FreeNAS NAS/Plex Media Server (Supermicro Chassis) (1 Viewer)

[dorito777]

I am looking for recommendations for a server rack for my home theater. It will be a FreeNAS build using the following chassis: Supermicro 846BE16-R1K28B

I am looking for something with a glass door or something along those lines. Something aesthetically pleasing. It will be tucked away in a closet in the back of the theater, but would like it to be relatively quiet with a decent configuration for cooling. It needs to fit that chassis so it should be a depth of at least 28". I am looking for something greater than 30U ideally. I am not a frequent shopper for racks, so I am not sure what are good models or brands. They are not common purchases, so the reviews on most of them are non existent. I don't want to spend $1500 on something that is a gamble.

Just looking for recommendations on models or brands.

 

[Chris Strnad]

There's nothing wrong with pushing a stack of electronics out of sight, but there's a couple things you might not have considered:

• The rack itself needs to be grounded
• convection is not sufficient to keep a computer cool in a(n enclosed) small room

If noise is a concern, it would be more cost-effective to first replace cooling fans with quieter versions (see https://www.quietpcusa.com/ ) before resorting to sound-dampening materials.

As far as server cabinets are concerned, they're built to standards. The variation you're likely to see between brands involves weight limits, "mounting" (wheels, bolt-down, stabilizer feet), depth greater than the normal 32 inches, or additional hardware like power distribution, storage bins, air circulation, and/or sound deadening.
Another thing to watch out for is that server rack posts have square holes and require cage nuts & screws, as opposed to the tapped screw holes in telecom & live sound posts mounts (the screws are not interchangeable.)

...having typed all this, I have no problem pointing you to Newegg https://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&IsNodeId=1&N=100283193 601295089

 

[DaveF]

Middle Atlantic aren't the cheapest, but they seem to be well regarded and popular among home theater enthusiasts wanting quality gear.