We here at General Technics specialize in rackmount computers. We’ve outlined the benefits of custom build design and the benefits of a rack server. One thing we haven’t talked much about is how the hardware actually gets into a rack. Let’s dig into server rails.
There are two options for installing a server into a rack and they both are designed around a rail system. Both are fairly straightforward with how they operate.
- Sliding Rails- These rails allow the sever to be slid out and opened without having to unmount the server from the rack. These are generally more expensive than static rails.
- Static Rails- These rails are static to the rack, so they do not move. While they can support more weight, it requires the server to be unmounted to be opened. Cheaper than sliding rails, yet more of a hassle.
Things To Keep in Mind
While server sizes (1U, 2U, 3U, 4U) are industry standards, the rails that attach to them are not. Thus, it is important to make sure you have the correct rail attachments for the hardware you are trying to install upon. For instance, you can find information about Dell’s rackmount rails here.
So, when choosing the right rail system for your server, you would want to make sure the rails are compatible. After that its what works best for your business. While sliding rails are more expensive, are they more convenient? Is the number of servers being used compatible with a higher price? Or would a cheaper option be a better fit? Either way, General Technics is here to answer any questions you may have.