Rack rail compatibility

[Pentium100]

Hi, AFAIK, some of you are using racks to mount your computers/servers so I'm asking for help.
I am planning to buy a rack to mount my computers/servers. I found one and all is well, however, now I am a bit puzzled about the rails.

Do they need to be made specifically for the case or are there some sort of "universal" rails, that would fit, say, most 4U cases? I can modify them if needed (drill some new holes for mounting etc) because I can only find the official rail kit for one of my servers.

Also, do the rails depend on the depth of the case? My rack will be 1m deep, but the cases are 50cm - 80cm deep.

[halfelite]

most cases have universal rails from the case manufacturer. there are a few 3rd party rail makers out there but they usually do not fit all that well.

The rails depend on a couple things how they attach to the case and how they attach to the rack. If you plan on mounting servers make sure to get a 4 post rack the 2 post telco racks are not solid unless you bolt them to ground.

[dogsinafen]

What halfelite said...

If it's a rack case it should tell you what type of rail it will take. Safe bet is to buy a rail you know will work this the case.

[halfelite]

If price is a concern building your own rack works way better for home use. Get some angle iron with pre drilled holes and use as the base and 4 posts. if you measure it right stock rail kits will work with it and if there is no rail kit to use pieces of rebar can slide into the holes of the angle iron to hold things up.

[Pentium100]

It's a 4 post rack. Most likely it will be with one perforated door and one solid (so the hot air can be collected easier).

One computer is Fujitsu Primergy N400 server (old, I know), I cannot find original rails for it. The server is 72cm deep and weighs ~40kg.
It looks like I can find rails for other cases.