Data centers appear around the world to satisfy the demands of modern businesses and the digital industry. Their purpose is to store and process datum. When arranging IT infrastructures, server furniture comes as an important component since it supports network equipment and guarantees ergonomic space allocation.

Two main types of server furniture are distinguished in system administration, namely, enclosed cabinets and open racks. The latter, in turn, falls further into two groups according to construction features. Taking into account the number of posts, racks fall into 2-upright and 4-support models. In the article, we’re going to discuss 2-post vs. 4-post rack models, highlight their peculiarities, strengths, and weaknesses, and provide guidance for decision-making.

2-Post Racks for Data Centers

This type of server furniture is suitable for supporting small compact IT systems since its carrying and accommodation capacity is limited. By its construction, a server rack consists of a metal footplate and two vertical uprights. Hardware is fasteners to these uprights due to holes made in them. The main benefits of this model include:

1. Compactness. The construction occupies little space.
2. High ergonomics. Multi-level fastening allows for utilizing space effectively.
3. Availability of slots, holes, and fasteners for equipment installation.
4. Durability. Bodies are made from thick metal sheets that hold devices over a long time.
5. Portability. Due to its low weight, it’s easy to relocate such furniture.

However, such models are limited in carrying capacity, meaning that they cannot be used for medium or large-scale systems. Fastening opportunities are also limited since it’s impossible to install shelves or mounting rails.

4-Post Racks for IT Infrastructures

This kind of server furniture is designed for accommodating large network systems. Its body consists of a rectangular base, 4 vertical uprights, and a roof. Constructions can be additionally complemented with shelves or mounting rails to enlarge the available space for accommodating equipment, and side walls to reinforce hardware protection. This type of furniture has the following advantages:

1. No limitations in the system size and weight capacity. Such models deal with large network systems.
2. Enhanced security. Equipping the body with metal side walls allows for increasing the level of equipment protection from external impacts and environmental factors.
3. The possibility to improve the construction. Its interior can be equipped with rails or shelves to provide more opportunities for cables, equipment allocation, and ergonomics.
4. The possibility to customize dimensions and the inner space. The rear side of the model is usually movable, meaning that users can adjust the rack depth to accommodate the required number of components.
5. Better ergonomics since there are more installation options.

However, large racks may become too bulk for transportation. They are designed for installation on a site and feature poor portability.

If you need a 2-post rack or a 4-post construction, contact Sysracks to get a professional consultation and select a suitable option from its catalog. It’s a leading manufacturer and distributor of server furniture. Its catalog embraces different models and racks and cabinets. Managers assist in selecting suitable options.

2-Post Rack VS 4-Post Rack – Comparison

Airflow management is an obligatory requirement set by systems administrators when arranging network systems. The use of advanced technology to direct the airflow allows for improved circulation. Both models have similarities in this regard, namely, unhindered airflow circulation, which allows for cooling down devices naturally.

Now, let’s move on to compare 4-post rack vs. 2-post rack. Once we highlight the difference between them, you’ll clearly realize what model you need for your infrastructure. Comparison is made according to the following criteria:

1. Cost. The price for server furniture is formed, depending on the amount of spent materials. Thus, 2-upright models are obviously cheaper than 4-support furniture.
2. Size. This parameter determines the spheres of application. 2-upright furniture is smaller, due to which it’s suitable for premises with limited space, while 4-support models are usually used in data centers and environments with ample space.
3. Load capacity. 2-post models are suitable for accommodating lightweight hardware, since their carrying capacity is limited. 4-post furniture can accommodate a bigger number of devices and support heavy equipment and extended-depth components.
4. Mounting capabilities. When comparing the characteristics of 2-post rack vs. 4-post rack, the first class allows for fastening devices directly to posts, while the latter provides the opportunity to install rails or shelves for easier and more ergonomic equipment installation.
5. Assembly. Furniture is delivered in an unassembled form. One or two technicians are enough to assemble both models. Yet, 4-upright models require more time and effort since the construction is bigger and contains more components.
6. Equipment accessibility. Open frames of both models provide easy and unhindered access to hardware. However, 4-support models allow for attaching doors, walls, and tops to improve protection which can harden accessibility.
7. Material composition. 2-upright furniture is generally produced from extruded aluminum. 4-post models are manufactured from steel, aluminum, or a combination of both materials.
8. Mounting hole options. 2-post furniture has tapped rack-unit holes for equipment mounting. 4-support models have tapped or square mounting holes (for cage nuts).

Finally, let us give you some tips on how to select an appropriate model. When choosing between a 2-post vs. 4-post server rack, consider the system size and the prospects of future growth. It’s advisable to buy a bigger model that has free space to avoid the need to buy a new rack in the future when new components will be added to the system.