The Definitive Guide to Purchasing Your Next Server Rack

Buying a new server rack? Follow this step-by-step guide to guarantee that you end up with the right rack.

1. Get your IT department involved

If your IT department isn’t a part of the decision making process for purchasing a new server rack, start over and begin by seeking their counsel. Another factor on your side of the transaction is making sure that you place the order with ample time for delivery and installation. Before the rack is delivered, it is important to be prepared to properly receive the product and safely get it to its rightful location by individuals trained to handle it. Your IT department will know better than anyone what is required to make all of this go off without a hitch.

2. Don’t just shop for racks, shop for vendors

On the other side of the purchase, you are going to want to find a vendor that is known for outstanding customer service for the duration of the product’s life. We sell Kendall Howard and Black Box racks because we know that they are industry leaders for both product quality and customer service. A vendor that can help you when called upon is one that you will want to stick with.

3. Know your EXACT technical needs

There are a lot of minute details about server racks that can be the deciding factor as to whether or not the rack suits your purposes. If space is an issue, make sure that someone (perhaps you) takes measurements of the space available so that this can be taken into consideration when choosing between rack sizes. In addition to the exterior of the rack, be aware of the dimensions of the usable space within the rack itself so that you know exactly how much equipment it can hold. It is also important to make sure that the rack you purchase has the proper load bearing capacity and fits other technical standards such as city/state codes (most important for government work). Do your best to match your needs to the finer details of the product such as seismic rating, country of origin, what it’s made of, and how its constructed (i.e. steel vs. aluminum and welded vs. knocked down frames). Temperature and humidity considerations will also come into play.

If you are considering buying a new server rack, make sure to browse our selection before making your next purchase.

Kendall Howard 37U LINIER® Server Cabinet - Glass/Vented Doors - 36" Depth