3 Tips for Finding the Best Fit Server Rack

“Anything worth doing, is worth doing right.” Historically speaking, many data centers have not allocated much thought or strategy in server rack deployment beyond the basic need of functionality and upfront costs. Fast forward a few decades, the rising costs of energy has inspired a deeper comprehension of strategy geared towards efficiency and self-sustainable resources; for instance, why pay for higher cooling costs when a hot or cold aisle strategy can be implemented… Here are 3 considerations to keep in mind:

Space

Select a server rack with sufficient internal space to house your current equipment and ensure that you have ample space to accommodate planned future expansion as well as any unplanned equipment purchases. Rackmount equipment is measured in the Electronic Industries Alliance (EIA) standard “Rack Units” or Rack “U”. One “Rack Unit” is equal to 1.75″ in height.

Keep in mind that space for accessories, such as environmental monitoring devices, remote power management devices, rack mount LCD monitors, and battery back-up, may be necessary. For example, if you need to accommodate 20 2U servers, you would likely want to choose a rack with a height of 44U to accommodate accessories such as a 1U patch panel, as well as a 2U UPS back-up battery.

Height

A rack’s internal height is measured from the tallest point of any side rail to the bottom chassis; internal depth is measured from the insides of both front and rear doors; and internal width is measured from one side panel to the other.

Safety Clearance

Be sure that the rack’s external dimensions can be accommodated in the floor space allotted for it, check that it can be safely moved through all doorways, and ensure that its placement meets any relevant clearance or safety regulations. Always consult the fire marshal during the planning and development process.

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