PC Desktops & All-In-One Computers Rack Mounts

Common Questions About Rack Mount PCs

Whether you run servers for your own business or you work in an IT department, you understand that your network is only as good as the servers, computers, and network devices that power it. eBay is a great place to find quality rack mount servers or PCs to keep your business or network running smoothly. When you shop at eBay, you can easily find what you're looking for quickly and at a great price.

What are rack mount servers?

Rack mount servers, sometimes called rack-mounted servers, are computers that operate as servers and are built to be installed into frameworks called racks. Racks are sturdy metal enclosures that can be closed or open and they contain several slots or bays with each intended to secure a hardware unit with screws.

One rack can contain several rack mount PCs or servers that are stacked one over the other. Such an arrangement can be useful, as it saves physical space and minimizes floor space. Cabling for servers and other network devices are made simple using such racks. If a cooling unit is needed to help with the potential heat buildup of having multiple devices in one small space, they are easy to integrate.

What are the advantages of using rack-mounted servers?

In using rack-mounted servers for your business or network, you'll find there are many advantages, including the following:

  • Organization: Keep your data center or server room organized using a rack-mounted server system. Not only is cabling simplified for multiples servers and network devices, the racks often allow for easy access for maintenance.
  • Protection: Servers mounted into racks are not only conveniently out of the way, but they also offer protection from daily dirt and dust. Enclosed racks can protect further against climate issues and most pests. If enclosed racks are locked, they protect against physical theft and tampering for great security.
  • Variety: Racks are available in a wide range of sizes with varying numbers of bays, which makes the odds of finding exactly what would suit your setup favorable. There are enclosed racks, which offer improved security if needed. There are also open racks, which provide adequate ventilation where needed or make it easy to implement cooling units where necessary.
  • Versatility: The flexibility of a rack-mounted server system works for a variety of different businesses, like internet service providers (ISPs), web hosting companies, LAN hosting sites, and others. This type of system is also favored by tech companies who require extensive resources for video editing, 3D animations, and similar uses.
What is a "U" or rack unit?

Rack units are units of measurement that describe the height of servers or other network devices mounted in server racks. Customarily, these are 19-inch or 23-inch racks in width with a height of 1.75 inches tall. One rack unit is called 1U, two units are 2U, and so on. The dimensions of rack-mounted equipment are often given as a number in "U."