How to Choose the Best Server Rack for Your Business

Selecting the right server rack is a critical decision that affects the performance, organization, and scalability of your IT infrastructure. Whether you're setting up a small business network or managing a large data center, the server rack you choose will play a significant role in how efficiently your equipment operates. In this blog, we’ll guide you through the key factors to consider when choosing the best server rack for your business.

Why Server Racks Are Essential
Server racks are more than just metal frames; they are designed to provide optimal support for your networking hardware, servers, and other critical IT equipment. The right server rack helps to:

Improve airflow and cooling to prevent equipment from overheating.
Organize cables for easier management and troubleshooting.
Enhance security by protecting sensitive equipment from unauthorized access.
Save space by maximizing vertical storage.
Now, let’s explore the key aspects you need to consider when choosing the best server rack for your business.

1. Determine Your Equipment Needs
The first step in choosing a server rack is to assess the equipment you’ll be storing. Make a list of the servers, switches, routers, power distribution units (PDUs), and other networking devices you plan to install in the rack. You'll want to ensure the rack has enough space, power, and ventilation to accommodate all these devices.

Consider:
Dimensions of your hardware: Measure the width, height, and depth of your equipment.
Number of devices: Know how many devices you plan to install now and in the future.
Rack Units (U): Server racks are measured in rack units, with 1U equal to 1.75 inches in height. Common rack sizes range from 12U to 48U, depending on how much equipment you need to store.
Tip: Always plan for future growth. Choosing a rack with extra space allows for expansion as your business grows.

2. Choose Between Open Frame and Enclosed Racks
There are two main types of server racks: open frame and enclosed. Your choice will depend on the environment in which the rack will be used and the level of protection your equipment requires.

Open Frame Racks
Open frame racks are simple, cost-effective solutions that provide easy access to equipment. These racks are ideal for areas with controlled environments, such as dedicated server rooms where security is not a concern.

Pros: Excellent airflow, easy access to equipment, affordable.
Cons: Offers no protection from dust or tampering, not ideal for secure environments.

Enclosed Server Racks

Enclosed racks (or cabinet racks) have doors, side panels, and rear panels that fully enclose your equipment. These racks offer greater security and protection from environmental factors like dust and accidental damage.

Pros: Enhanced security, better cable management, protection from dust and debris.
Cons: More expensive, heavier, requires airflow management.

3. Consider Rack Size and Space Requirements
It’s important to select a rack that fits within the physical space you have available. Server racks come in a range of sizes, so knowing how much floor or wall space you have will help determine the right rack dimensions.

Height (Rack Units): Standard server racks are available in 12U, 24U, 42U, and 48U sizes. A 42U rack is approximately 6 feet tall, while a 24U rack is about half that height. Choose a size that fits your current and future equipment needs.

Width: Most server racks are 19 inches wide, which is the standard for most IT equipment. However, you’ll also find 23-inch-wide racks designed for larger devices.

Depth: The depth of the rack should accommodate the size of your equipment and leave enough room for airflow and cable management. Common depths range from 24 to 48 inches.

Tip: Make sure to measure the space where you plan to place the rack, accounting for room to access the front and back of the rack for maintenance.

4. Pay Attention to Cooling and Airflow Management
One of the biggest challenges in server rack management is ensuring adequate cooling. Servers and networking equipment generate a lot of heat, and without proper ventilation, your hardware can overheat, leading to performance issues or damage.

Ventilation: Look for racks with perforated doors or panels that allow for airflow. Some enclosed racks are equipped with built-in fans to improve cooling.

Airflow Direction: Be mindful of how your equipment is cooled. Many server racks have front-to-rear airflow configurations, meaning that cool air enters from the front and hot air exits through the rear.

Rack Layout: Leave space between equipment to allow air to circulate freely. Using blanking panels to fill in empty rack spaces can help direct airflow more efficiently.

Tip: If you’re working in a small or enclosed space, consider adding a cooling system to your server room, such as air conditioning or dedicated rack-mounted fans.

5. Cable Management is Key
As your network grows, managing cables can become a nightmare if not planned properly. The best server racks come with built-in cable management features to keep cables organized and accessible.

Cable Trays and Channels: Racks should have designated spaces for routing cables, such as vertical or horizontal cable management trays.

Grommets and Hooks: These features help secure and route cables neatly, preventing tangles and ensuring easy access for maintenance.

Cable Entry Points: Some racks come with brush strip cable entry points at the top and bottom, allowing for smooth cable pass-through without compromising security or airflow.

Tip: Label your cables clearly and use color-coded cable ties to make future troubleshooting easier.

6. Weight Capacity
Make sure the rack you choose can handle the weight of your equipment. Each rack has a maximum weight capacity, typically measured in pounds or kilograms. Consider both the static load (the weight of the equipment when installed) and the dynamic load (the weight when the rack is being moved).

Static Load: This refers to the weight the rack can support while stationary.
Dynamic Load: This refers to the weight capacity when the rack is being moved on its casters or wheels.
Tip: If your rack needs to support heavy equipment, look for reinforced models or racks designed to handle higher loads.

7. Security Features
For businesses dealing with sensitive data or expensive hardware, security is a top priority. Enclosed server racks provide more security options than open frame racks. Features such as locking doors, side panels, and keyed access can prevent unauthorized access to your equipment.

Locking Mechanisms: Many enclosed racks come with locks on the front and rear doors, as well as the side panels.

Surveillance Integration: Some racks allow for easy integration with security cameras, alarms, or other monitoring systems for enhanced security.

Tip: If physical security is a concern, consider placing the rack in a restricted-access room or area.

8. Wall-Mounted or Floor-Standing Racks?
Depending on your available space and the size of your installation, you may need to choose between a wall-mounted or floor-standing rack.

Wall-Mounted Racks: Ideal for small networks or offices with limited space. These racks are compact, lightweight, and can be mounted on walls to save floor space.

Floor-Standing Racks: Designed for larger installations, these racks can accommodate more equipment and are generally easier to expand as your network grows.

Example: Blackstone’s Air Wall Mount Rack is perfect for compact installations, while the V-Line Wall-Mounted Rack is great for secure and space-saving setups.

9. Cost Considerations
Budget is always a factor when choosing a server rack. While it’s tempting to go for the cheapest option, remember that a server rack is a long-term investment that impacts the efficiency, safety, and performance of your entire network.

Basic Racks: Open frame racks are the most affordable but offer minimal protection.

Mid-Range Racks: Enclosed racks with basic features are more secure and versatile for most businesses.

Premium Racks: High-end racks come with advanced features like built-in cooling, cable management, and extra security.

Tip: Choose a rack that balances cost with your specific needs. Don’t sacrifice security or performance for a lower price.

Choosing the best server rack for your business is a crucial decision that impacts the organization, security, and efficiency of your network. By considering factors like rack size, cooling, cable management, and security, you can ensure that your IT equipment is well-organized and protected.

At Blackstone, we offer a wide range of high-quality server racks designed to meet the needs of businesses of all sizes. Whether you need an open-frame rack for easy access or a secure enclosed rack for sensitive equipment, we have the perfect solution for you.

Explore Blackstone’s full range of server racks today and find the ideal solution for your network!