So, I'm totally inexperienced in the server space, but there's an XServe available in my area for what seems like a decent price. My issue is that space is limited, and I'm wondering whether a rack-mounted server like this can be run without a rack to mount it to? Like, could I just set this up under my bed and expect it to not go belly-up on me? Alterately, what would be some inexpensive low-profile rack solutions if I only need to mount this one server? My thoughts are to hook it up to my iMac G4 as a LAN file server - it comes with three 2TB drives already installed.

Correct any rack mount kit can run pretty much wherever you want. Right now I'm running a Dell R520 on its side, stuffed under the desk, penned in by two desktop pc cases and a mac pro xD

Okay, cool! That's good to know. Though thinking about it a bit more, and I think my space and money would be better served just getting a few more vintage Mac Minis to run alongside the one I already have, and learning how to set those up as a kind of cluster. It would also be kind of hilarious to fabricate a rack for a stack of these little guys...

Although, dang, it'd be good to be able to connect this monstrosity to the iMac via firewire...

Oh! But a G4 or G5 tower could also run the XServer software, and look pretty snazzy to boot, and be a little more affordable and easier to upgrade...

While you don't need a rack, you can get one for not that much money. I have something like this in my basement. Should fit an Xserve I think.

Totally unnecessary but it does boost my geek cred when people visit ;)

This guy over on MRF used an Ikea LACK side table as a rack for his Xserves. Looks pretty sharp.

I've been told they're kinda loud to have in your room next to your bed.

>> Certificate of Excellence said:

This guy over on MRF used an Ikea LACK side table as a rack for his Xserves. Looks pretty sharp. I've been told they're kinda loud to have in your room next to your bed. Click to expand...

The famed IKEA Lack Rack!

>> Certificate of Excellence said:

This guy over on MRF used an Ikea LACK side table as a rack for his Xserves. Looks pretty sharp. I've been told they're kinda loud to have in your room next to your bed. Click to expand...

Yeah, will probably be a lot like a MDD running at full-tilt, noise-wise. Might be another good candidate for an ATX power supply swap.

Oh man these are both amazing and ridiculous. I've decided I'm not ready to go all-in on a server *yet*, but I'm glad to see that a proper rack mount is not at all necessary.

Yup, you can run an XServe without a rack, but watch out for airflow if you stash it under your bed. For a cheap rack solution, check out low-profile or wall-mount options.

I would 110% do the lack rack if I wanted to be single.

It *would* make for an awesome conversation piece in the living room and reminds me of right before I met my wife I had a BB iMac g3 slot loader pointed straight up through a glass top end table which I used as a juke box because iMacs are cool, iTunes 9.2.1 for the win and electricity was cheap.

>> Douglas said:

Yup, you can run an XServe without a rack, but watch out for airflow if you stash it under your bed. For a cheap rack solution, check out low-profile or wall-mount options. Click to expand...

Ooh! Wallmount is an interesting option! I'll have to look into that for sure when I'm ready.