Why are server racks so expensive?

[Red Squirrel]

When I have my own house I want to setup a proper server room with rack mountable stuff and what not. But why is it that racks and rack mountable stuff is so expensive? A typical server rack is about 1k to 2k. What gives? It's just manufactured metal, there's nothing that special about it. Same with cases, a typical rack mount case will cost at least 500 bucks.

I'm thinking of just finding specs on dimensions and building one out of wood or something. Has anyone ever done this? Basically rather then rack the servers, it would just have adjustable shelves that they sit on, or something.

 

[Fullmetal Chocobo]

Do you have a college or other institution near you? They usually have auction days when they get rid / sell off surplus equipment, and server racks can be had for cheap.

 

[starfireone]

I done the wood bit before...they worked out OK. Adjustments were a pain.
Premade metal one's are better. You might find some on ebay and put
in a low bid and see what happens.

 

[Blain]

Originally posted by: RedSquirrel
I want to setup a proper server room with rack mountable stuff...

I'm thinking of just finding specs on dimensions and building one out of wood or something.

Are you building a "proper server room" or not? :roll:

 

[Modelworks]

They are expensive because they are designed for a commercial world so they charge accordingly. There is nothing special about the metal or components used. The same racks could be made for under $100. It is just a situation of charge whatever the market will pay.

The trend is slap the word server on it and you increase your profit x4

 

[aigomorla]

Originally posted by: Modelworks

The trend is slap the word server on it and you increase your profit x4

u mean "enterprise"

Drop the word enterprise in front for computers, and it goes up double if not triple.

 

[Red Squirrel]

Originally posted by: Modelworks
They are expensive because they are designed for a commercial world so they charge accordingly. There is nothing special about the metal or components used. The same racks could be made for under $100. It is just a situation of charge whatever the market will pay.

The trend is slap the word server on it and you increase your profit x4

I kind of figured. It sickens how how expensive some stuff is just because it's "enterprise" level.

Maybe I should take that 1k, get some welding equipment and some lessons, and just make one myself. Though I was reading up and some have used steel bars with holes in them in combination with wood, so this could maybe work too.

I just want everything to be neat and tidy so it does not need to be enterprise level. As long as I can arange for proper cooling, cable management etc. I'll probably go with a raised floor depending on the how much ceiling I got for the basement. Idealy the "hot aisle" should be isolated from the cold, so if the rack goes right up to the ceiling it would be good. Then I can pump the hot air into the duct work and help heat the house. Oh, how I can't wait to get a house.

 

[Red Squirrel]

Originally posted by: Blain

Originally posted by: RedSquirrel
I want to setup a proper server room with rack mountable stuff...

I'm thinking of just finding specs on dimensions and building one out of wood or something.

Are you building a "proper server room" or not? :roll:

I mean proper as in, more then just a bunch of PCs scattered across the house in weird locations. Does not have to be enterprise grade.

What I'm thinking is just getting measurements for typical rack equipment, cases, etc and build everything so the dimensions match the standards.

 

[Rifter]

i would get the exact specs/dimensions/blueprints and have a local metalshop throw one together for you, it should not cost much.