It seems like there's a lot of disagreement in mindsets when it comes to installing rackmount servers. There have been threads discussing cable arms and other rackmount accessories, but I'm curious:
Do you leave an empty rack unit between your servers when you install them? Why or why not? Do you have any empirical evidence to support your ideas? Is anyone aware of a study which proves conclusively whether one is better or not?
Best Answer
If your servers use front to back flow-through cooling, as most rack mounted servers do, leaving gaps can actually hurt cooling. You don't want the cold air to have any way to get to the hot aisle except through the server itself. If you need to leave gaps (for power concerns, floor weight issues, etc) you should use blanking panels so air can't pass between the servers.