Businesses large and small rely heavily on computer technology to achieve their goals. Whether it’s an Internet based operation, a local pharmacy or an independent design firm, computer storage rooms are essential to keep the services we take for granted up and running consistently. When it comes to buying used computer racks or server enclosures, it can be tempting to seek out the fanciest one so you can get back to doing what you do best with little effort. However, not all server rail kits and rack enclosures are made the same. Below are some simple tips for creating the ideal server room as well as useful statistics on technology in the U.S. and how it affects you and your business.

Computer Server Manufacturing Industry

The U.S. has seen an explosion of growth due to fluctuating economic norms and an increasing amount of small businesses. The computer server manufacturing industry generates over $14 billion every year, ranging from universal rail kits to rack enclosures, and shows little sign of slowing down as technology continues to advance. The industry employs nearly 10,000 people working in programming, repair, production and marketing. It’s estimated there are 334 computer server manufacturing companies throughout the country. When it comes to buying a used computer rack, you need to know their different sizes and why some are preferred over others.

Server Racks And Enclosures

Buying the racks that serve you best involve figuring out the goals of your business, your available budget and the needs of your server room. A single rack unit is equivalent to 1.75 inches and is measured in units of ‘U’, with the most common network switches coming in 1U to 2U and servers in 1U to 4U. Desktop server rack variants range from 5U to 20U, with blade servers coming in the same general range. While a little extra room can offer you a degree of flexibility, choosing a size too big can potentially waste your money if you don’t use it later. All of this, however, will be moot regardless if you don’t maintain the temperature of your room.

Conserving Energy

The best server rail kits and racks will amount to little if they’re not properly maintained throughout the months. Computer server rooms require a specific temperature to run properly and shouldn’t go below 50 degrees Fahrenheit to avoid reduced efficiency. The majority of data centers will operate in the 68 to 72 range, with no windows and carefully placed fans and doors. Energy use in U.S. data centers have increased by over 30% in the past few years due to financial and economic demand, which means mediating your room temperature is essential to save money and encourage a return on the investment. Becoming familiar with these basics now will make buying a used computer rack easier and cheaper.

Buying A Used Computer Rack

While a new server rack enclosure can seem like the ideal option, there are plenty of affordable options on the market that can save you money without skimping on quality. Your rack should be the right size for the amount of servers you have on hand so you don’t end up back at the computer store to make up for missing pieces. The most common commodity server rack on the market is the four-post, designed to hold servers and appliances at the market standard of 19 inches wide. Whether it’s a used computer rack or a server rack enclosure that can hold dozens of servers, keeping the basics in mind will go a long way in making sure you get the most bang for your buck.