Why are server racks so expensive?!!

[DankDoodles]

I have an extra PC that was formed from PC parts from my old computer. I figured, might as well put it in a server rack case thing. So I went ahead and started my research, my first search was for server racks, and then I stopped.

 

WHY IS THIN BENDED SHEETS OF METAL GO FOR ABOUT 200+ DOLLARS?!!?

Can someone give me some recommendations for a server rack?
Not like Linus Media Group kind of size, probably like Linus closet size.

 

Thanks,

A concerned wallet

Edited November 9, 2021 by DankDoodles

[NinJake]

Do you want something that will potentially NOT hold all your expensive equipment? It's like buying the top of the line, greatest components for a PC but then buying the cheapest PSU. Next thing you know your PC is on fire and all components are fried due to cheaping out on something critical to the functionality. When you have a ton of heavy server-grade equipment, the last thing you want is something that will cause those servers to fail/fall/etc.

 

Can you give a better estimate of how large of a rack you would need?

[mariushm]

They take up space and they're often HEAVY because they're made with thicker steel, so they won't bend... you can have heavy servers... you can only pack so many in a shipping container, and they're not flying off the shelves.

Companies tend to lease or buy servers pre-built by the hundreds, not buy individual cases.

 

[tkitch]

keep an eye on local craigslist / FB marketplace.  They frequently hit there cheap, because they're tough to discard.  

[airborne spoon]

i just came across the same problem, and i ended up getting this one off amazon its pretty sturdy but the bolts are low quality and snap during torqueing down

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07DKJ26SK/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&th=1

 

Craigslist has some cheep'ish ones too but none were close enough to me to make it worth my time and they were all like 48U racks and i didn't need one that massive.

[10leej]

Cases are expensive because therenisnt much demand for a 4u case thats not a HDD rack.

Nor is there much consumer demand for a case thats even atx compliant.

[Required]

On 11/9/2021 at 11:47 PM, DankDoodles said:

WHY IS THIN BENDED SHEETS OF METAL GO FOR ABOUT 200+ DOLLARS?!!?

Captialism...

 

Beside of that do you re fare to a empty one?

[Ubuntu is love]

Buy them second hand, company's that are moving there servers to the cloud or just went bankrupt give them away for very cheap or sometimes even for free

[Required]

Do you know an European Source I ask for my self.

[Ubuntu is love]

9 minutes ago, Required said:

Do you know an European Source I ask for my self.

Yes I do, ebay is a big one also in europe. But the best prices come mostly from (local) online auctions.

[Ubuntu is love]

On 11/9/2021 at 11:47 PM, DankDoodles said:

have an extra PC that was formed from PC parts from my old computer.

Personally i would not. It would look cool in a rack... But I don't see added value if it's only one pc...

[Required]

2 hours ago, Ubuntu is love said:

from (local) online auctions.

on ebay?

[Ubuntu is love]

20 minutes ago, Required said:

on ebay?

No not on ebay , just local auction sites in your country. I have no idea about Austria auction sites

[DankDoodles]

22 hours ago, Ubuntu is love said:

Buy them second hand, company's that are moving there servers to the cloud or just went bankrupt give them away for very cheap or sometimes even for free

How would you exactly find second hand server racks?

[Blue4130]

1 hour ago, DankDoodles said:

How would you exactly find second hand server racks?

Go to market place of choice and search for 18u to 24u rack. (or 42u if you want the big boy) 

[Required]

22 hours ago, Ubuntu is love said:

just local auction sites in your country. I have no idea about Austria auction sites

Ebay thats the only one...