So I 'm toying with the idea of buying a server rack for my home because apparently I 'm nuts

[G+_John Mink]

So I'm toying with the idea of buying a server rack for my home.... because apparently I'm nuts.

 

Is there anything to look for when buying a rack chassis?  What about pitfalls to avoid?  It just seems like there'd be something nice about having everything in one place, rather than trying to fit computers/networking equipment in various places (under desks, in 

 

Also, has anyone ever tried any form of rackmount shelving?  (eg: http://www.cableorganizer.com/p/middle-atlantic-universal-mounting-rack-drawer/ )  Since I expect that the rack will (at least start off) fairly empty, the idea of having some shelf/drawer space for spare cables/equiptment is super tempting)

 

Or should I just scrap the whole scheme because the idea of a rack is a terrible idea for home use?   If so, why is it a terrible idea?

 

 

If I'm not alone, maybe this would be a decent segment?  How to spec out a server rack?

[G+_610GARAGE]

It's not nuts to have a server rack in your home, I've got one.... Ok, bad example. :) Make sure you get a 4 post rack and not a 2 post rack. Also, look for one that has all of it panels (if you get an enclosed rack, and care about how it looks). When I was looking for one, there was a lot of racks that were cheap, but missing a door, or a side panel. Come to think of it, get an enclosed rack, it helps a little with noise.  Also make sure that it is a 19" rack (19" is your width). It is standard, but I do remember seeing some odd sizes on ebay. Also, get a 42u if you can handle the height, you will run out of units quicker than you think.

[G+_John Mink]

610bob thanks for the advice :)

 

I don't understand the 2 post racks anyway, so no worries there!

 

I was planning on a "full size" rack so i'm glad to know that's 42U.  I expect you're right, as I've had the same mantra for HDDs for years.

 

I had stumbled across the 19" as a standard width, but it's good to know not quite everyone is there.

 

I actually kinda like the aesthetics of the open rack (and I was also thinking better cooling as it's more open), but that's a great point with noise!  Guessing there's not much one can do for that?

[G+_Fuzzy Wuzzy]

Search for "lack rack", the IKEA lack side table is 19" between the legs, and looks like lots of folks have used it for mounting rack servers and/or audio equipment.

[G+_610GARAGE]

An open rack would probably worsen cooling. The air would have a better chance to whip around the sides of the server and get sucked back in. An enclosed rack would not only help channel the air away from the server, but also slow the air down, allowing convection to raise the air to the ceiling.

 

Noise:

You could line the inside of an enclosed rack with sound absorbing mats.

 

Or, if you truly are nuts, run a central water cooling system, and place the radiator in the basement. I just finished doing that with my servers. :)

[G+_John Mink]

Fuzzy Wuzzy ha! That's awesome!

[G+_John Mink]

610bob 

 

I see your point re cooling....so closed rack it is!

 

I like the idea of sound absorbing mats.  Again, I worry about cooling, but obviously  I can fine-tune that when the system is in front of me!

 

I don't see the water cooling system going over well in an apartment, sadly.

[G+_John Mink]

Oh, follow-up for ya 610bob? what did you do RE mounting a keyboard/monitor for debugging & such?

[G+_610GARAGE]

Aaaa...., I pull out the rack and plug in a monitor and keyboard. :( Though, the rack is right next to my desk, so monitors are close by. I am looking into getting a rackmount kvm switch, but I haven't found one that I like on ebay yet. I would also love to have a rack mount console, but they're a bit pricey, even used. I do use this keyboard ( it has a built in mouse), which helps out allot:

 

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005DKZTMG

 

But a kvm switch is still ideal. You can also get rack mount vesa mounts, but you will lose a lot of units with that.

[G+_Ben Reese]

I've been pretty happy with Monoprice racks in the past. Nothing fancy, but get the job done and usually cheap.

[G+_Bill Crowe]

We use Middle Atlantic racks almost exclusively at work. I would recommend an enclosed rack with rear rack rail for larger equipment and horizontal lace bar in the back to wrangle to wiring for a clean install. Middle Atlantic also has all of the power, fans, shelves, drawers, keyboards and monitors you could ever need.

[G+_Matthew Bowen]

610bob That is a great keyboard (for certain things). I have one for my HTPC and I love it.

[G+_james robinson (radiati]

I'm using a vintage arcade cabinet (1982 Bosconian) to house my servers exhaust fans at the top. Raspberry pi running the front takes up no space. Plenty of room and quiet. And the wide doesn't complain about the looks too much.?

[G+_Taylor Graham]

you can have one of my 42U 19" 4 post racks. Got two for free on craigslist. Glass doors and all. They're HUGE.

[G+_John Mink]

james robinson that's clever!

 

610bob makes sense, I have a cheap USB keyboard/mouse so i'm gonna keep using that (I'm already terrified by how much this is gonna end up costing), but that keyboard is pretty nice

 

I'm wondering how to do the monitor!  Maybe I could wire it up on the side? Or out of the way? or...oh! OH! I could use a mount!  Like an extended monitor mount with an arm!  That would probably be good, no?

 

And I'm planning on a KVM...even if I end up buying  a "standard" one and just retrofitting it to go in a rack.

[G+_John Mink]

Taylor Graham where are ya located?   Guessing it's too far away to justify the "savings"   Or at least post a link to craigslist!

[G+_Taylor Graham]

Maryland! North east corner. If you seriously want one.. feel free to message me. It's just hanging out in the warehouse at work right now. I picked them up like a year ago, so I'm sure the rest are gone. The lady i got them from had 4, all free. Apparently she divorced her husband and was clearing out his stuff haha.

[G+_Taylor Graham]

Also, they're 17" deep racks (from post to post). Which are really for recording equipment i think. That's one thing to watch out for when you're buying racks.. There are a few different sizes/hardware configurations. Its really hard to find rails for a rack this depth in my experience. I've been buying adjustable rails on amazon and doing some dremel modifications to make them fit. They're cheap though! $30! Its the ultimate budget 42u rack, from top to bottom.

[G+_John Mink]

Taylor Graham looks like you'll hafta PM me, or circle me... I can't tag you outside of here.

 

Bill Crowe looks like Mid Atlantic mostly has open racks, and they seem to be pushing the 23" width conflicting with earlier advice on staying with 19"

[G+_Bill Crowe]

I am not aware of Middle Atlantic making any racks other 19" and half width rack for lecterns. You must be looking at the depth of the racks. Middle Atlantic makes all types of racks. Wood laminates, metal, open frame, closed frame, two post and four post, wall mounted and free standing.

[G+_John Mink]

Bill Crowe? I will check again, it's entirely possible I misread a dimension!

 

But I did notice quite a variety of form factors.