I may be inheriting a server(s) that is about 27" in depth (2-4u) and a storage solution that’s about 4u, depth not clear at this time, and I want to potentially put a ups in the rack. Maybe a managed switch as well, and potentially room to also put a modem/router in as well.
I would like it to be wheeled around if needed.
Who makes quality but budget racks that would satisfy those things?
I’m thinking 12u? I’d like to have just a little extra room. Is there a known spot where things like this are sold used?
Any help appreciated.
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If you have the tools, build it.
If you want to buy used, scour govdeals (if in the US) or your local used stuff websites. And ask around your local city, school, college, library for how they dispose of unwanted equipment.
I’ve heard a lot of people like the LackRack, that is if you have an IKEA nearby.
A lackrack is a fun little project, but you would struggle to have full size servers in there without issues.
Between this and the 3d printer cabinets made from Lacks, Ikea really made an underrated table.
I have a lack on wheels with rack servers at the bottom and a enclosed prusa 3D printer on top, is great, haha.
budget? kiln-dried spruce 2x4 and vertical rack rails. they come in multiple lengths.
I built mine like this along with some 400pound rated castors, and some 1/8in MDF sheets to cover it.
I love it tbh. I’ve got all my network infra in its own cabinet inside that has its own cooling vents separate from the servers, that also have their own cooling, that are separate from power dist/batteries that have their own cooling.
been running fine for almost 9 years now.
the sides are paneled so it’s really easy to take one off and do any cable mgmt too.
That is what I did. Put four industrial rollers on it a bottom, top, sides, back door and front door on it. Cut a hole in the bottom and a really good hvac filter plus a set of fans and some sound deadening panels. The air at the floor is always naturally cooler. Cut an exhaust at the back with fans and a baffle with sound deadening panels. Two 120v inputs feed in and all the network cables feed in. Need to move it. Power down, unlock the wheels, and move it.
Leave enough slack in the cables you can put it in a small closet and hook up ducting to help control the hot air. The air is warm and dry and if a room or area stays cooler use it like a space heater. Vent it into the crawl space is another option though i would be careful drawing air in unless it’s a sealed crawlspace. Vent it outside, more useful when cool and dry not hot or humid again gottabe careful about the air. Or hook it up to your home ducting or a portable ac unit.
I’ve been at it for hours looking at wooden builds and I think I’m going to make this fucker.
Budget? Plywood: DIY.
Can’t beat plywood for budget…
XOR 2nd-hand stuff…
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Damn. I may look into this lol
A lot of the small cheap knockdowns aren’t metal, they are LDF or maybe MDF.
Ply is solid choice, I’d recommend an L bracket for the corners, 8 in total. For the casters get at least one locking, it’ll save some headache. I’d also get at least one vent or blank 1RU plate to make sure you’re lining up right between the rails, and to mount the rails with enough room top/bottom. A second set of rails for the back will let you double up on mounting front and back to make better use of the space if you’ve got low-depth devices to put in there.
Have fun!
Damn this is sounding like the move more and more. Thank you for the tips.
