Server racks are an essential part of any viable and prosperous online presence. There are a few different things to remember when it comes to building your own server rack. Paying attention to these factors can help you build the perfect server rack each and every time no matter what. One should ask themselves, what do I need to build my rack, before they ever start.
-
Strength– the first factor to consider is of course the strength of the rack that you need. This means considering how much overall weight is going to be supported by your server rack. If you only have a few servers, say one or two, you may not need as strong of a rack; however if you are going to be housing several servers, say four or five, you certainly need to keep strength in mind.
-
Cooling– another factor to consider is how you will be cooling your servers. It is essential that servers be kept cool to help prevent overheating and any crashes associated with being too hot. It is important that you either leave an open space to allow for adequate air flow or that you build in fans and other cooling options to keep your rack cool. Rack Solutions is a great place to get your supplies when building for any rack builder.
-
Size– the next factor to consider is overall size. Do you want a rack that only fits servers and that does not really fit anything else or is it necessary for you to have added storage? Often, very basic server racks will not have room for storage.
-
Security– another issue to contend with is security. This means having an open or shut cabinet. For those that are not worried about security it may not be necessary to spend the extra money on a door that locks. For those that need a bit of added security, it is always best to add a door that can be secured to protect your servers.
- Materials– the last thing to consider is of course what type of materials do you want to use. Aluminum is great for creating a light weight cabinet that when empty can be moved easily. For those that do not intend to move their cabinet very often, a heavier gauge metal may be useful. Overall, the material depends solely on the preference of the builder and the budget they are working with.