Server racks for home use

[Handruin]

Do any of you guys use or have a server rack enclosure at your home? I'd like to take the 3 to 4 mid tower chassis systems (the size of an Antec P183) and place them all inside a rack in one location next to my desk. Some of the options I've researched so far seem very expensive for a large piece of metal. I don't need anything super fancy, but thought that a rack with a simple door might be nice to cut down on some noise and consolidate some systems. They don't need to be on rails, but a simple shelf would suffice. Any recommendations?

 

[ddrueding]

All racks are very expensive. You might find one discounted at the local Frys/Microcenter.

If it is that few boxes, just get rackmount chassis for them and stack them on the floor. Or you can build a coffin.

 

[Handruin]

Maybe I'll just make my own type of rack environment out of wood or plastic. I could probably get away with a shelving unit from home depot or some hardware store. It wouldn't be enclosed, but at least I could put all the systems together.

I think you did a nice job with your coffin, but that design doesn't work for what I want to do. I want to keep my systems in regular computer cases and organize them in a rack of some type. I occasionally take my computer to a LAN party, so a coffin design like yours would certainly cause me some troubles in transporting it.

 

[CougTek]

I think Mercutio has a half-height rack somewhere in his apartment. As to where to find them, eBay is the answer.

 

[CougTek]

200$ with free shipping. Contains 12U. There are a few that are cheaper, but even at 200$, I don't think it's expensive for what it is.

 

[Bozo]

I seem to remember reading that the rack systems musicians use is identical to computer racks. But at a much lower price.
Might be worth a look.

 

[Bozo]

200$ with free shipping. Contains 12U. There are a few that are cheaper, but even at 200$, I don't think it's expensive for what it is.

If you are any good with paint, you could make it look like the Borg Cube :mrgrn:

 

[Stereodude]

The answer here is Craigslist...

 

[Mercutio]

I paid $900 for an APC Netshelter, but it was fairly decked out with extras. I got another with a broken hinge on the door for $125 (including the freight shipping) from Ebay. It took my a while but eventually I fixed that myself.

I put them in my living room and use them as coffee tables.

 

[Handruin]

Thanks for the ideas and options. You're right Bozo, that rack on eBay does look like it could have Borg Cube potential! I'll also take a look into the music area for different rack systems.