Review on StarTech.com RK1236BKF 12U AV Rack Cabinet - Network Rack with Glass Door - 19 inch Computer Cabinet for Server Room or Office by Brian Pius

Let me start by saying that this review is for a 12U 36 inch rack. For some reason, this section contains several different types of racks that are very different from each other. First let me say that I am very satisfied with this stand. I've had an old Digital Storageworks rack with round holes instead of square for years and the modern rails don't work with it. I've looked at this or a 22U rack, but to be honest, they're too expensive. I don't really understand why I can get a used 42U rack for $200 and a used 22U rack is $600+. Anyway, since I wouldn't be looking for anything less than 42U without a mortgage, I figured it was the perfect size for me, so I splurged. Many reviewers commented that the packaging was terrible. Not sure what products they were looking at, nor what 12U 36" rack they were talking about, but I found the packaging to be very solid. The outer box was cardboard, marked 1- "Honeycomb ribs were reinforced and every piece inside was wrapped in bubble wrap. When I opened the box there wasn't a scratch on it. 10 minutes to set everything up. sore wrist when you're done. The stand is very solid and when there is If it weren't for Startech on the front it could easily pass as an APC The wheels are solid and two of them have foot brakes There are 4 straight legs that can be used in place of casters or with them but I just bolted them to the wheels because I won't be using them, I would say it's a little less deep than a regular sized half or full height stand, as a result I couldn't use the cable management lever as it sticks out at the back would marry. Not a big deal since it's the only server, but maybe a little disappointing. I had to remove all of the vertical rails and spread them apart as much as possible to install the Dell rails, but they fit. The only problem I have, and it might turn out to be serious, is that the front door is glass. Sure, it looks great and all, but it doesn't let much air through. I haven't done many tests yet, but when I closed the door, the server increased the fan speed after about a minute. and when i opened the door it started after about a minute so its not that great. I can try contacting Startech and get another tailgate to put on the front because I'd rather make it really cool than look great. Update: The glass door is becoming a problem. When I close it, the ambient temperature sensor on my server goes from 78 to 92 and the fans run at full speed. If the door is opened for about a minute it will drop back down to 78. I will try to contact Startech and see if I can get another rear door for the front one. Last update: Startech will not give me or sell me a new door for the front of the rack, they say it is sold as a kit and there is nothing they can do. I can't keep the door closed and don't want to return it after assembling everything so I have to leave the door open until I find a way to rebuild the front door with other material. I'm deducting a star for that because if you're getting this in hopes of protecting a full size server, you're going to run into thermal issues when using this rack.