Racks + rack mount kit

[malfunction]

Bit of a long story but basically I'm looking for a bit of advice. My office current has 8 tower PCs acting as servers. The boss is a 'bit' of a tight-wad and hence these are all self-built in antec tower cases... We're moving to a smaller office and would like to save space - so obviously my first thought is to convert over to a rack and 1u / 2u rack mount PCs. Again these will be self build as I won't be able to get the boss to fork out for pre-built servers. (Don't tell me he's a stupid - I already know this - my life at work has some very fun moments because of it!). I know plenty of places where I can get 1u / 2u cases from (and was thinking of going with SuperMicro barebones kits) but have no idea where / what / how to get an actual rack that they will fit in.

Anyone have any advice?

[Big RICHARD]

http://linitx.com/index.php?cPath=40

Ahh, bum. Sorry, I thought you were after cases!

[malfunction]

No problem - thanks for having a go.

[Atomic]

http://www.homestead.co.uk/data-cabinets.htm
http://www.datalinkcabling.co.uk/dat...cessories.html

[malfunction]

Thanks Atomic... Looking into what I will need now.

[Rythmic]

If you're going to rehouse your existing servers then you may be best off getting 3+U cases as with 1 or 2U you'll have to rely on riser cards to fit expansion cards (over two expansion cards, and you're stuck). A case such as this one: http://www.redstore.com/fx/techinfo....code=SER023001 would allow you to move your existing hardware accross.

Any how - you're asking about racks

Standard racks are normally "full height" 42U or "half height" 21U and most bigger dealers stock them. Heres one:
http://www.redstore.com/fx/techinfo....code=PCICAS060
and another:
http://www.dabs.com/uk/Search2/Produ...archphrase=42u

Searching for 42U normally pulls them out of databases.

Beware HP Proliant Racks - they're slightly different to standard racks.

Mostly they come unassembled, so you'll have fun afternoon putting it together - make sure you've got a flat surface for a 42U and anchor if possible (having pulled out on rails on one too many servers and seen a rack tipping towards me, I can vouch that it is very scary).