Monoprice network racks, cable management

[AceCannon]

Anyone use or have an opinion of Monoprice's network racks? I have had such good experiences with these guys that I think I'll have to specifically hear something bad to get talked out of it . ..

Rack

Misc parts

 

[Sacedog]

Anyone use or have an opinion of Monoprice's network racks? I have had such good experiences with these guys that I think I'll have to specifically hear something bad to get talked out of it . ..

Rack

Misc parts

I don't have any experience with them, but you could save $50 by buying a Belkin rack. It is pretty close to the same rack as the Monoprice.

 

[sic0048]

I'm sure you realize this, but I'll say it anyway. That is a network rack which is designed for every light network equipment like patchpanels and switches. If you have heavier equipment like a/v equipment or computers you will need a studier 4 post rack.

I just don't want someone rushing out to buy something and only realizing it too late that it won't work for their needs.

 

[Sacedog]

I'm sure you realize this, but I'll say it anyway. That is a network rack which is designed for every light network equipment like patchpanels and switches. If you have heavier equipment like a/v equipment or computers you will need a studier 4 post rack.

I just don't want someone rushing out to buy something and only realizing it too late that it won't work for their needs.

If it is steel, and not aluminum, a 2-post rack will work fine for A/V gear and computers. We have a 2-post steel rack at work holding 4 Dell tower servers, and 6 Dell desktop computers. It's worked fine for years. Most steel 2-post racks are rated to support up to 1,000 lbs of equipment. You do need to be smart about how you mount your equipment, however. I would use a cantilevered 4u shelf for heavier stuff. The Middle Atlantic 4U basic shelf is rated for 85 lbs.

http://www.middleatlantic.com/rackac/storage/shelves2.htm

The Belkin rack is rated for 1,000 lbs.

http://catalog.belkin.com/IWCatProductPage...oduct_Id=197922

The Monoprice rack is made of aluminum, so I would heed sic's suggestion there.

 

[AceCannon]

I'm sure you realize this, but I'll say it anyway. That is a network rack which is designed for every light network equipment like patchpanels and switches. If you have heavier equipment like a/v equipment or computers you will need a studier 4 post rack.

I just don't want someone rushing out to buy something and only realizing it too late that it won't work for their needs.

I'm not as savvy as you might think! :unsure:

I was assuming the shelves they stock at Monoprice were designed to be used with their racks - this shelf is rated at 100lbs. But I hear what you are saying. I certainly don't want to waste time/money buying the wrong rack(s).

My intention is to have 2-3 Directv boxes, a matrix switch, Nuvo GC system, CQC server (?on the floor vs rack), patch panel(s), 1 or 2 surround receivers - all rack mounted.. I had envisioned two racks for the purpose but I duuno, one may be sufficient. I will have a large, lockable closet so had planned on mounting an Elk to plywood walls.

 

[sic0048]

OK, well obviously some 2 leg network racks can hold more (hence the 100lb shelves), I didn't realize that. However, the linked rack above is made out of aluminum, so I would be worried about total weight on it. While monoprice doesn't list a max weight on the website, I bet you could call them and ask if they have that information available.

The only things I would really be concerned about is the receivers, Nuvo GC, and computer. The matrix switch, patch panels, and DTV receivers should all be pretty light.

If you live in a decent size city, you might try looking on Craigslist or E-Bay (do a local search) for used racks. You would be surprised how often they come up for sale and you can generally find a nice 4 post rack for about the cost of the new network rack. Of course if you live in a small town, the odds are probably against you finding one, but you never know :unsure:

 

[Sacedog]

The Belkin is steel and rated for 1,000 lbs. It was the cheapest new steel rack I could find:

http://computers.pricegrabber.com/other/m/...sort_type=price

There are better racks out there, but this one is decent for the price, and will hold all of the equipment that you described above. One thing to note, however, make sure you secure it firmly to the floor. If your floor is concrete, use anchor bolts, and if it is wood subfloor (below carpet), use lag bolts.

Sic's idea of getting a used one is great though. If you are willing for the right deal to come around, you can sometimes find much better used racks for less money than the Belkin. I have even seen older cabinets for free on Craigslist (wern't in the best shape, but you can't beat the price).