Client needs a rack Server. Where do i get started? BTW: Miami, FL

[mmx]

I don't know too much about rack servers, so i need to know who can i get in touch in Florida that would do a job, or maybe there are different people i should call, i don't know. Someone who has experience please help.

 

[loup garou]

Just buy a Dell.

 

[mmx]

i ffigured that much in terms of the actuall server, but where do i get a rack? build? etc...

 

[PlatinumGold]

try http://www.icintracom.com

they have pretty good prices on racks.

good luck.

 

[vi edit]

Originally posted by: werk
Just buy a Dell.

What he said. Just be sure you buy the right rail system for the rack you'd be using. Dell has a whole line of differing rack servers. Rack servers are sized on "Rack Units". Basically, the higher the rack unit size, the more space on the rack it will take up. Most servers range from 1u to 4u. A typical rack is about 42-45 rack units and/or 7 feet tall.

There's a couple different type's of racks.

2 post or 4 post. Round hole or square hole. Are the most common.

2 post basically look like a door frame. Two poles going up the side, a bar across the top for support, and a solid base that is typically bolted to the floor. They are cheap and don't require a lot of room. Devices slide into the rack and are only screwed in from the front of the rack.

4 post are more or less, just (2) two post racks joined together at the top. They allow the devices to be locked down in both the front of the device and the back side of the device. This provides much more stability.

The holes will either be round or square. I've only seen round, but square ones are out there.

 

[mmx]

Basically, my client needs:

1 server
1 Rack APC unit
1 Switch for the office - 24 port
1 monitor - LCD that folds down to save space when not in use
Rack - about 3-4 feet

I want the rack to slide in and out, so i can make adjustments in the back when needed.

 

[flot]

Originally posted by: mmx
Basically, my client needs:

1 server
1 Rack APC unit
1 Switch for the office - 24 port
1 monitor - LCD that folds down to save space when not in use
Rack - about 3-4 feet

I want the rack to slide in and out, so i can make adjustments in the back when needed.

Why does he need all this to be rack-mountable? He'll end up paying easily double for something that could all sit on a table just fine??

BTW, I have an extra 4' rack here in Ft. Lauderdale but unfortunately I don't think it can be easily used for mounting servers. (it was intended to be an audio rack) However I'll double check tonight.

 

[Scarpozzi]

Buy a dell and if you buy enough servers, you can sometimes negotiate the rack. I think they usually run an extra $1000...but be sure to get wire managment and power. If you have a lot of servers, consider an IP KVM. It uses a Cat5 cable and a dongle for the KVM connection on the server which will be really nice for the cable management.

 

[Bumrush99]

PM me, I'm in Miami and could put together a good system.

For quality you want to go with a Compaq/HP Proliant server.
APC racks are really well made and have excellent cooling options

 

[vi edit]

It really depends on what you have to work with. They make all makes and models of racks.

What I would look at, again given the physical layout of the room, is maybe a half rack that you can mount to the wall and that has a break away hinge on the back side of it so that you can "unlock" the rack and swing it open for access.

Half racks, and especially ones that swing open, are going to be a lot more expensive than a typical full rack. This will be around your 3-4 requirements. Expect to spend anywhere from $150-$300 depending on brand, quality, and features.

You can get your server from Dell. Price and size depend on needs. Anywhere from 1u-4u (or more). Rails will run you anywhere from $150-$250 depending on model of server and the type of rack you use.

A good rack mount UPS will run you about $250-$1000+ depending on uptime, namebrand, and monitoring functions.

Switches almost always have rack mounting hardware in the box with them and will fit in any rack. Again, price depends on brand & model you go with. You can get a netgear for $110. Or a 3Com Superstack for $1000+ for a 24 port.

A 1u LCD/KVM will run you anywhere from $1500-$2500 depending on brand and quality. Dell has a very nice slide away M/K/M shelf that's a little under $2000.

 

[flot]

Hey VI, since you seem to know your stuff on racks - let me ask you this...

All the PC racks I've dealt with have had the large punched holes that you insert rails into. However, I have a seriously nice rack that used to have audio gear mounted in it - which has tapped screw holes all the way down each side.

My understanding after doing a little reading online is that this is also a "standard rack" yet I've never seen the PC mounting hardware that would fit this?

 

[vi edit]

All the PC racks I've dealt with have had the large punched holes that you insert rails into. However, I have a seriously nice rack that used to have audio gear mounted in it - which has tapped screw holes all the way down each side.

I'm really only familar with the typical "2 post, round hole" very basic style of racks. The ones I've worked with have threaded holes running up and down them the whole way.

I know that when you buy from Dell, which I do exclusively, you have to get a rail kit that is fitted to match the type of rack you are using.

The rails are lined up with the rack and you bolt them into place. You then drop the server into the rails and bolt the server to the rail system.

Assuming it's a standard with with standard spacing, which you say it is, I don't see any reason why you wouldn't be able to mount networking equipment into it.

You have to keep this in mind though, some servers, like a poweredge 2850 are made to fit into a four post type set up. They mount flush to the front of the rack and have a bit of the server hanging out the back side of the second rack. This makes for a very secure and stable mount.

If you have a two post rack, you have to juryrig it a bit and do a balanced mount where you sort of "center" the weight of the server in the rack. It sticks out both the front and the back of the rack. It adds balance, but is far from being stable if the rack isn't bolted down and counter sunk to a wall or ceiling.

The other thing you have to keep in mind, is that with half racks, like your audio equipment rack, is that they are designed to hang on a wall. When you do this, you have no room in the back. They basically stick out a couple feet from the wall and that's it. You have to get a server that is explicitly designed for rack purposes so that it will fit in that space.

A switch, UPS, or patch panel will fit in that spot. So will most of your audio equipment. A large server that is rack-compatible will not. It needs room to stick out the back side. Some of the smaller chassis rack servers are designed to work in these setups.

 

[flot]

Originally posted by: vi_edit
The other thing you have to keep in mind, is that with half racks, like your audio equipment rack, is that they are designed to hang on a wall. When you do this, you have no room in the back. They basically stick out a couple feet from the wall and that's it. You have to get a server that is explicitly designed for rack purposes so that it will fit in that space.

Hmm, agreed with most of your assessment, although I'm still curious about the threaded screw rack model. I tried to do a bit more research but all I keep coming up with is that what I have is "standard."

Just a point of clarification though - when I talk about "racks" (and I always assumed most people, although I could be wrong) I am typically talking about big metal boxes with 6 sides - I assume this is what the OP was looking for although I could be wrong... although I think the techincal term would be "rack cabinet." for instance the thing I've got couldn't be mounted on a wall to save your life, it is a metal cube 4' tall that must weigh 90 lbs. When I say "half rack" I mean, half height. I've been trying to find a good home for it as it just plain does not fit in my house... Ballpark I'm guessing it was a $600-800 piece of equipment new.

This is approx what my "rack" looks like