Server racks · Size guide
Server rack size guide
How U heights, widths and depths work, which server rack sizes we supply from 12U to 42U, and how to choose between wall-mount and floor-standing cabinets.
What “U” means
Rack equipment is measured in rack units. One rack unit (1U) is 44.45 mm (1.75 in) of vertical mounting space on a 19-inch rail, so a 12U rack has about 533 mm of mounting space and a 42U rack about 1867 mm. The overall cabinet is taller than its U space because of the frame, roof and base.
Server rack sizes we supply
The 42U 600 × 1000 mm server rack is the most popular size in Malaysia and our recommendation for servers. Listed sizes are our regular range; on-request sizes are quoted when you ask for them. All XG racks are factory-direct, about 6–8 weeks from deposit, and pricing is quoted per order.
| 42U floor-standing, 600 × 1000 mm | 600W × 1000D mm · overall height 2055 mm · listed size · most popular depth in Malaysia, recommended for servers |
|---|---|
| 42U floor-standing, 600 × 800 mm | 600W × 800D mm · overall height 2055 mm · listed size · for network and switch-only cabinets |
| 42U floor-standing, 600 × 900 mm | 600W × 900D mm · overall height 2055 mm · on request |
| 42U floor-standing, 800 mm wide | 800W × 800D, 900D or 1000D mm · overall height 2055 mm · on request |
| 22U floor-standing | 600W × 800D mm · overall height 1200 mm · on request |
| 18U wall-mount | 600W × 600D mm · overall height approx. 1000 mm · listed size |
| 12U wall-mount | 600W × 450D mm · overall height approx. 640 mm · listed size |
Our 42U and 22U floor-standing cabinets have 1.0 mm steel panels, 1.8 mm vertical mounting rails, a perforated mesh front door, black RAL 9004 finish, a round lock with 2 keys, top, bottom and rear cable entry, and an IP20 rating. Included: fixed-mount shelves (3 with 42U, 1 with 22U), assembly screws and cage nuts. They are supplied knock-down (flat-packed) with a 12-month factory warranty. Cooling fans and PDUs are optional extras, not included.
See the 42U 600×1000, 42U 600×800, 18U wall-mount and 12U wall-mount pages for full specifications.
Width: 600 mm or 800 mm
600 mm is the regular width and suits most servers, switches and patch panels. An 800 mm wide 42U cabinet, available on request, leaves room at the sides for vertical cable managers and dense patching.
Depth: 450 mm to 1000 mm
Measure your deepest piece of equipment and add roughly 150–200 mm for power cords, cable bend radius and PDUs. For servers, we recommend a 1000mm depth server rack: it is the most popular depth in Malaysia and fits full-depth servers, rack-mount UPS units and rear PDUs with room for cabling. Keep 800 mm for network and switch-only cabinets; 900 mm is available on request. Our wall-mount cabinets are 450 mm (12U) or 600 mm (18U) deep.
Wall-mount or floor-standing
A 12U or 18U wall-mount cabinet works for switches, patch panels and small network setups in offices and branches. Choose a floor-standing cabinet (22U on request, or 42U) for servers, UPS units or anything heavy. We supply the cabinet; we don’t install it. The wall or floor, fixings, assembly and cabling are handled by your own team or contractor.
Planning checklist
Before you request a quote, note:
- Your equipment list, with the U height and depth of each item
- Roughly 25–30% spare U for growth
- Space for PDUs, a UPS, shelves and cable management panels
- Airflow: perforated doors and any cooling fans
- Door swing, floor loading and access through doors and lifts (racks ship flat-packed)
- The delivery location in Malaysia
Frequently asked questions
How tall is a 42U server rack?
42U gives 42 × 44.45 mm, about 1867 mm, of mounting space. With the frame, roof and base, our 42U floor-standing cabinets are 2055 mm tall overall.
What size server rack do I need?
Add up the U height of everything you plan to mount, including PDUs, shelves and cable management panels, then add roughly 25–30% spare for growth. For servers, most Malaysian buyers choose a 42U server rack with 1000mm depth. A few switches and patch panels usually fit a 12U or 18U wall-mount cabinet, or a 42U 600 × 800 mm cabinet for larger network-only setups.
Should I choose 600×800 or 600×1000 mm?
Choose 600×1000 mm for servers. It is the most popular depth in Malaysia and leaves room for full-depth servers, rack-mount UPS units, rear PDUs and cabling behind the equipment. Keep 600×800 mm for network and switch-only cabinets with patch panels and short-depth equipment.
What is the difference between a network cabinet and a server rack?
The terms overlap. Network cabinets are usually shallower, often wall-mounted, and hold switches and patch panels. Server racks are deeper floor-standing cabinets built to carry servers and UPS units.
Do you install the rack?
No. We supply the cabinet and any accessories you order. Racks ship knocked down (flat-packed) with assembly screws and cage nuts, and your own team or contractor assembles, mounts and cables them.
Not sure which size?