I bought this one off Amazon brand new for 250 shipped. StarTech 25U Adjustable Depth Open Frame 4 Post Server Rack.
I live in a area that doesn't have a lot of old server equipments so I had to get this one. It's great since it's adjustable depth. And casters are awesome addition as well
I started off with getting this rack in 12U, but I quickly realized that I should have gotten the 25U (which is only $67 more), particularly because it allows you to use the extra space for UPS, shelves, rack KVM, etc...
i gave up on trying to find one. most of the ones you find online are going to be full sized (42u) since the people selling them have real labs/data centers.
Startech makes a nice one with wheels. https://www.amazon.com/StarTech-com-Open-Frame-Server-Rack/dp/B00O6GNLQE
How big of a rack do you want?
The default buy is the Startech 25u adjustable rack
https://www.amazon.com/StarTech-com-Open-Frame-Server-Rack/dp/B00O6GNLQE
> I am looking for something I could use for the rest of my life.
Then, in my personal opinion, you want a APC SRT3000RMXLA. its a 2700w, double conversion, 120v UPS. While not adviable, you can run it with an adapter on a regular 15a circuit, just keep the load under 15a. But it sounds like you'd be up for running a 30a circuit
Anything lower and you'd end up needing a second UPS. I've been there, and playing the game of balancing between 2 UPS's is annoying.
Storage, I'd go with TrueNAS on whatever hardware you decide
Just search on Amazon: Startech 25u
StarTech.com 25U Open Frame Server Rack - Adjustable Depth - 4-Post Data Rack - w/Casters/Levelers/Cable Management Hooks (4POSTRACK25U) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00O6GNLQE/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_fQoQCbY8WG2FW
Between those, get the StarTech. It has flexibility in terms of depth. Plus I prefer an open rack.
Or, for that matter, the 25U StarTech rack is still less expensive than the 15U NavePoint and just $37 more than the 12U StarTech. More space, more better.
Not directly an answer to your question but seems space and cost are the key factors. I can't praise this enough - StarTech.com 25U Open Frame Server Rack - 4 Post Adjustable Depth (22" to 40") Network Equipment Rack w/ Casters/ Levelers/ Cable Management (4POSTRACK25U) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00O6GNLQE/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_GdgBFb65XZVXQ
Keep looking unfortunately and hope you get lucky. Enterprise-grade racks are expensive and even used they're often costly. Finding a company or someone just looking to dump one is usually the only way to get a good deal.
Here in the U.S. you can get a Startech open-frame rack affordably on Amazon, but I don't see any of them available on Amazon's UK site.
I can’t say enough good things about this server rack.
StarTech.com 4POSTRACK25U 25U Adjustable Depth Open Frame 4 Post Server Rack Cabinet - w/Casters / Levelers and Cable Management Hooks https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00O6GNLQE/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_2p38BbWTEMTBZ
This is the one I have at home. It has cable management hooks. It also comes with casters and levelers which many companies (like Tripp-lite) charge extra for.
It is an open frame rack. It’s expandable and will go much deeper than Dell servers will need. Which is good for future expansion.
When I ordered my first one, the box didn’t include any of the bolts to assemble the rack or the casters or balancers. I called Amazon Business support and they told me that the rack was super heavy and that I could keep it for free and they would send me another one. I then called star tech support and they sent me a free tool kit with my missing stuff. Essentially, I got a second rack completely free because amazon business customer service is super awesome and because the heavy rack would’ve been expensive for them to ship back.
Amazon rocks.
Check out this StarTech rack. I purchased it about 6 months ago and am really happy with it. If you just have half sized cases, the adjustable depth gives you a small footprint now (mines in my office), and the ability to expand it should you pick up a full size case (and having to get a new rack).
StarTech.com 25U Adjustable Depth Open Frame 4 Post Server Rack Cabinet with Casters/Levelers and Cable Management Hooks 4POSTRACK25U Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00O6GNLQE/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_kB1dAbJ410C9K
I bought a open frame triplite 25U for around $250 on amazon for my R710 and associated network gear. I'd rather have a enclosure, but they are outside my price range.
Here's a decent open frame starter for around the same price with casters included. I'd have bought this if it was available at the time.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00O6GNLQE
With that I bout a bunch of navepoint rack shelf and full length trays for mounting nonrackable gear. Then inherited a few cable management units.
I spent $250 new for a 25U open rack from Startech. I believe it comes with caster wheels, cable management loops on the side. It didn't say with the listing, but it does come with a fair amount of cage nuts and screws. I made the mistake of purchasing some because it wasn't listed. It's also fully adjustable. Also it includes a grounding wire, screw driver and washers.
Are you looking for something enclosed or is a 4 post OK? I couldn't find anything locally that wasn't a 42U and got tired of waiting around. I picked up one of these: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00O6GNLQE/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o08_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1
It's depth adjustable - max depth is 40" if I remember correctly. I have mine set in the middle at 34" and it holds my Lenovo RD650 just fine.
There is also a 12U version if you are looking for something smaller.
In terms of a standard rack, it works fine. Adjustable depth so that's not a concern either. I have it in one of these. I'm not sure what about the 15U Norco rack isn't standard, I don't have the time to dig into it - but really, width, depth and mounting hole spacing are the only things to usually vary - and only mounting hole spacing should get in the way of this (assuming it's the proper width for your case in the first place)
They're also built to be heavier than they need to be (the rails). It's just those other shelves to me didn't quite seem safe enough on their own to handle one of the Norco cases, they're so deep and weighty I just didn't want to. That's not to say they can't, and as I said, I just drilled some mount holes and secured some cut plywood to make full width shelves out of them for use with any desktop towers / other equipment that didn't want to rack.
https://www.amazon.com/StarTech-com-Open-Frame-Server-Rack/dp/B00O6GNLQE
Sometimes Amazon will ship you a 10 pack by accident too... Its happened a bunch on this sub
It was this one, an adjustable 25u rack. It's a comfortable height for me to access stuff on top (I'm 5' 11").
i have servers in my rack that weigh more than 150lb.
My startech 25u rack supports 1200lb.... https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B00O6GNLQE
if you can, figure out the depth for them and make things to bolt them together at a few points (top, 1/3rd of the way, 1/3rd of the way, bottom for example) and they'll probably work well.
This is a good option if you don't mind it being open (No sides, doors etc)
https://www.amazon.com/StarTech-com-Open-Frame-Server-Rack/dp/B00O6GNLQE
Its adjustable, and they often accidently ship an entire pallet
Not the same, but I have a startach 25u, and it has been great for the price. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00O6GNLQE/
Just a sanity check, 25u is only $250 and aren't those rosewill cases $200ea?
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00O6GNLQE/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_M13JFbH2S6255?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
Thats basically the 'go to' for open frame racks.
Rack studs are AWESOME. I highly recommend these: https://www.amazon.com/Rackstuds-40C-Rack-Mount-Solution/dp/B07W1KZXFL/ref=sr_1_5?keywords=rack+studs&qid=1667775493&sr=8-5
cage nuts can rip apart your fingers. If you go that route, do yourself a favor and get sometime like this: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07ZJB7HCX?ref=nb_sb_ss_w_as-reorder-t1_ypp_rep_k2_1_8&amp=&crid=1H79401W1XU74&amp=&sprefix=cage+nut
I dont really have a PDU recommendation. I have a couple UPS's that I use
You dont have to get crazy. a patch panel can help. I like this because you can use keystones and move them around much more easily: https://www.amazon.com/Cable-Matters-Mount-24-Port-Keystone/dp/B0072JVT02/ref=sr_1_3?crid=365THL0RXC040&keywords=patch+panel&qid=1667775637&s=hi&sprefix=patch+panel%2Ctools%2C62&sr=1-3
then just gen patch cables that fit the length runs you need. It will look pretty great once you get a patch panel and cables that are the proper length.
Rack stuff tends to be more expensive than it probably should be, but thats because the market is typically "business" and their economics are different than a typical consumers. If you look on /r/homelabsales , craigslist, and ebay you can find pretty good deals.
So, I have two different rack right now.
I have a Startech 25U rack, that I had my servers in (R310 & R710) but trying to go away from that for now:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00O6GNLQE/
I also have a NavePoint 9U rack, that I have wall mounted in the closet that I use for a home office:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01FKOW4LS/
I have my modem, router, switch and PDU mounted in there!
if you dont need a full rack (almsot no one really does for a homelab, and it doesnt fit thru a door anyway, so . . . )
I have been very happy with the 25U StarTech rack, available on amazon, shipped flatpack, but its very stable, doesnt wobble like the leaning tower of piza like most flat pack 4 post racks do. currently listed for $246.30 https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00O6GNLQE/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&th=1
/u/Orcrogo101
Sorry to revive an old post like this, but do you have suggestions for the following hardware to pair with your UI list:
These are basically the only components left. I’m thinking a
Any advice or swaps?
I have a Rosewill 4u case I want to mount to a Startech 25u open frame rack. The ears on the front of the case have holes to secure it into the front of the rack. But I don't seem to have a way to secure the case to the back two posts of the rack. I could get a set of generic rails (shown in photo) but then they will eliminate my ability to secure the case to the front of the rack, photo shows the front panel/ears of the case resting in front of the screws used to secure the rails... What as I missing? This can't be how things are supposed to work, right? I either have to accept that the back two posts don't help support the weight of my server, or I can't secure the server into the front of the rack? Case:https://www.amazon.com/Rosewill-Chassis-Rackmount-Computer-RSV-L4000URack:https://www.amazon.com/StarTech-com-Open-Frame-Server-Rack/dp/B00O6GNLQE
This is the rack that I have. Compared to the 12u Rosewill rack I had before this one is SO much better.
i've got the startec 25u, and it's under a set of steps in my house......
my startech rack can be adjusted down to 20 inches according to the amaon listing. I'v got it set in the 30s because i had room and things that supported that depth.
My old case wasn't long enough to mount the unraid enclosure so I got a different one and don't have it cleaned up or wired right yet.
Ubiquiti 16 port POEUbiquiti UDM PRO
4x4TB Referb HGST (4tb as parity)1TB SSD
https://www.goharddrive.com/HGST-MegaScale-HMS5C4040BLE641-4TB-Hard-Drive-p/g01-1348.htm
StarTech.com 25U Open Frame Server <strong>Rack</strong>
Rosewill 4U Server Chassis/ with 15 Bays & 7 Fans Pre-Installed (RSV-L4500)
Replaced the fans with ARCTIC F8-80 mm when they were on sale.
My old case wasn't long enough to mount the unraid enclosure so I got a different one and don't have it cleaned up or wired right yet.
Ubiquiti 16 port POE
Ubiquiti USG
4x4TB Referb HGST (4tb as parity)
1TB SSD
StarTech.com 25U Open Frame Server <strong>Rack</strong>
Rosewill 4U Server Chassis/ with 15 Bays & 7 Fans Pre-Installed (RSV-L4500)
Replaced the fans with ARCTIC F8-80 mm when they were on sale.
Sure! This is the one we picked up.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00O6GNLQE?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
Building a house and will have this media closet under the staircase with all the wiring terminating on the wall to the right (unseen here) which leads to a bathroom in the first floor. I'm curious if where I have marked for vents will help with the airflow. I want to buy these https://www.acinfinity.com/component-cooling/closet-fan-systems/airframe-t7-white-av-equipment-closet-and-room-fan-system-17-exhaust/ (exhaust and another for intake)
I plan to have inside a 25U rack similar to this https://www.amazon.com/StarTech-com-Open-Frame-Server-Rack/dp/B00O6GNLQE?sourceid=Mozilla-search
I've got a 25u (without the side panels) that works fine with the supermicro 1u rails. The sm 835 i got did not come with rails, and the "universal" ones gave me some trouble.
Apristel is right got it off amazon. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00O6GNLQE/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_fQoQCbY8WG2FW
As mentioned, your prices are pretty high.
The StarTech rack is available new from Amazon for $309 CAD shipped.
https://www.amazon.ca/StarTech-Adjustable-Levelers-Management-4POSTRACK25U/dp/B00O6GNLQE/
HP 1410-24G is <$100 CAD shipped: https://www.ebay.ca/itm/HP-ProCurve-J9561A-1410-24G-Switch-with-Rack-Mounts/233249406798
Linksys SR2024 is ~$110 CAD shipped: https://www.ebay.ca/itm/Linksys-SR2024-24-Port-10-100-1000-Gigabit-Ethernet-Switch-Rackmount-Cisco/312549201761
These are the only items I checked, using a random Toronto postal code.
It's the startech 4 post, 25u rack.
Ah, gotcha.
I have the 25U StarTech one and it's decent. https://www.amazon.com/StarTech-com-4POSTRACK25U-Adjustable-Server-Cabinet/dp/B00O6GNLQE/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1522117077
I got the 25U version of this one and like it.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00O6GNLQE/
You could get the 12U version for under $200.
We just bought one of these but haven't put it together yet: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00O6GNLQE/ref=pe_2640190_232586610_TE_dp_i1
This is probably what you're looking for...
Yeah, that's what I was thinking. I have this on my holiday wishlist, but saw this today and thought I could save myself a few bucks.
Just bought this rack here and have no complaints!
Haha. Yeah it's a nice box...
They come with the rack and then you just attach them where you want them. http://www.amazon.com/StarTech-com-Adjustable-Levelers-Management-4POSTRACK25U/dp/B00O6GNLQE
Yeah that is CRAZY when you can get this for the same or less money!
​
"that expensive" and I was comparing it to those ikea table shit. I actually stated I liked this one.
Cheap startech racks are about 200-250 bucks if you want a small one.
https://www.amazon.com/StarTech-com-Open-Frame-Server-Rack/dp/B00O6GNLQE
No it isn't 60 bucks, but a lot more durable than some raped ikea table.
42U is not in the U range of most DIY-racks, so not really relevant.
But there are good deals out there. I paid 220 (excl shipping, including salestax) euro's, for a 42u new one with mesh doors that had one dented corner (rest was new-new). Not very deep though, but didn't care as I wasn't going to use a backdoor anyway.