Server Rack (FreeNAS custom build)

[Guinea]

This might not be specific to FreeNAS, but the primary goal of my server rack is to house my home theater configuration with a centralized FreeNAS server. I purchased a Tripp Lite SR42UBG 42U server rack enclosure with a plexiglass front door. I have a Supermicro 24-bay server chassis (846BE16-R1K28B) as the primary component; it is like 28inches deep. I want to rackmount it along with the rest of my current and future home theater components. I have never used a rack mount server before and finding tutorials or tips on how to properly mount components is not easy to find (to my surprise.)

Right now, I have a Furman P-PLUS DMC power conditioner and a TP-Link 24-port Gigabit Switch. The power conditioner is about 10 inches deep and the switch is only about 7. I bought shelves for some components but the Furman is actually rack mountable. Do I just screw in the 4 screws on the front and it will support its own weight? That doesn't seem right, but when I place the power conditioner on one of the shelves I bought, the screw holes become all off from their proper positioning. I don't see a way to attach these components to rails, so what am I supposed to be doing.

Second question is, do I place the server on the bottom? It is a heavy beast for sure, and I read recommendations for placing those components on the bottom. Eventually I will have shelves in the entire rack and will have the following components in there: 2 PS4's, A/V Receiver, Separate subwoofer amplifier, and potentially more for the home theater. With this in mind....what would be the recommended configuration for the rack so it is prepared for the future components and ready to hook up? Should the switch be centralized with the power conditioner so it is reachable by all components or should it be on top?

Just trying to understand how these things work. If I am in the wrong forum, let me know and I will move...but so far this is the most responsive and knowledge forum I have been a participant of....so I was hoping the fact that my build is centralized with my FreeNAS construction, this would be a sufficient post. Thanks for the help!

 

[Chris Moore]

Usually, your rack mounted UPS units, which are even more heavy than the server, will go at the bottom. The UPS has lead in the batteries which is what makes it more heavy. Then servers. Swithces and other light gear usually go to the top.

 

[Guinea]

Usually, your rack mounted UPS units, which are even more heavy than the server, will go at the bottom. The UPS has lead in the batteries which is what makes it more heavy. Then servers. Swithces and other light gear usually go to the top.

Ok that is good info. I don't have an UPS in this rack as of now. That might change eventually, but right now it is just the server and power conditioner and switch. So I will just place those 3 at the bottom in that order. For things like an AV receiver and PS4 which are relatively heavy, do I just get a shelf? Does the shelf need to connect to both the front and rear vertical rails (that the server is on?) Or can I just get a standard 3U or 4U shelf that connects on the front vertical rails and that would be sufficient to hold a PS4 or receiver?

 

[Stux]

Depends on the weight. I have a couple of sturdy 4 post shelves in my 42U rack

 

[Inxsible]

If you have a patch panel, make sure it is adjacent to the switch. You don't want cables connecting the patch panel to the switch blocking access to other units in the rack.