Rackmount Cases

Rackmount cases, also called rackmount enclosures, rackmount chassis, or rack cases, are a special type of enclosure used for protecting equipment when being mounted into standard 19" racking. They're designed to house devices like routers, UPS power supplies, computers, switches, and audio equipment, defining what makes a rackmount computer case essential for secure installations.

RS Australia provides a wide selection of high-quality rackmount cases from top brands like Schroff, Schneider Electric, Rittal, and RS PRO. Our durable and easy-to-install rackmounts are designed to protect your PC and extend its lifespan effectively.

How Do Rackmount Cases Work?

The front panels of rack fitting cases and enclosures are usually pre-drilled, so you can easily mount them in an industry-standard rack. They are designed with ventilation slots, usually at the top and bottom to keep your electronics cool. The cases and enclosures will also come with screws to prevent equipment from moving within the rack, and they come in different configurations.

Benefits of Rackmount Cases

Rackmounts help protect your PC, ensure proper cooling, and keep cables organised. A rackmounted computer is kept in a secure environment to reduce the risk of physical damage or exposure to liquids while facilitating adequate airflow. Rack mountable PC cases offer a great space-saving solution, allowing you to stack PCs and server cases on top of each other.

Other key benefits include:

• Enhanced Security: Provides robust physical protection against tampering and unauthorised access to sensitive hardware.
• Optimal Airflow: Designed with dedicated airflow paths, promoting efficient cooling for high-performance components like processors and hard drives.
• Scalability and Flexibility: Easy to expand by adding more servers or components within the existing rack infrastructure as needs grow.
• Centralised Management: Simplifies maintenance and management of multiple systems from a single, organised location.
• Reduced Footprint: Maximises floor space utilisation by efficiently stacking equipment vertically in a compact setup.

Rackmount Case Types & Configurations

PC Rackmount PC Case

A rackmount PC case transforms a standard desktop computer into a robust, rack-mountable unit. This allows for the integration of traditional PC components into a secure, organised server rack environment. Its most suitable placement is in industrial control rooms, small business IT setups, or dedicated workstation configurations where space efficiency and equipment protection are paramount, ensuring the rack computer case fits seamlessly.

Rackmount Server Case

Specifically engineered for high-density computing, a rackmount server case provides optimal housing for server-grade components. These cases often feature superior cooling, support for multiple hot-swappable drives, and redundant power supply options to ensure continuous operation. Their ideal placement is within data centers, dedicated server rooms, or large network closets where uptime and performance are critical for managing extensive IT infrastructure, often serving as a server rack case or server rack PC case.

Rackmount Enclosure

More broadly, a rackmount enclosure refers to any protective housing designed to secure equipment within a standard 19-inch rack. These can vary from simple empty boxes to sophisticated units with specific cutouts. They are typically found in telecommunications hubs, professional audio/video studios, or secure IT distribution offices, providing standardised, secure housing for diverse electronic devices beyond just computers, offering versatile rack case solutions.

Rackmount Chassis

The rackmount chassis constitutes the foundational internal framework of a rack-mountable device. Often supplied as a bare metal structure, it enables users to custom-build specialised systems by integrating their own components. A rack PC chassis or server chassis is perfectly suited for industrial automation, embedded systems, or high-density computing clusters where bespoke hardware configurations are required within a standardised rack.

Rack Case Sizes

Rack Unit is an industry-wide known unit of measure, often abbreviated to RU or U. A U measurement is equal to 1 3/4 inches or 44.45mm. For electronic equipment racks (e.g. 19 or 23 inches wide), the term 1U is used to define one unit of height.

U is the standard unit of measure for designating the vertical usable space or height of racks (metal frame designed to hold hardware devices) and cabinets (enclosures with one or more doors). Units will be classed as 1U, 2U, 4U, and so on.

Smaller rackmount cases are suitable for smaller businesses only looking to house one or two servers.

Industrial Applications of Rack Cases

Server Rooms and Data Centers

In server rooms and data centers, rackmount cases are essential for space optimisation, allowing for high-density deployment of servers and network equipment. They facilitate optimal airflow and cooling, crucial for maintaining the performance and longevity of critical hardware. The robust design of a server rack case also provides enhanced physical security for valuable IT assets, ensuring organised and reliable operations.

Telecommunication and Network Hubs

Telecommunication and network hubs rely on rackmount enclosures to house routers, switches, and other communication equipment in an organised and protected manner. The standardised 19-inch racking system ensures compatibility and simplifies installation, while the enclosure protects sensitive electronics from dust and unauthorised access. This setup is vital for maintaining network integrity and uptime.

Industrial Automation and Control

In industrial automation and control lines, rackmount cases are critical for protecting sensitive control systems, such as PLCs, industrial PCs, and single-board computers (like Raspberry Pi boards), from harsh factory environments. A rack PCcase or rackmount chassis provides a secure, organised, and often dust-resistant housing, ensuring the reliability and longevity of automation components in demanding operational settings.

IT Distribution Offices and Call Centres

IT distribution offices and call centres benefit from rackmount computer cases by efficiently housing multiple workstations, small servers, or network appliances in a compact and organised footprint. A rackmount PC case or rack computer case allows for centralised management of IT equipment, reducing clutter and providing a more secure and accessible environment for hardware in non-data center settings.

Accessories for Your Rack Case

To build a complete and efficient rack system, a range of compatible accessories is essential. These components complement your rackmount case, ensuring proper installation, optimal organisation, effective cooling, and enhanced security for your valuable equipment.

• Mounting rails: These robust rails provide crucial support for heavy equipment within the rack, allowing devices to slide in and out smoothly for installation, maintenance, or upgrades, ensuring the stability of your server rack case or rackmount PC case.
• Cable management: Products like cable ties, panels with pass-throughs, and horizontal or vertical organisers keep cables neat, prevent tangles, improve airflow, and simplify troubleshooting within the rackmount enclosure, contributing to an organised PC rack.
• Rack drawers and panels: Drawers offer convenient storage for tools, manuals, or small components. Blank panels cover unused rack space, optimising airflow, preventing dust ingress, and providing a clean aesthetic for your rack computer case setup.
• Cooling kits: Essential for maintaining optimal operating temperatures, these kits often include fans, ventilation panels, or even specialised cooling units. They prevent overheating of high-performance servers and rackmount computer cases, extending equipment lifespan.
• Server cabinets: These larger, often enclosed structures house the entire 19" rack system, providing a secure and controlled environment for multiple server rack cases and related IT equipment, offering enhanced physical security and environmental protection for your server chassis.
• Hardware (Screws, Cage Nuts): Small yet vital, specific rack screws and cage nuts are used to securely fasten all rackmount case components and devices to the rack rails, preventing movement and ensuring stability within the system.
• Shelves: For equipment that is not directly rack mountable PC case, shelves provide a stable platform within the rack. These can be fixed or sliding, accommodating various non-rack-specific devices.
• Power Distribution Units (PDUs): PDUs provide multiple electrical outlets mounted directly within the rack, offering organised and efficient power distribution to all the housed rackmount PC case and server chassis equipment, ensuring reliable power delivery

Rack Cases Configuration and Design

Our rack cases are available in various depths and sizes giving you the opportunity to tailor and custom build a rackmount case system suited to your needs. When putting them together you should also consider enclosure accessories required to complete your component storage. Enclosure accessories are available from rack cable management, hardware, rack panels, and DIN rails, server cabinets, rack drawers, shelves, chassis plates, server, and sub-racks.

Rack Case Manufacturer, Supplier & Distributor in Australia

RS is a trusted rack case manufacturer, supplier, and distributor in Australia, offering a wide selection of rackmount cases from leading brands like nVent SCHROFF, ABB, and RS PRO. Whether you need a rackmount PC case for industrial control, a server rack case for data center applications, or a specialised rackmount chassis for custom builds, find a reliable rackmount enclosure to protect your equipment and optimise space.

Buy Rack Case Online from RS

Ordering your rackmount case online from RS is quick and easy. Simply browse our extensive online catalogue, add your chosen rack case to the cart, and complete your purchase securely. Whether you need to buy rack case accessories, a robust server case, or a specific rack PC chassis, our platform simplifies the process.

For locally stocked items, we offer next working day delivery for orders placed before 5:00 pm AEST, Monday to Friday. Standard delivery across Australia typically takes 5 to 10 working days, with regional areas subject to longer lead times. For more details on our delivery services and fees, please refer to our Delivery page.