Servers/APC Layout on Rack

[eod]

I wasn't sure where to post this question but I figured this would be a good place. Is there any sort of method or philosophy for the order of racking servers and other equipment onto a rack?

For example I will be racking up a few servers and apc units onto a rack. Should the APC units go on the lower part? And then servers above? I'm figuing monitor at top with keyboard tray at arms level...

Any general advise would be appreciated..

 

[fnaaa]

just a few generic tips - The APC units are probably going to be heavy, keep the heavy stuff at the bottem (more stable there).
Next up - Raid arrays - although a Dell eng said that the Tape should go there (which ether means he had a bad raid setup somewhere or liked bending down).
Next - main system units (you can swap the order - depends mainly on weight) then a Rack mount LCD display / keyboard in a slide out tray - Dell do a Very Nice unit thats 1U when folded - try to get it at a comfortable typing height. Next up we've got a DLT autoloader - easy to change the tapes while checking the logs (the rack mount system could take another loader) - or if you've the money check out the new Super-DLT, so many T-byte in 1U IIRC.
If you've got multiple servers in the rack - you can get KVM switches, controled from the kybd and mounted vertically so they dont take up U's
regards

 

[fnaaa]

Forgot to add - WRT the rack itself, very important bit, Please Please make sure you get the stabalisers installed properly to prevent the whole rack toppling forwards / sideways - and that the floor area is secure (3 times thro the machine room floor so far there may be other restrictions locally.
That's why the heavy bits go to the bottem
regards

 

[eod]

Great thanks for the reply. We'll be using a 15" crt monitor at the top instead of the lcd/ketboard combo. While the combo rocks, the price is a bit up there.

 

[fnaaa]

glad to be of help, one thing I've thought of over the w/e - you could use a cordless kybd/mouse (or trackerball) combo so you dont have to open the rack up - may be more comfortable - don't think there is one on the market that allows you to select the 'target' pc (yet)