Rack Server Width

networkingrack

I am dabbling into the world of rack servers and trying to teach myself a thing or two.

I have come to a roadblock about the width of a rack server, I have read that the standard width for a rack server is 48.26 cm/19 inches (Therefore rack server cabinets will have a width of 19 inches) yet I see many rack servers out there that have different widths.

My question is that if the width varies depending on each server then how do you get it to fit in the cabinet if they have been made to hold 19 inch servers?

I know its a silly question but it just completely baffles me.

E.g.

The server here is 43 cm/16.9 inches:

http://www.ebuyer.com/654823-lenovo-thinkserver-rs140-intel-xeon-e3-1225-v3-4gb-rack-server-70f90008uk

In what scenario would this server be useful? How would you rack it?

Best Answer

The dimensions listed in the advertisements often only measure the main body of the server, and does not include the width of the mounting hardware, which is often optional. In any case, when you order equipment from most vendors you can buy the correct mounting hardware to attach a server to standard racks.

Also it is important to keep in mind that the 19" is not the space between the mounting posts, but includes that. If it is following specs, then it has the following measurements.

A rack's mounting fixture consists of two parallel metal strips (also referred to as "posts" or "panel mounts") standing vertically. The posts are each 0.625 inches (15.88 mm) wide, and are separated by a gap of 17.75 inches (450.85 mm), giving an overall rack width of 19 inches (482.60 mm).

See: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/19-inch_rack#Specifications