subject: Whether You Are Buying A Linux Mail Server Or A Rack Server Be Sure To Check Online [print this page] There's a valid reason why a pc desktop should not be used in a rack. The key reason why is really because space is an expensive commodity inside a data center. Another expensive commodity is power. And yet another is cooling. Many of these situations are not performed well by the typical PC computer.
Having a rack server, all the computing needs are delivered inside a space and energy saving environment. The cooling is optimized with systems that are properly racked in the data center closet. That means air will flow to the correct places. A non-rackmount device can make the cool air-flow less ideal.
What
Just like when you purchase a linux mail server, there are several factors to consider when purchasing a rack server. One of them is the height of the server. In terms of rack space, each slim system should be a bit less than 2 " tall, that is called 1U. In a typical 42U rack, it is possible to set up to 42 systems inside a closet. That will not be possible with non-rackmount equipment.
Another thing to consider is the amount of energy that is required. Today, data centers can deliver more power than ever before to a single closet. However, the amount of power available is still going to be finite and scarce. That is why it takes systems that conserve energy to be able to fill up all 42U of a closet in the most efficient way possible.
Where
The spot to buy a rack server is usually not with a consumer based store. It's going to be very rare to find the right type of server even just in a sizable chain electronics store. The reason for this really is simple. It's cheaper to construct a desktop computer than it is to build a space-saving and energy-saving server that's built for a rack.
The best place to look is a specialized computer store that handles rack equipment. In many cases, it'll be easiest to look for the right place to shop on the Internet. Some places will give a small volume discount for larger orders, so bear that in mind just before putting in an order for computer servers.
How
Installing a rack server is generally really quite simple. However, it is still more difficult than getting a PC desktop computer operational. The first thing to do is to install the rails that the system came with. Generally, it's a simple matter of lining up the holes in the rack with the rails while keeping everything straight. Once one rail has been installed, it's a simple matter of rinse and repeat.
After the rail has been installed properly, follow the directions to place the system onto the rails secure. Generally, this is the easy part. If the system is heavy or above shoulder level, it's highly advised to get extra people to help for safety's sake. That is all it takes to put a rackmount server on the rack.
