Server racks and cabinets are fundamental parts of IT infrastructure. Think of them as the backbone of IT operations. Whether in an enterprise data center or a small server room, they house the technology most critical to keeping business running smoothly. As such, they need to be taken seriously during IT infrastructure or data center budget planning.
Choosing the right server rack or cabinet for your organization and environment can help protect your equipment, prepare you for future growth, save stress on IT teams when it comes to installation and maintenance, and increase overall operational efficiency. High-quality racks will have superior design and construction, and provide features that save time, enhance safety, and facilitate power and cooling management.
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Rack or Cabinet?
Although the terminology is often used interchangeably, there are differences between racks and cabinets. The main one is, cabinets are enclosed and racks are open. Choosing between a rack or cabinet is a combination of preference and need. They both serve the same general purpose, holding and organizing IT equipment, but racks are often cheaper than cabinets and offer free airflow. However, they lack security and are exposed to the elements more than server cabinets. Some people prefer cabinets for appearance reasons as well. Being that they’re enclosed, cabinets can look more organized on the data center floor or server room than racks. There’s a lot more nuance to choosing, for example, 2-post racks vs. 4-post racks serve very different purposes, but this covers some of the basic considerations.
Material
Server racks are commonly made of steel due to its high strength and low cost. Because steel is subject to corrosion, some manufacturers use electrogalvanized steel with powder coating. Powder coating creates a durable, corrosion-resistant finish that eliminates corrosion concerns.
Construction
Folded sheet construction is often used for industrial racks because of its low cost and high static load capacity. However, it is not recommended for server racks due to the dynamic, changing nature of today’s data centers and IT environments. Tubular steel construction with continuous seam welding helps reduce the risk that racks and cabinets will buckle when they are moved. That said, it is still important to consider the rack’s static and dynamic load capacity as power density demands and equipment weight increase.
Operational Features
The design of the server rack has a big impact on IT and data center operations. The best server racks have removable side panels for ready access to equipment. Perforated doors help to maximize airflow while securing equipment. Numbered U positions assist in the creation of rack elevations and in the identification of equipment for asset databases and work orders. Preinstalled casters make it easy to move IT racks into position.
Make Sure the Size Is Right
Although racks and cabinets come in “standard” sizes and configurations, there are many variables to consider. Obviously, the rack should have sufficient capacity for the IT equipment with additional space for any anticipated expansion. It should allow easy access to the equipment for maintenance and troubleshooting and provide adequate airflow to dissipate heat generated by the equipment.
The interior height of a server cabinet and the height of rack-mounted IT equipment are measured in “rack units” equivalent to 1.75 inches (44.45mm). Server cabinets are commonly 42U, but a wide range of sizes are available on the market.
Most server racks and cabinets have an external width of 24 inches (roughly 600mm), but the depth can vary. Racks and cabinets designed for high-density environments often have an outside depth of 48 inches (roughly 1200 mm).
Other Features to Look For
The interior layout of the cabinet also affects access to the IT equipment. For example, PDU mounting rails that aren’t flush with the side panels can make it difficult to slide equipment out of the rack for maintenance. Similarly, cable management systems should be designed in such a way that they don’t impede access. Built-in cable management features make the best use of space and minimize the need to purchase and install additional components.
As rack densities increase, airflow and thermal management become more important to consider, especially for large-scale, high-volume deployments. Data center server racks need adequate ventilation, including integrated fans and perforated doors. IT teams should also ensure that blanking panels are installed over empty equipment bays and that there are no gaps between mounting rails and side panels. These steps prevent the mixing of chilled intake air and hot exhaust air. Enconnex offers roof brush panels capable of accommodating large 60A plugs without allowing conditioned air to pass through open gaps.
Quality Server Racks From Enconnex
Enconnex server racks and cabinets are constructed of solid steel to provide some of the best load ratings in the industry. Engineered to make equipment installation simple and efficient, our cabinets feature dual side panels, split rear doors, and adjustable equipment rails with number labeling on both sides. Matching locks on doors and panels provide physical security that’s easy to manage. High-efficiency perforated doors allow for maximum airflow while maintaining physical security.
If you’re looking for the best server racks, look no further than Enconnex. Let us help you select high-quality units that meet your design, operational, and budgetary requirements. Browse our racks and cabinets for sale today.
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