homelab

Setting up the new 12u server rack

Andrew

Andrew

— 1 min read

After impusively building my new Proxmox server, I went ahead and decided to upgrade from my 6u wall mount rack to a dedicated 12u rack on wheels.

I went ahead and ordered the StarTech 12u 19" open frame rack, which you can order here (non-affiliate link). The build quality of this rack is superb, and even comes with tools so you don't have to have any immediately on hand.

Amazon box containing all the metal pieces for the server rack
50 pounds of metal goodness.

While I was able to build the rack alone, I definitely would recommend having an extra pair of hands to stabilize pieces. Be sure to NOT overtighten the nuts before, and after assembly.

Completed server rack build, next up: finding a wooden slab to go on top

After completing the rack all together, it was just a matter of sliding and screwing the equipment into place. It's not much to look at for the time-being, but I'm extremely happy with the setup. This gives me plenty of room to grow, and I'm a sucker for consolidating equipment together neatly.

Current equipment for the curious, top to bottom:

  • StarTech 8 PDU 1u Power Supply
  • 24 Keystone ethernet patch panel
  • UDM-P
  • Philips Hue controller
  • Synology 2-bay DS218j (purchased in 2018, planned upgrade to a 4/5-bay soon)
  • Custom intel-based Proxmox server
  • Raspberry Pi (not pictured)
  • Prusa i3mk3s printer (not pictured)

Read more