+1 on the APC NetShelter line, but be careful on the model you choose! I say that, because some of them don't have enough space, in my opinion, for high density applications (at least not the models we're using).
Our biggest issue is not having enough space to run all the cables for a high density install, such as the copper pass through cables for our IBM BladeCenter. The BladeCenter is capable of 14 blades, with a maximum potential of 4 NICs per blade. Between that and CAT5e cables to other pizza box servers, BIG power cables for the 240 V PDUs, and CAT5e cables for KVM connectivity, it gets TIGHT really quick. The more space you have behind and on the sides for cable management, in my opinion, the better. Also, because it is so tight, the cable management of the deeper servers requires that we pull some of the cable management rings out of the rack, which is a pain. We specifically have the AR3107, which is not as wide as the AR3140 or AR3150, which I believe would better suit our needs. The AR3357 is almost a full 6 inches wider and more than 5 inches deeper than what we have. Finally, be sure to take a look at your service elevators and stairs if that is an issue. Too big and you'll be lugging these things up the stairs, which is doable with enough people, but if you're not careful, the hypotenuse of a right triangle can bite you in the rear after the purchase. I haven't been bitten, but I've cut it REALLY close. APC has a rack configurator here<https://configurator.apcc.com/products/powerstruxure/configurator/psx_chooseRackTool.cfm?out=yes&cc=US&startCfg=rack&ConID=Guest>, which may help you. I would also consider contacting an experienced APC VAR if you want some design help. APC pre-sales support can help you find a suitable VAR in your area, if one exists. If not, you should be able to get support directly from APC. You can also compare models here<http://www.apc.com/products/resource/include/techspec_index.cfm?base_sku=AR3100&tab=compare> (I used the AR3100 as a base). HTH! Jonathan L. Raper, A+, MCSA, MCSE Technology Coordinator Eagle Physicians & Associates, PA [email protected] www.eaglemds.com -----Original Message----- From: Bill Humphries [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Friday, October 08, 2010 12:21 AM To: NT System Admin Issues Subject: Re: Need rack & vendor recommendations Hi Angus, We spec APC Net Shelter SX racks for most of our clients. I like them. I really, really prefer the wider 750mm racks if you want to mounts things like PDUs vertically. We just buy everything through CDW. http://www.apc.com/products/category.cfm?id=10 Bill Angus Scott-Fleming wrote: > All > > I'm putting in a rack for about 6 servers in a vault at a client and need > recommendations on what rack systems you're happy with. Also need a vendor > recommendation. > > Since it's my first rack system I don't even know what questions to ask or > features to look for or to avoid. > > TIA > > Angus > > > ~ Finally, powerful endpoint security that ISN'T a resource hog! ~ > ~ <http://www.sunbeltsoftware.com/Business/VIPRE-Enterprise/> ~ > > --- > To manage subscriptions click here: > http://lyris.sunbelt-software.com/read/my_forums/ > or send an email to [email protected] > with the body: unsubscribe ntsysadmin > > ~ Finally, powerful endpoint security that ISN'T a resource hog! ~ ~ <http://www.sunbeltsoftware.com/Business/VIPRE-Enterprise/> ~ --- To manage subscriptions click here: http://lyris.sunbelt-software.com/read/my_forums/ or send an email to [email protected] with the body: unsubscribe ntsysadmin ________________________________ Any medical information contained in this electronic message is CONFIDENTIAL and privileged. It is unlawful for unauthorized persons to view, copy, disclose, or disseminate CONFIDENTIAL information. This electronic message may contain information that is confidential and/or legally privileged. It is intended only for the use of the individual(s) and/or entity named as recipients in the message. If you are not an intended recipient of this message, please notify the sender immediately and delete this material from your computer. Do not deliver, distribute or copy this message, and do not disclose its contents or take any action in reliance on the information that it contains. ~ Finally, powerful endpoint security that ISN'T a resource hog! ~ ~ <http://www.sunbeltsoftware.com/Business/VIPRE-Enterprise/> ~ --- To manage subscriptions click here: http://lyris.sunbelt-software.com/read/my_forums/ or send an email to [email protected] with the body: unsubscribe ntsysadmin
