Cheap, short rack?

[unhappy_mage]

I'm looking for a solution to mount my fileserver and networking gear. I have:

• a 4u server
• a 1u switch
• a 1u patch panel
• a 2u UPS

for a total of 8u ATM. I'd like to buy something at least 12U high to leave room for future expansion, and I'm trying to find something that could be mounted to the ceiling joists in my basement. There's a split entryway, and the space under the stairs is where all the ethernet wiring is run to. There's about 40" of clearance, so the maximum I could possibly fit would be about 20U. I need about 26 inches of depth to accommodate my server case (Norco RPC-4220). I'd be willing to spend maybe $300 on this (including shipping). I'm located near Baltimore, MD.

Here's what I've found so far.
Too shallow, only $300 if I pick it up.
Too expensive (TR15-32VDNF is $600 for 15U)
Too tall ($389 for 27U)
This is just a little on the expensive side IMO: $368 for a 15U frame rack (i.e., no walls or doors).
Thislooks just right, but I'm suspicious that they only list one price, not one price per depth like I'd expect.
A bit sketch, but otherwise okay...

Any other ideas where I should look?

 

[PTNL]

I've got similar situation, so I'm interested in what others will suggest.

Also consider moving this thread to the "Networking" forum, as the user base there is more focused on this topic.

 

[HoppyChris]

craigslist -- just search the computer and electronic sections for rack or enclosure and something might be there for you -- cheap and maybe just what you're looking for!

 

[Red Squirrel]

I thought of hooking up my 42U rack to the ceiling for extra strength, then thought of it further. Bad idea.

The vibration from walking on the above floor may be an issue on any hard drives that are in the rack. At least, in theory. Maybe if someone has actually tried this before they can share if this is true or not.

Just a thought.

As for a rack, I got lucky with NC IX and managed to find a 4 post 42U rack. I recall seeing half racks as well, 24U if I recall. Though if you have the vertical space, I'd just go for a 42 or 36.

 

[hawk82]

I've hooked up my 2-post 42U rack (cut a couple of Us off actually) to the floor joists. I don't have any servers in my rack so I don't know about vibrations.

OP, do you need side panels, front/rear doors, top and bottom? If not, have you looked at this:
http://www.startech.com/Server-Mana...ith-Adjustable-Posts-and-Casters~4POSTRACK12A
http://www.startech.com/Server-Mana...Equipment-Open-Frame-Rack-Cabinet~4POSTRACK12
http://www.startech.com/Server-Mana...st-Server-Open-Frame-Rack-Cabinet~4POSTRACK25

Instead of mounting the rack to the floor joists, I'd build a shelf/brackets out of 2x4's bolted to the floor joists to support the rack and slide the rack into the shelf. That way it is easy to take out if you move or need it elsewhere.

 

[Jesse B]

Middle Atlantic makes a few models that seem to fit your requirements. I don't recall the exact model numbers, but you can take a look for yourself.

 

[mroony]

You could check the following site. You'll have to email them for prices.

http://www.lowellmfg.com/index.html

 

[jjeff1]

Star case has square hole rails you buy and mount up there. http://www.starcase.com/rack_rail_online_store.htm

But beware of vibration. http://www.zdnet.com/blog/storage/bad-bad-bad-vibrations/896

 

[dashpuppy]

Middle Atlantic makes a few models that seem to fit your requirements. I don't recall the exact model numbers, but you can take a look for yourself.

You mean like mine ? Middle Atlantic...

 

[Brak710]

Not sure if I missed it being mentioned, but http://www.skeletek.com/ has some cool designs.

 

[DeChache]

This one looks awesome

SKELETEK C28U-4P-EX16

 

[dashpuppy]

This one looks awesome

SKELETEK C28U-4P-EX16

LOL! up's in the middle of the rack eh!

 

[DeChache]

LOL! up's in the middle of the rack eh!

Ok so the demo image is a little off but the concept of it is something I really love.

 

[RKBET]

You mean like mine ? Middle Atlantic...

What model u have and how much was it?

 

[dashpuppy]

What model u have and how much was it?

http://www.middleatlantic.com/enclosure/knock/slim5.htm

5-21-26
36-3/4" (21 Space)
40-1/2" 400 lbs.

about 300$ shipped with taxes.

 

[damacus]

I've hooked up my 2-post 42U rack (cut a couple of Us off actually) to the floor joists. I don't have any servers in my rack so I don't know about vibrations.

OP, do you need side panels, front/rear doors, top and bottom? If not, have you looked at this:
http://www.startech.com/Server-Mana...ith-Adjustable-Posts-and-Casters~4POSTRACK12A
http://www.startech.com/Server-Mana...Equipment-Open-Frame-Rack-Cabinet~4POSTRACK12
http://www.startech.com/Server-Mana...st-Server-Open-Frame-Rack-Cabinet~4POSTRACK25

Instead of mounting the rack to the floor joists, I'd build a shelf/brackets out of 2x4's bolted to the floor joists to support the rack and slide the rack into the shelf. That way it is easy to take out if you move or need it elsewhere.

Also, it's worth shopping Amazon. They have a good number of cases for sale that are prime-eligible. Free 2-day shipping on a heavy rack? Good stuff.... Also the overall price is a little cheaper.

Here's one that was linked above from Amazon.

http://www.amazon.com/StarTech-com-...4?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1315926854&sr=1-4

 

[dashpuppy]

Also, it's worth shopping Amazon. They have a good number of cases for sale that are prime-eligible. Free 2-day shipping on a heavy rack? Good stuff.... Also the overall price is a little cheaper.

Here's one that was linked above from Amazon.

http://www.amazon.com/StarTech-com-...4?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1315926854&sr=1-4

Id like one of those, and sell the one i have,, i don't need all this rack space now

 

[Joe S]

Not sure if I missed it being mentioned, but http://www.skeletek.com/ has some cool designs.

Thanks for this. I'm thinking about ordering some stuff from them but the shipping charge will be a whopper.

 

[unhappy_mage]

craigslist -- just search the computer and electronic sections for rack or enclosure and something might be there for you -- cheap and maybe just what you're looking for!

I spent a lot of time looking at craigslist, and didn't find anything within parameters that looked legit. A couple of $1 things a few hours away where they said "you transport".

I thought of hooking up my 42U rack to the ceiling for extra strength, then thought of it further. Bad idea.

The vibration from walking on the above floor may be an issue on any hard drives that are in the rack. At least, in theory. Maybe if someone has actually tried this before they can share if this is true or not.

That's a good point. Maybe I can find some suitable vibration mounts. Something like this has plenty of compressive strength. Maybe I can make Us that run below the top of the rack and put the mounts between the ceiling and the Us.

OP, do you need side panels, front/rear doors, top and bottom? If not, have you looked at this:
http://www.startech.com/Server-Mana...ith-Adjustable-Posts-and-Casters~4POSTRACK12A
http://www.startech.com/Server-Mana...Equipment-Open-Frame-Rack-Cabinet~4POSTRACK12
http://www.startech.com/Server-Mana...st-Server-Open-Frame-Rack-Cabinet~4POSTRACK25

No sides needed, these are gorgeous.

Instead of mounting the rack to the floor joists, I'd build a shelf/brackets out of 2x4's bolted to the floor joists to support the rack and slide the rack into the shelf. That way it is easy to take out if you move or need it elsewhere.

Making a shelf is a tempting prospect. It'd make vibration isolation easier, too.

Star case has square hole rails you buy and mount up there. http://www.starcase.com/rack_rail_online_store.htm

But beware of vibration. http://www.zdnet.com/blog/storage/bad-bad-bad-vibrations/896

I thought about this, but I've built a few rectangular boxes in the past and had merely okay squareness with the tools available to me. I'd rather get it professionally built.

Also, it's worth shopping Amazon. They have a good number of cases for sale that are prime-eligible. Free 2-day shipping on a heavy rack? Good stuff.... Also the overall price is a little cheaper.

Here's one that was linked above from Amazon.

http://www.amazon.com/StarTech-com-...4?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1315926854&sr=1-4

Awesome. This is exactly what I needed.

 

[unhappy_mage]

That's a good point. Maybe I can find some suitable vibration mounts. Something like this has plenty of compressive strength. Maybe I can make Us that run below the top of the rack and put the mounts between the ceiling and the Us.

Haven't ordered anything for this yet, looking at Grainger's supply some more. I have to figure out what sort of shelf or ceiling mount I'm gonna build for the rack first.

Awesome. This is exactly what I needed.

Ordered and on its way, estimated delivery tomorrow I'll post pics and impressions if I remember.

 

[dashpuppy]

Haven't ordered anything for this yet, looking at Grainger's supply some more. I have to figure out what sort of shelf or ceiling mount I'm gonna build for the rack first.

Ordered and on its way, estimated delivery tomorrow I'll post pics and impressions if I remember.

pictures are worth every word

 

[unhappy_mage]

I missed this. Looks like the same thing $50 cheaper than Amazon; shipping to me is $25, but it's still a savings, for anyone else in the market.

 

[damacus]

Well, that's almost the same thing. The one you bought was the non-A model. 12A on amazon is 239 free shipping, so that ends up being ~$15-20 less. Good savings. I'll have to check Provantage in the future, I've seen them come up a few times when searching out server stuff.