Best Data Center Racks [Buyer’s Guide]

Data center racks are critical management tools for data centers. They are cabinets or frames created for the express purpose of housing, protecting, and cooling data center equipment such as routers, servers, a/v components, hubs, and switches. There are a variety of types of server racks, each designed for specific applications. Well-designed server racks are well-suited to the particular application, provide sufficient cooling and good cable management. There is a range of additional features a buyer must consider when selecting the appropriate rack for their data center. This guide will assist the discerning buyer with choosing the best design for their application. 

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Data Center Rack Types

Not all data center spaces are the same. Buyers must consider requirements such as room dimensions, floor space, security, noise, and more when making their selections. Luckily, designers have created a range of solutions for a variety of circumstances. 

Wall Mount

Whether you don’t require a full-length floor rack or you have other equipment or inventory taking up the necessary floor space, a wall mount data center rack can provide an excellent solution. These racks attach directly to the wall of your server room and hang like cabinets. They have the advantage that they are the right size for smaller applications and don’t take up precious floor space. One critical notion to consider is the load rating for the wall to which the rack will attach. This rating is generally less than it would be if the rack were sitting on the floor. It’s essential to have this information to know how heavily you can load the rack. 

Floor Standing

Floor standing data center racks are the most commonly pictured type. These racks sit directly on the floor. Arrange them along the wall or in aisles, depending on your specific requirements and the size of the server room. They benefit from easy installation as they generally ship fully assembled, so the only requirement is to put them in place before loading them with equipment. 

Open Frame

Open frame server racks are either floor standing or wall-mounted. They have several unique advantages. First of all, they tend to be less expensive than enclosed racks. This fact is a function of lower material costs. In addition, they feature quick installation, unrestricted airflow, easy access to equipment and cabling, and generally more effective cable management. A key disadvantage is the lack of security. Rather than housing in a locked cabinet, open frame racks are open to the room. 

Specialty Applications

Sometimes there are exceptional circumstances you need to consider. Frequently, designers have already come up with solutions. One situation is a server room that needs to produce very little noise, such as a recording studio. There are quiet racks available that provide sound dampening as part of the construction. Some areas are prone to earthquakes. For these applications, there are racks designed to prevent damage due to extreme vibration. Some dirty, harsh environments may require a data center rack. In these cases, there are specially-constructed racks that prevent dust, grease, dirt, and grime from damaging the equipment housed inside. 

Related: Tech Tips

Data Center Rack Features to Look For

Organization

The primary purpose of a data center rack is to organize equipment. Two key design elements have been applied. First, most data center equipment is standardized to make the most efficient use of space in the rack. Second, server racks match these particular design specs to maximize options for customizability and modular installation. 

Security

Data center racks may provide an added level of security, depending on the type you purchase. Open frames offer the least protection. If this is an essential factor for your application, look for racks with lockable doors. 

Efficient Cooling

Heat is a dangerous factor when dealing with electronic equipment. To help alleviate this risk, manufacturers design server racks to provide spacing for sufficient airflow between elements. Some also come with fans and other cooling features to establish the ideal temperature for your devices. 

Cable Management

A key source of frustration when dealing with electronics is messy cables. Organizing cable is a premium benefit of installing your equipment in a rack. Because the frame provides easy access, it’s simple to maintain untangled and traceable cords between units. A good frame can handle up to hundreds of separate cables while keeping them safe and organized.

Are you looking for the best in custom data center solutions? Check out C & C Technology Group today!

Data Center Rack Sizes and Dimensions

Height

The industry has established the “rack unit” as the height measurement unit for server racks. A rack unit is 1.75 inches. Therefore, to ascertain the total height, you must multiply the number of units by 1.75 inches. For instance, a 42U rack is 73.5 inches tall (42×1.75 inches). Another critical factor is the number of units a piece of equipment requires. For example, some elements are 2U, which means they take up two spaces in the data center rack and measure 3.5 inches tall. 

Width

Most server racks come in a standard width to support 19-inch rack equipment. This measurement is the industry standard for such equipment, so most equipment should be compatible with a 19-inch rack. 

Depth

Racks come in a wide variety of depths. They generally range between 27 and 42 inches deep. It’s essential to account for both the depth of the equipment to be installed and any space limitations in the data center when selecting the appropriate depth. For instance, 27-inch racks are most suitable for areas with limited space or audiovisual equipment installation. Servers, on the other hand, require additional depth. 

Load Rating

One key factor when selecting a data center rack is the load rating. A fully-loaded floor rack can weigh thousands of pounds. It’s crucial to purchase a rack that will handle the weight of the equipment being installed. Wall mount racks, by nature, generally have lower load ratings than floor racks.

Weight

While the weight of the rack itself is generally negligible compared to the equipment to be loaded, it’s essential to consider it when establishing the location for installation. It’s necessary to ensure that the wall or floor where the rack will rest can provide sufficient support for the weight of the rack and all equipment inside it. 

Do you need help designing and executing a new data center or smart building? Contact C & C Technology Group today!

Data Center Racks & Cabinets from C&C Technology Group

When your company or IT leaders are considering migrating information into a data center, you are likely considering who is the best data center racks manufacturer you can rely on. At C&C Technology Group, we are one of the top manufacturers and care about giving you the best products so that you can run your business to the best of your ability. How do we do this? Our team spends countless hours poring over research to ensure that we have top-notch technology to give to you. When we do this, everyone we work with has the latest and greatest and the ability to run their company with breakthrough technology. We feel confident that we can help you, whatever line of business you are in.

How can data center racks help my company?

Although a data center rack may seem like an ordinary tool, this can do great things for your electronics. 

  1. Airflow. Not only is it an efficient organizational tool, but they allow for proper airflow to protect your technology from temperatures that are either too hot or too cold.
  2. Wire Protection. Additionally, many wires, cords, and cables can become damaged by twisting, tangling, and mishandling. When you begin using data center racks, they can ensure that your information and technology—expensive technology—is kept safe from traditional wear and tear. 
  3. Theft. Finally, data center racks and cabinets can even ensure that your technology is kept safe from those who may want to harm or steal it. By utilizing certain locking features, your technology can remain unharmed right where you left it. 

How We Assess Your Data Center Rack Needs

One of the first things that can help to determine what you need when you are looking for a manufacturer for data center racks is running an equipment audit. When a company needs to migrate to a colocation facility, it means they will need a certain amount of space to hold all of the equipment that comes with it. When you understand how much equipment you have and how it is organized, we understand what your data center rack needs are. 

When you are looking for ways to protect your equipment whether it is from the environment or from someone who may want to steal it, you should call our team to discuss how data center racks are right for you and your office. We believe in safeguarding our clients’ futures. When you are looking for a manufacturer of data center racks, call C&C Technology Group now.

Airflow. Not only is it an efficient organizational tool, but they allow for proper airflow to protect your technology from temperatures that are either too hot or too cold. Wire Protection. Additionally, many wires, cords, and cables can become damaged by twisting, tangling, and mishandling. When you begin using data center racks, they can ensure that your information and technology—expensive technology—is kept safe from traditional wear and tear. Theft. Finally, data center racks and cabinets can even ensure that your technology is kept safe from those who may want to harm or steal it. By utilizing certain locking features, your technology can remain unharmed right where you left it.

Last Updated on June 8, 2023 by Josh Mahan

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