Size and Capacity in Server Racks – What’s the Difference

Server Rack — this is a frame specially designed for placing and organizing IT equipment. The standard frame has 19 inches and comes in three standard widths: 19″, 23 “, 24”.

With the growing demand for computing powerfulness and place in storage, server racks are often used to achieve high equipment density. Proper use of data processing center (DPC) frames can help you organize, securely, and efficiently consolidate various networking equipment. There are many types of DPC server racks, so it is important to choose the one that works for you.

For a person who deals with server racks for the first time, they are all the same. However, many businesses use them on a daily basis and are always looking for ways to invest in them. For such cases, it is important to distinguish between their main features.

Data Center Journal Report

A recent Data Center Journal article sheds light on the difference between a density and size of a rack and a cabinet. These are two of the most requested server storage solutions. The report says that the differences are not as significant as it might seem at first glance. The exception is that the frames are open and the cabinets are covered with panels. These doors are available both with perforations to improve ventilation inside the cabinet and with a plexiglass window. The server racks cabinet provides additional security with a lockable option.

The differences between these two pieces of equipment are known to be not something that businesses need to pay significant attention to. More important are the dimensions of these system components. The most important indicators are size and capacity. They are the most vital elements in the choice of racks.

The size

When it comes to common size, the report notes that there are special units in the racks to indicate the sizing of these components. They are often identified with the well-known letter U. These units usually have standard 1.75 inches in sizing. The hole spacing for a common 19-inch frame is cut in groups of three. Therefore, this three-hole group is defined by specialists as one U space. The journal also pays attention to the fact that rack height denotes several critical things for server users. They are:

• The amount of space provided usually corresponds with the amount of equipment that can fit there;
• The height makes it clear for the user how much energy can be transported to the mechanisms in the storage device.

The Depth

The depth of the rack should be 6 units deeper than the depth of the equipment itself. Relatively speaking, if the depth of the equipment is 700 mm, then at the frame this indicator should be at least 900 mm. The depth of the equipment should not be greater than the depth of the frame.

Equipment in the rack should not only fit seamlessly, but space should also be provided for new devices to accommodate the increased capacity. In this case, if you want to place 20 servers 2U high (2 units), then you will need a 42U rack frame to find room for other equipment.

Storage development

Mike Kendall told the magazine about the fixed rack size. Mike is the Manager of the Options and Infrastructure Group at Hewlett-Packard. He believes that the 19-inch one is the most demanded among many enterprises, thus, it can be safely called standard.

To be precise, the 42U high, 600 mm wide, 1000 mm to 1100 mm deep rack supports 19-inch IT products. These frames will continue to be popular. The modern companies grow and with them their needs for roomy storage methods will get bigger. Data centers will continue to receive investment from various IT customers. And a recent article from RealPoints confirms the point. All enterprises and businesses are starting to depend on IT systems. Thus, this is driving the flood of investments in DPC outsourcing services.