There are many things to consider when buying a server cabinet, including size, weight, heat management and delivery. Many of these things can be kept secret by manufacturers, in order to keep prices high. However, if you know what you need from your server rack before you buy, you can save both time and money.
The height of most server cabinets is measured in 'u' sizes. This is a standard measurement for rackmount equipment, where one 'u' is equal to 1.75 inches, or 44.45mm. Usually, 1u is equal to a 24-port patch panel or switch. The height measurement indicates how many units the cabinet can accommodate, and the most popular height for a server cabinet is 42u. They can range from 17u to 49u, although other sizes can be made on special order.
When considering the height of your server cabinet, you should first total up the height of all the equipment you intend to put into it. If you want to put in equipment which isn't rack-mountable, you should include the size of this, as well as the shelving it will sit on.
Once you've measured the size of your equipment, it's a good idea to factor in some space for expansion. This will help you avoid spending more money on replacing your server cabinet in the future.
You should also consider the space in which you intend to keep your cabinet, as, while internal measurements are standard, external measurements can differ between manufacturers. Your choice of adjustable feet, castors or plinth will need to be taken into account.
The width of your server rack will either be 600mm or 800mm, depending on how much cable management you require. This should also be taken into account when positioning your equipment.
The weight of your equipment also needs to be calculated, especially if regular additions will be made. Different cabinets have different load ratings, and it can be easy for the amount of weight to creep up if it goes unchecked.
Server cabinet depth has changed recently, as server manufacturers have been making cabinets which are shorter in height, while a lot deeper. 800mm was once considered as large, however 1000mm is a common size and 12000mm is also available. When thinking about the overall depth of your cabinet, you will also need to consider the width of the doors, which will need to open in order to access the rack.
As your equipment can generate a lot of heat, ventilation is required to ensure everything functions correctly. Heat can also be managed by fitting mesh doors which allow greater airflow through the cabinet.
Finally, when considering delivery, make sure you have enough space to manoeuvre your product into its desired space. The location, as well as the route through the building to get to it, will need to be taken into account, along with the size and weight of the product.
By following this guide, you will be able to choose a server cabinet that suits both your equipment and your home perfectly.
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