----- Original Message ----- > > If you have a need for a 4-post rack, do not accomplish that by > > using 2 2-po= > > st racks. You will likely find that rack rails that are designed > > for a 4-pos= > > t rack will not fit. > > Why? With *any* rack, there are always scenarios where the rack > rails for > some random item don't end up fitting right. That's certainly not a > problem > inherent to two 2-post racks. You can find 2-post racks in any > number of > interesting and unusual post/flange configurations. It's certainly > true > that picking any old random 2-post rack has certain hazards > associated with > it - the solution is don't pick "any old random" one, not "don't pick > a > 2-post rack." But the look-before-buying rule applies to any rack > you buy, > doesn't it?
The major issue is that 2-post rack rails are generally U-shaped, and have tapped holes. Server rack rails are L-shaped and generally have square holes. The vast majority of mounting rails I have seen in server equipment, in the last few years especially, will not fit because of the extra inside rails. Been there, done that, had to buy a real 4-post rack. Is it really a big deal to spend $500 for the proper rack? I do agree that some 4-post racks tend to be flimsier than the 2-post racks, but when properly assembled, any decent brand should work fine. Just make sure to double check the weight capacities. -Randy
