When building a server, deciding between a variety of mounting options can be intimidating. There are tons of server rack dimensions to fit all of the different ways that people use servers. Unfortunately, it’s not as simple as home, small business and data center sizing, in a small, medium and large format.

Understanding just a few variables will allow you to make an educated purchase in no time. As long as you know the depth, height and width that your server and accessories require, you can end up with a purchase that you won’t need to return. Secondary factors like thermal requirements and security are good to think about in advanced, but can be manipulated more than the rack itself.