subject: Buying A Data Cabinet Using Common Sense And Planning [print this page] When you buy a data cabinet, then consider the size. The sizes for measuring computer components is a little different from normal metric measurement, so it is always wise to do a little research into server and data cabinet sizes beforehand. Measure your equipment/hardware and then measure the area that you intend to put the cabinet. It is quite obvious that you will measure your servers so that you buy the right sized cabinet, at that time you should also measure the area it will go in however so that you can plan your purchase. When you start shopping for a cabinet, you may find that the size you desire is more expensive than larger or taller models.
Do not be put off by the idea of buying a larger server rack than you need. You are probably going to need to add hardware or upgrade your current versions in the future, and having space in your data cabinet is always a good idea. Moreover, between the time you buy your upgrade and the time you buy your cabinet, it will have a nice big space in it to allow cool air to flow through more easily. Do not forget to plan for an extra front or back cabinet for in-case you have extras such as battery packs that need to be added.
Don"t forget that when you measure your hardware, that you need to measure the inside of the cabinet to see if it fits. All too many people measure the outside by mistake. The internal part of the rack is where all of your hardware goes and is measured from the tallest point on any of the side rails to the very bottom of the chassis. You can measure the depth by measuring between the two internal doors and then taking into account any wire or add on protrusion from each end. You can measure the width by simply going from one side to the other.
Everybody"s hardware is a little different, so you should consider bulky wire protrusion, extra mounted rack equipment, ventilation systems and extra compartment space.
If you are buying a very big server rack then you need to consider how you are going to get it through the door and think about if it may be possible to buy it flat packed and build it (put it together) when you have it in the building. Also, do not forget that it has doors. A lot of people plan to cram together their data cabinets and then once they have filled the room they discover that they cannot get the doors to fully open.
