet on wheels.
Pros
  • Sturdy and well-built
  • Holds heavy equipment
  • Accommodates more equipment than wire shelves
  • Straightforward assembly
  • Heavy gauge steel construction
Cons
  • Poor installation instructions
  • Soft metal screws that strip easily
Bottom Line
This rack is a good value for the price, with heavy gauge steel construction and the ability to hold heavy equipment. However, the installation instructions are poor and there may be alignment issues during assembly.
Pros
  • Solid and textured painted black
  • Sturdy and strong
  • Easy to adjust and secure
  • Holds a decent amount of weight
  • Cheaper than buying rails for every server
Cons
  • Slightly too wide
  • Screws for adjustment are a weak point
Bottom Line
The StarTech.com 1U Adjustable Vented Server Rack Mount Shelf is a solid and sturdy option for those looking to store IT equipment. However, it may be slightly too wide and the screws for adjustment are a weak point. It works best with 4-post racks and is adjustable to the depth of the rack.
Pros
  • Easy assembly with screwdriver
  • Well-made and fits pieces appropriately
  • Provides plenty of room for extensive home network
  • Locking glass door for security
  • Relatively small package but well-packed
Cons
  • Sags in the front when side panels are removed
  • Misleading answers and description about depth
Bottom Line
The NavePoint 12U server rack is a well-made and affordable option for small business or home network setups, but buyers should be aware of potential issues with sagging, warping, and vague instructions.
Pros
  • Affordable price
  • Sturdy and strong
  • Versatile design
  • Easy to assemble
  • Open frame design allows for easy access to equipment
Cons
  • Holes for casters and levelers are the wrong size
  • Hardware for casters is undersized
Bottom Line
The RIVECO 6U open rack is an affordable and sturdy option for those looking to mount and move their equipment. However, buyers should be aware of the issues with the sizing of holes and hardware, as well as the confusing labeling.
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