[WP_IMAGE]
I just finished testing the Dell PowerEdge R415 1U, AMD-based, general purposed server. You can read my full review here and the slideshow here.
Today, I just want to mention the Ready Rails kit that came with this server. Four pieces, ten minutes and this server was securely mounted. There’s an optional cable management kit but I didn’t use that. It likely would have taken less than ten minutes for the install except that I kept hesitating, feeling as if I’d missed something because the installation process went so smoothly. I just couldn’t believe that it was this easy.
The improvements in server racking systems means that it’s actually been some time since I nicked myself while racking a piece of equipment. I should also note that besides being quick and easy to install, the racking system came out just as quickly. Yet while the R415 was in the rack it was securely held in place.
It’s probably worth mentioning that I installed this in a circa 1997 Compaq four-post cabinet. Even with more than a decade separating the rack and the server mounting gear, the components fit together hand-in-glove.
The installation instructions were probably the single biggest indicator of the advance in racking gear. The only word used on the pictographic instructions was “click!” So, aside from any of the other much more important technical features and capabilities found in servers today, I’m really pleased that the external hardware engineers have fully embraced tool-less, simple-yet-secure rack mounting designs.