If you have a server rack in your office, you know that it can be quite noisy. This can be a major problem, especially if you are trying to concentrate or get work done.
How annoying those noises can be is well known to anyone who works from home or in a small room with a lot of computer equipment. In addition to being irritating, computer equipment noise impairs productivity and focus.
You can create your Soundproof Server Racks from scratch, which has the advantages of engaging you in an exciting building project and saving you money.
I’ll be offering a step-by-step tutorial for making a soundproof cabinet in this article.
What Is A Soundproof Server Rack?
A soundproof server rack is a specialized enclosure used to isolate electronic equipment from outside noise sources and prevent the equipment from emitting noise.
Soundproofing server racks can be accomplished by enclosing the rack in a sound-dampening material or by using acoustically absorptive panels on the sides of the rack. In some cases, both methods may be used together for maximum noise reduction.
How To Soundproof A Server Rack
It’s important to clarify that the term “soundproof” is frequently understood incorrectly. A cabinet can never be completely silent.
This would entail entirely enclosing every area and securing your tools, rendering the computer and the cabinet completely unusable.
To make a perfect, functional rack, three design elements must be taken into account. They do;
- The flow of air for cooling
- Handling of cables
- Strategies for soundproofing
To prevent your equipment from overheating, we attempt to construct a cabinet that allows ventilation, has enough space for cable management, and at the same time muffles noise.
How To Soundproof A Server Rack: Materials
You will require an enclosed server rack.
- Hinges
- Four 2x4s of secondary wood
- Wood glue
- Pocket screws
- Drywall screws or Nails
- OSB board or 4×8 plywood
Tools
- Drill bit
- Table, Circular, or Radial saw
- Drill
- Chisel
- Clamp
- Pocket hole-jig
Procedure
The dimensions and requirements listed are for constructing a 20U server rack or cabinet that is 19 inches wide. The letter “U” stands for the rack’s depth.
A 20U server can hold all the necessary equipment, but for some people, it may be too big.
To further establish the total server height you require, you must first determine the height of your servers. Some servers come in 4U, 1U, or even 3U configurations.
You must trim the wood sizes to size after purchasing them. Most likely, you can hire someone with experience working with wooden materials to complete it, or you can use one of the cutting saws from the list of tools above.
the hardwood board and 2x4s should be cut to the following dimensions;
- For the 20U height, four pieces of 48 plywood measuring 42-1/8″ will be utilized as uprights. Two of these four sections, back, and front panel, would each measure 19-5/8″ in width. The two more sections, which will serve as the sides, measure 27-1/2 inches in depth.
- To be used as the bottom and top panels, a further two distinct pieces measuring just in width and depth are required.
Also keep in mind that the front, back, and sides are only specified to clarify this and order the process. When the structure is complete, you can choose either side to be the front or back.
- Take the bottom panel and the associated 2x4s and place them on the board’s boundaries now that you are clear on the locations and functions of each piece.
- Apply wood glue to secure the components, then reinforce the structure with nails. The bottom deck should be placed aside once any rough corners are smoothed off with a sharp chisel.
- Mark the locations where the rails will be placed on the boards and your upright 2x4s. Attach neighboring 2×4 uprights to the corresponding width or depth using pocket screws.
- To create the side frame, first, join this frame to the bottom deck using wood glue. The attachment is then finished using screws and a clamp. The structure needs the side rails made of 2×4.
- Apply wood glue to the 2×4 cleat, then position the side panels on top. Screws will help the setup be stronger.
- Use screws to fasten the top panel after the sides have been assembled. Utilizing screws, hinges, and nails, the final piece of the board can be used to secure the door.
Methods Used To Soundproof A Server Rack
Composite Foam Or Acoustic Foam
To mute sound, they can be used to line the rack. When employed, they significantly alter things, yet they are scarcely helpful on their own.
They have the advantage of not producing heat or corrosion. They are inexpensive and perfect for loud humming sounds or less audible noises.
Mass Loaded Vinyl
High density and exceptional flexibility make it a soundproofing material that works well for floors, walls, and ceilings.
Mass-loaded vinyl was first created as a sound barrier for commercial use. So it makes sense that they would be lined with noisy machinery or equipment to dampen noise.
Rubberized Undercoating
Rubberized undercoating works as both a sound-dampening mass addition and a corrosion preventative. The choice here is excellent for metal racks. It is frequently used on surfaces including walls, sinks, and automobiles. Also, it is waterproof.
It functions by dampening and absorbing sound vibrations. It is flexible because of its rubbery nature.
Sound Deadening Mats
Because of their superiority, they were created as soundproofing mats for automobiles, studios, residences, and other places. They are a version of mass-loaded vinyl.
The cabinet back, rack’s floors and walls can all be covered with vehicle mats that have been bonded to them. They significantly improve sound deadening, and you can use two of them for the best results.
