Server enclosures are necessary to properly house your electronic equipment and keep your business running smoothly seven days a week. Buying the right ones, though, can be a little difficult if you’re unfamiliar with measurements or regular maintenance habits. Many common issues, such as overheating or disorganization, can be avoided if you know which server rail kit best suits your needs. Below are the top four tips to keep in mind when buying a used server cabinet or rack enclosures for your server room.
Computer Server Industry
The computer server manufacturing industry is a lucrative one, raking in over $14 billion in revenue every year. It employs nearly 10,000 people as of 2015 and the U.S. sees around 330 computer server manufacturing companies working night and day creating racks, service equipment and enclosures.
Energy Usage
Saving on energy costs is at the forefront of many business’ mind to better meet their bottom line. Energy usage among data centers in the U.S. has grown by an estimated 36% from 2005 to 2010, often attributed to both demand and improper maintenance. Keeping an eye on the thermostat and balancing the proper temperature will go a long way in making sure you don’t waste precious energy or wear out your appliances.
Server Room Temperatures
The majority of data centers operate between 68 to 72 degrees. It’s suggested that server rooms shouldn’t go below 50 degrees or over 80 degrees Fahrenheit, both to prevent overheating or sluggish performance. Any windows should be routinely closed, fans regularly cleaned of dust and the thermostat closely monitored.
Types Of Server Racks
A single rack unit equals 1.75 inches and is measured in multiples of ‘U’. Buying the correct rack requires basic knowledge on measurements and allotted functions. A single 19 or 23-inch rack, for example, can accommodate anywhere from 42 to hundreds of different servers. The most commonly used server rack is the four-post, which can hold most standard 19-inch wide server appliances. When looking for a server rail kit or used server cabinet, make sure you buy with confidence.