This is my server rack that runs all my websites and services. This is the core of my homelab environment.

Current Equipment

  • Dell PowerEdge R620 32 core, 140GB RAM, 2TB SSD ZFS
  • Dell PowerEdge R710 16 Core, 96GB ECC, RAM, 10TB RAID 10 HDD
  • Custom Dell backup server, 8 core, 32GB RAM, 4TB RAID 10 HDD
  • Custom pfSense router with 2x gigabit
  • Cisco 2911 gigabit Router
  • 48 port Cisco gigabit switch
  • 24 port Cisco gigabit switch
  • 2x 1500 UPS batteries

Virtual Machines and Services

  • Load balancer and reverse proxy
  • Web Host
  • VPN gateway
  • NAS
  • Email Server
  • Java Minecraft Server
  • Bedrock Minecraft Server
  • Morrowind TES3MP Server
  • Security Camera NVR
  • Fax Server
  • Plex Media Server
  • Windows Server 2019 – Testing (AD, Remote Application, Etc)
  • SQL Server

The Rack

When picking out the rack, I had a couple choices, 48U or 36U. This may not seem like much, but the 48U was exactly the height of my basement’s ceiling, not including the duct work. And then 36U seemed too short. I wanted something big, and I wanted to be able to keep the rack in it’s existing location.

I ended up getting the 48U rack and cutting the posts down about 6″. In the above picture, you can see how cuts had to line up for the cross members to attach back to the posts.

I cut the posts down and then proceeded to slot the edges to mirror the piece I just cut off. After that, I measured the hole placement and then drilled identical holes in the post.

The rest of the rack was very straightforward to setup. The rack had casters included, as well as leveling bolts. I generally keeps these off the ground to allow for easy rolling.

I did also adjust the depth of the rack to accommodate the longest server I have. The adjustability of this rack, as well as the cost made for a great starter rack.

Before I started adding equipment and rails to the rack, I installed RGB strip lights. These are controllable using a remote, but I leave them on 24/7 rotating colors.

Overall I am very pleased with how the rack turned out and now I’m just trying to fill it up as much as I can. I use this everyday passively and sometimes actively when I get new equipment or I want to change something out.