Reddit reviews StarTech.com 12U Open Frame Server Rack - 4 Post Adjustable Depth (22" to 40") Network Equipment Rack w/ Casters/ Levelers/ Cable Management (4POSTRACK12U),Black

StarTech.com 12U Open Frame Server Rack - Adjustable Depth - 4-Post Data Rack - w/ Casters/Levelers/Cable Management Hooks (4POSTRACK12U) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00P1RJ9LS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_DoMTCb9DXNQTC

You said where, not cheap.

This isn't priced too bad
http://www.amazon.com/StarTech-com-Adjustable-Levelers-Management-4POSTRACK12U/dp/B00P1RJ9LS/ref=sr_1_12?ie=UTF8&qid=1427124570&sr=8-12&keywords=12u+rack

That is entry level price.

Not my blog, I came across this when searching for options for my own lab. At $99, it's not in the same ubercheap league as the $9 LACK, but with all the time and materials I see some people put into LACK mods, perhaps it's not that much more after all. Looks like it could manage about 10-12U, though limited to 50kg.

Also at that price, the BROR is approaching this $185 StarTech 12U, which lacks a top surface.

Thinking about pulling the trigger on this one. What are your thoughts?

For 80 more you can get a way nicer 4 post StarTech one with free shipping from Amazon.

http://www.amazon.com/StarTech-com-Adjustable-Levelers-Management-4POSTRACK12U/dp/B00P1RJ9LS

Not the exact model I have under my desk, but I have a similar one from them and love it.

Hows that rack? Ive been thinking about getting it. Is that the 12u one on amazon? https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00P1RJ9LS/_encoding=UTF8?coliid=I1JAYHJ4JB7V1Y&colid=AWG4AGG39ESQ&th=1

Second this. I have the 12U open frame rack and it's extremely study.

Either way I think OP is going to have a hard time meeting 27" unless the casters get removed.

My girlfriend bought me this one for Christmas and it's worked great so far. Really sturdy and adjustable to be deep enough for my Dell R710 without an issue.

http://www.amazon.com/StarTech-com-Adjustable-Levelers-Management-4POSTRACK12U/dp/B00P1RJ9LS

Edit: There's also a 25U version of this rack for $248 w/ free shipping

Now, without all the tracking BS!

That said, unless space is an issue, I wouldn't get one that small... You can get that rack's big bro (25U) for $50 more

If you're really planning for the future, and have the vertical space (beware basements!) you can get the biggest bro (42U) for $300.

Sure, one could argue that "I don't need 25U", but the real bite in the ass comes from when you need that 13th U, and it will suddenly cost you a damn decent chunk of change.

I deluded myself that "Oh, this will be enough space" (got the 24U, actually).... Yeah.... ran out of room... got a 32U (42U won't fit), and almost immediately I filled that up too.... wound up making my 24U into my UPS Battery rack....

While almost all rackmount stuff is 19” wide, it’s the depth and weight you have to worry about. The r610 is almost 30” deep with cables and I think the HP isn’t much shorter.

The rack you linked to is designed for network gear and even some audio equipment. What you want is a 4-post rack like this 12u - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00P1RJ9LS.

You can use a 2-post rack, but you’ll need to get the static rails instead of the ready rails. Which is your next question, rackmount servers normally need rails to be mounted to the rack and then the server sits down into them and are secured at the front of the rails with the rack ears that are on the rails and the server. The r610 uses these - Dell P223J 1U Ready Rails for PowerEdge R610 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00686MBE8.

There are some smaller racks, just make sure you’re getting one deep enough or adjustable enough to account for your servers and cables.

I apologize, but I'm not seeing the model of the actual case housing everything. I like that it's mobile for a smaller installation. Could you share that info please? 😁

More searching... Is this it? StarTech.com 12U Open Frame Server Rack - Adjustable Depth - 4-Post Data Rack - w/ Casters/Levelers/Cable Management Hooks (4POSTRACK12U) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00P1RJ9LS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_MkfmDbWHYXAQZ

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00P1RJ9LS/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1492786812&sr=8-1-spons&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=server+rack&psc=1

He just put in a blank text object so the link was there, just...unusable.

>I cannot justify 300€+

The prices on StarTech's website are always a lot higher than elsewhere.

Amazon's UK website has the rack for the equivalent of €215 (£189): https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00P1RJ9LS

On Amazon.es it's €229.87 and on Amazon.de it's €232.57.

I'm curious why you didn't just go with something like this 12U 4 post?

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00P1RJ9LS/

Unless you needed it to be enclosed, but I think it would be less work to enclose this than it was to create all that contraption you made.

This is the rack I use currently for my lab.

It's light, it's compact, it's 4 post, and it has wheels!!

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00P1RJ9LS/ref=twister_B06XKZGX5J?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

The 25U seems to be on sale for the same price.

You do understand that server is going to be hair dryer loud, right?

https://www.amazon.com/StarTech-com-Adjustable-Levelers-Management-4POSTRACK12U/dp/B00P1RJ9LS

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B019SXSH2C

The UPS is an APC SMT1500RM2U, and the rack is a StarTech 12U Open Frame. Here's a link to the rack: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00P1RJ9LS?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

Not OP, but it's a 12U Startech 4 post rack, you can see the brand name on almost every photo. ;)

I picked up one of these:

http://www.amazon.com/StarTech-com-Adjustable-Levelers-Management-4POSTRACK12U/dp/B00P1RJ9LS/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1463290503&sr=8-6&keywords=12u+startech

12u on wheels; can vary how long it is. Has square holes and adapters.

That rack you linked too at amazon is only 17 inches deep... the dell r710 has a mounting depth of about 30" if I remember correctly... so it wouldn't really fit in that rack, in fact, more than half of it would be out of the rack! A rack like that is more well suited for smaller things like switches and the like.

a rack that would work that's in that price range is something like this although it's completely open.

Also, I don't know what's so appealing about the server you posted on ebay, but you can find some that you'll find just as useful for much much
less money I don't know where you're located (other than you're in canada based on your links) but you might be able to find a used rack for much less.

now to answer your question more directly
yeah, you get a rack. then you have rails that connect to the rack and the server, that's what lets you pull servers in and out (usually) like these guys which are rails for an r710

Your rack will not come with rails. each server typically will use different rails (there are universal ones though, but they aren't as nice) sometimes your server will come with rails however! basically, the rails will clip in, or screw into the rack, then it the server will sit on, clip on, or screw onto the rails. you can see here, the rails holding up these servers and allowing you to nicely slide the servers in and out of the rack for serving or whatever

My rack depth is 30.25" using the Dell Rapid Rails. I could probably make it ~1-2" smaller but that would put the back of the servers basically touching the rear posts. I have a 25U StarTech, you should take a look at the 12U rack they make.

Here's the one I bought.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00P1RJ9LS/ref=yo_ii_img?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I was trying to buy something local for cheaper but I couldn't find anything this small. I was getting sick of taking up space on the shelves so I just bit the bullet. It was more than I wanted to spend but I'm glad I did. Things are so much cleaner.

Here you go

at that size you are very limited.


At your price range you are looking for the Startech 12u


And it looks like you get a black friday deal at Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/StarTech-com-Open-Frame-Server-Rack/dp/B00P1RJ9LS

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00P1RJ9LS/

Amazon Rack 4 post, Comes in a flat pack and worth every $ent ! https://www.amazon.com/StarTech-com-Open-Frame-Server-Rack/dp/B00P1RJ9LS/ref=sxin_3_ac_d_pm?ac_md=4-0-VW5kZXIgJDMwMA%3D%3D-ac_d_pm&keywords=Server+rack&pd_rd_i=B00P1RJ9LS&pd_rd_r=c9575c95-0ec3-4981-8fe7-62c414e7fbc5&pd_rd_w=T51LV&pd_rd_wg=01wPv&pf_rd_p=24d053a8-30a1-4822-a2ff-4d1ab2b984fc&pf_rd_r=D1EJ7W126SPPQ742TCYF&psc=1&qid=1572889682

Are those full depth or just switch depth?

This is a comparable Trip Lite enclosure for 12U 32inch depth(which is mid depth and not the full 36 like this one) I can't find any full enclosure new for under $450. Even the open 4 post ones are $200 range normally.

Looks like it's the StarTech 12U
https://www.amazon.com/StarTech-com-Open-Frame-Server-Rack/dp/B00P1RJ9LS/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=startech+12u&qid=1568679406&s=gateway&sr=8-3

gotcha. I got a mid-length rack at first thinking it would be enough. It doesn't even fit the "dell sliding rails", though it fits those rails I linked, it just means a full-depth server is longer than the rack.

So, TLDR, get a full length/adjustable rack like this.

Or put it on a shelf or the floor, it's homelab :)

Why not just buy one?

Just make sure you have enough space for future growth lol, it's addictive. Little more expensive with reviews:
https://amzn.com/B00P1RJ9LS

The one you linked looks like it uses the shelves or rails+server to add rigidity since it's missing the two cross-bars... not personally crazy about that.

Mounting is 28", it's adjustable from 22" to 40"

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00P1RJ9LS/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

That's the actual rack itself.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00P1RJ9LS?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00

It's an adjustable StarTech 12U rack. Bought it on Amazon for around $212.

Looks like it's gotten cheaper since then:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00P1RJ9LS?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o05_s00

This is what I have my r710 in for the apartment living: Amazon

Nah, anything but. Adjustable depth, but definitely not something I'd call custom.

Thanks, I've been eyeing this rack, https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00P1RJ9LS/ref=ox_sc_act_title_2?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&psc=1

I've been waiting for a deal to come up on the used market for a nice closed rack or cheaper open rack before purchasing a rack new.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00P1RJ9LS/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1485650737&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=startech+12u+rack&dpPl=1&dpID=41oNhwTrzyL&ref=plSrch

Sorry for the long link, I'm on mobile. It's pretty pricey but I couldn't find any good deals locally after searching Craigslist for 2 months or so. Definitely worth it though. It's adjustable and really sturdy, especially once you have everything racked.

/u/stilettoblade is correct. Neither the R610, nor the R710 would fit in this rack.

I measured the spare rails I have for an R610ii, the mount size is listed below. Too lazy to pull out one of the R710's to check those rails, but the R610ii physical server is 2in longer than the R710; so I'd think the rail mount depth would be similar if not exactly the same.

R610ii rails:

p/n: R144J

27.25in - 30.25in

These are the two racks I've found; similar in Usize that would fit these servers. I'm also looking to down grade my rack size, so if anyone has any suggestions for a 12-18U open rack on casters that is at least 27in deep; lets hear it.

*edit forgot the links. ha

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00P1RJ9LS/

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01M9DQAMS/

That looks a lot like the rack I've been looking at: https://www.amazon.co.uk/StarTech-com-Adjustable-Casters-Levelers-Management/dp/B00P1RJ9LS/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=startech+rack&qid=1569960952&sr=8-3

Thanks for the input. Your right: I am overthinking it. Other replies, too, have reassured me that there's more flexibility available than I was thinking. I feel much better about firing off the orders now!

For R710 you need mounting depth of approximately 28-29 inches.

Startech 12U sounds like what you need. Or if you plan on expanding your homelab significantly you might want to order a 25U.

https://www.amazon.com/StarTech-com-4POSTRACK25U-Adjustable-Server-Cabinet/dp/B00P1RJ9LS/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1522219129&sr=8-1&keywords=startech%2B25U&th=1

check your local craigslist equivalent, otherwise you're looking at the startech open racks off amazon. http://www.amazon.com/StarTech-com-Adjustable-Levelers-Management-4POSTRACK12U/dp/B00P1RJ9LS/ref=sr_1_4?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1451066647&sr=1-4&keywords=4+post+rack

https://www.amazon.com/StarTech-com-Adjustable-Levelers-Management-4POSTRACK12U/dp/B00P1RJ9LS/

I had hoped to find a cheaper one, but this one sure is sturdy! (I did find cheaper options, but none with square holes for some reason)

I've got a StarTech.com 12U open frame rack. On the one hand I don't have to worry about an enclosed rack getting super hot, but on the other hand I have to manage the airflow in that room well so the hot air doesn't pool near the rack.

I came across this while I was searching for that 710 mounting depth, but it’s not much cheaper StarTech

Here is the specific one I bought.

Buying locally from CL or something can be more advantages as you don't have to assemble it or try to manage shipping. Its probably easier to get a 42U rack that way. And likely the cost will be less.

I can report that these ones are pretty solid and work well. They don't have much in the way of cable management and are fairly bare and open. But they are new, are solid, and hold up well.

Startech has a 12U open rack on Amazon that would probably work. here is the link to it.

I believe it to be This one.

https://www.amazon.com/StarTech-com-Open-Frame-Server-Rack/dp/B00O6GNLQE/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=startech+25u&qid=1567623107&s=gateway&sr=8-3

​

or

​

https://www.amazon.com/StarTech-com-Open-Frame-Server-Rack/dp/B00P1RJ9LS/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=startech+12u&qid=1567623209&s=gateway&sr=8-3

Well, here's the StarTech rack although not 6U, which is comparable and I've actually used it before. It was a pain to setup because the instructions and labeling were terrible plus there were incorrect numbers of screws and extras that we didn't need. The casters don't work well and with the addition of a Tripp-Lite PDU it's still more expensive.

I'm not in the business of shilling for Ubiquiti but every product I've used so far from them has been outstanding in terms of build quality. Their EdgeMax, AirMax, Unifi, and accessories have proven to be high quality while not going overboard.

This might be better for a full post, if so, I can fill out the post and will make one.

For server building, what all exactly do I need? From what I have seen so far, this is what I need:

• 1x Server rack: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00P1RJ9LS/
  
• 1x UPS: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000086A26/
  
• at least 1x rackmount chassis: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001NO7THO/ with the standard computer components (Motherboard, CPU, PSU, RAM, and boot drive)
  
  Is there anything else I need? Would the components I listed all above work well for a media server?
  
  For the components inside of each rackmount, what do I need to look for? If I am not doing transcoding and the server is just for serving large media files, do I need anything more than a cheap CPU (say a Ryzen 3)? What about RAM? should 8GB each be enough, or should I look to get more? For the PSU, is there sometype of calculator I can use to figure out how big of one I will need based on a full rack mount with all of the storage HDDs in it?
  

Depending on budget, you could take a rack like this, pick up an Ikea table/counter top. Bolt the counter top to the top of the rack to create your idea. Then you can just look into getting some plywood or whatever to attach to the side to hide everything like in your design.

I have this one work great
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00P1RJ9LS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_yt0pDbCFVTSX2

I have this one and it's great. Easy to setup, very solid & sturdy.

http://www.amazon.com/StarTech-com-Adjustable-Levelers-Management-4POSTRACK12U/dp/B00P1RJ9LS

I was tempted to use metal frame for the build but i wouldnt have a clue when it comes to metal work but if you can do it, go for it! or get a good kit: My mate just bought this :https://www.amazon.co.uk/StarTech-com-Adjustable-Casters-Levelers-Management/dp/B00P1RJ9LS/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1511427208&sr=8-1&keywords=startech+12u

Its expensive but super adjustable.

Hey! Small world lol. Congrats on the purchase, the R710 is a really great server to start with. I mounted everything on a Startech 12U rack and I mounted the R710 with these rails. Happy homelabbing!

StarTech 4Post:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00P1RJ9LS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_MkfmDbWHYXAQZ?utm_source=share&utm_medium=ios_app

Not the cheapest ever as is new but I have the following rack at home. Really happy with it and it was delivered straight to the house
https://www.amazon.co.uk/StarTech-com-Adjustable-Casters-Levelers-Management/dp/B00P1RJ9LS/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1519208441&sr=8-1&keywords=startech+rack