Rackmount Help (about rackmounts)

[GeekSupportCom]

Sorry if this isnt the right place or type of post, but I've been trying to search on google on what rackmount systems are, how they work and what they actually do. I've got a vague idea about what it is but would really appreciate any help if someone could point out a site which would have an article more about rackmounts than system reviews.

Need to know basically the differences among U1 to U4 (looks like size? Kinda like the difference between mid and full towers), which would most benefit a small business, how the processor load would actually be for x amount of users on a win2k server, and how everything is connected to them--pretty much like a crash course on rackmount servers.

TIA

 

[ScottMac]

RU = "Rack Units" : A standard seven foot relay rack (or cabinet) has 41 RU of space (or count the holes along the rail and divide by three).

The only difference is the shape of the case (compared to non-rack-mount systems). In most 1RU cases, the motherboard has raked ("laid-back" RAM slots) and have some kind of riser for the PCI slots so the expansion boards can be mounted on their sides (since there's not enough clearance to mount them vertically...a 1RU chassis is less than two inches tall). Cooloing is usually a consideration too.

While we're on the subject of "rack mount"...if you look semi-closely at the rails of a rack or cabinet, the screw holes are in groups of three...one hole, a wider space, then two holes. The group of three represent a "Rack Unit." If you don't start on the right hole, the other holes on the mounting ears (of the equipment) won't line up properly.

Also while we're on the subject...(this is a real pet peeve of mine) when you rack a piece of gear that extends behind the rails (most equipment), put in the BOTTOM screws first. If you hang the equipment on the top screws and let it go, the equipment will swing down from the back, ripping/warping the mounting ears on the equipment. When you use the bottom screws first, the weight of the equipment will pull the top part of the ears tight against the rails.

If you're mounting something that extends from the rails towards you (extends out the front...like a panel or cable management unit), then hang it on the TOP screws...let leverage and gravity work for you.....

FWIW

Scott

 

[Thor86]

If you just want to see what they look like here is a brand that we have used for the last couple of years, and have had no problems with.

Link