The original post: /r/datahoarder by /u/BestestBeekeeper on 2024-07-24 15:57:14.
TLDR; What if I mounted my entire server rack on rails to make it easier to slide out and access the back & sides?
Hey everyone,
So I have a bit of a weird one here. I recently setup a server rack in my garage, graduating from the office due to heat and noise (and wife-approval-factor).
It took me a long time to find this rack (used) as I needed something a decent size, but not a full rack. Height was never an issue, but the depth was a big factor. I have SuperMicro chassis' that are 27" deep, so I wanted something that would house them, without sticking out twice the depth of the 24" cabinets that this would be installed around.
The rack I was lucky enough to get is a 32U H x 24" W x 30" D. Perfect for all my equipment and not too deep to be cumbersome. I would up installing it on a 45 degree angle in the corner of my garage with 24" deep cabinets flanking it on either side. It fits perfectly and lines up exactly with the cabinets as though it is meant to be there.
Now the issue....
With a 2000VA Eaton UPS, 2 EBM's, 2 SuperMicro JBOD's, 2 4U Servers, + Misc Networking Equipment, KVM, etc, I have no doubt the entire rack is pushing 500-600lbs if not more. It is very difficult to roll the rack out of its location (the floor is rubberized gym flooring) when I need access to the back or sides (Which isn't often but often enough it seems to be annoying).
So I'm considering these or something similar:
Heavy Duty Drawer Slides 500lbs Ball Bearing Drawer Slides 32inch Long With Lock | VEVOR CA
Would this be a potential solution to my issue? Does anyone have a better solution they would recommend? Has anyone else found a good layout for a server rack when incorporating into standard depth cabinets and such?