StarTech.com 4-Post 15U Mobile Open Frame Server Rack

The StarTech.com 4-Post 15U Mobile Open Frame Server Rack is built for professionals who need a durable, versatile home for critical IT, AV, and data equipment. This 19" network rack combines a rugged open-frame design with practical mobility, making it an ideal solution for data centers, labs, classrooms, broadcast setups, and multi-room installations. With a 15U capacity, four sturdy mounting posts, and casters that glide across floors, it delivers reliable performance while preserving quick access to gear for maintenance, upgrades, and reconfigurations. The open-frame construction promotes superior airflow and cable management, helping devices stay cool and organized even in high-density environments. Whether you’re deploying switches, servers, patch panels, or multimedia equipment, this rack provides a scalable, user-friendly foundation that grows with your infrastructure needs.

• Open-frame design with ample airflow and unobstructed access: The open architecture facilitates efficient cooling, easy cable routing, and rapid device insertion or removal, which translates to reduced maintenance time and improved overall system reliability. With generous space between components, you can manage power cables, network cables, and fiber runs without crowding, making airflow less likely to be blocked and temperatures more predictable in active environments.
• 4-post construction for sturdy support and compatibility: This rack utilizes a four-post framework that withstands the weight of rack-mount equipment while maintaining precise alignment for front-to-back mounting. Its 19" standard rails ensure broad compatibility with a wide range of equipment from telecommunications gear to high-density servers, ensuring you can consolidate gear in a single, accessible footprint rather than scattered units across the room.
• 15U of rack space with adjustable depth for flexible fits: The 15U capacity accommodates a diverse lineup of devices, from switch blades and patch panels to small servers and AV equipment. The depth is adjustable, allowing you to tailor the mounting depth to the precise footprint of your gear, preventing overhang and minimizing wasted space inside the rack while keeping cables organized and within reach for easy servicing.
• Mobile design with casters for effortless reconfiguration: With casters that roll smoothly across floors, you can relocate equipment during migrations, siting changes, or layout optimizations without heavy lifting or multiple personnel. The mobility feature is especially valuable in multi-room networks, temporary labs, or broadcast environments where gear must be moved frequently between workspaces while remaining securely housed inside a standard 19" rack frame.
• Easy assembly and clear unit/depth markings for fast setup: This StarTech rack is designed to minimize assembly time with straightforward markings that indicate rack units (U) and depth. Technicians can quickly rack devices, document their placements, and perform future upgrades with confidence, reducing downtime and improving workflow efficiency for IT teams, audio-visual crews, and data-center staff alike.

Technical Details of StarTech.com 4-Post 15U Mobile Open Frame Server Rack

• Rack type: Open frame with four mounting posts
• Rack capacity: 15U
• Mounting standard: 19" EIA compatible
• Depth: Adjustable to fit varying equipment footprints
• Mobility: Casters included for easy relocation
• Construction: Sturdy metal frame designed to support network and IT gear
• Color/finish: Not specified in provided details
• Assembly: Designed for straightforward assembly with easy-to-read markings
• Compatibility: Suitable for servers, switches, patch panels, AV gear, and other 19" rack-mount equipment
• Weight handling: Specific weight ratings are not provided in the available product details

How to Install StarTech.com 4-Post 15U Mobile Open Frame Server Rack

• Prepare the space and unbox the rack: Choose a level floor area with ample clearance for airflow and cable management. Open the packaging and verify that all components are present per the included parts list. Inspect for any shipping damage before proceeding with assembly.
• Assemble the base and frame: Follow the clear unit (U) and depth markings to assemble the four-post open-frame structure. Use the provided hardware to secure posts and cross members as instructed, ensuring the frame sits plumb and square. Tighten all fasteners to the recommended torque, but avoid overtightening which could damage rails.
• Install the 19" mounting rails: Attach the standard 19" rails to the posts, making sure they are level and aligned for front-to-back mounting. Use the pre-marked holes to position rails at the desired U-height. If you plan to mount heavy devices, consider installing bottom-weighted items first to establish a stable center of gravity.
• Adjust depth and prepare for equipment: Set the adjustable depth feature to the optimal position for your devices. This ensures devices mount securely without bowing rails or excessive slack in mounting screws. Confirm clearance for cables, power cords, and ventilation around each device.
• Mount equipment and route cables: Secure each device to the rails using appropriate rack screws, starting with heavier equipment at the bottom for stability. Route power and data cables neatly, using ties or Velcro to minimize tangling. Maintain slack where necessary for service access and ensure that airflow channels remain unobstructed.
• Configure mobility and finalize setup: If casters are included, verify they roll smoothly and lock if needed. Check that the rack remains level after moving any equipment into place. Label each unit and device for easy future reference, leveraging the clear U-depth markings to keep documentation accurate.
• Test before production use: Power up essential devices to confirm connectivity and cooling behavior. Monitor for unusual heat buildup or cable strain during initial operation, and adjust cable routes or equipment placement as needed to maintain optimal airflow and performance.

Frequently asked questions

• What equipment fits in this rack? This 19" rack supports standard 19" rack-mount equipment up to a total of 15U. Suitable items include servers, switches, patch panels, KVMs, storage arrays, and AV gear that conform to the 19" mounting standard. Always verify the depth and weight of your devices to ensure a proper fit within the adjustable frame.
• Are casters included? Yes, the unit is designed with mobility in mind and includes casters for easy relocation, making it simple to reconfigure layouts, perform maintenance, or relocate gear between rooms without heavy lifting.
• Is the depth adjustable, and why does that matter? The depth is adjustable to accommodate different device footprints, from compact switches to deeper blade servers. Adjustable depth helps you achieve a snug fit, reduces cable misalignment, and improves airflow by preventing gear from protruding or leaving gaps that could disrupt cable management.
• Is assembly complicated? Not at all. The rack is designed for straightforward assembly with clear markings for U and depth. Most users can assemble the frame and install rails with basic tools, and the process is streamlined to minimize downtime during deployment or reconfiguration.
• What maintenance or care does it require? Regularly inspect mounting screws and casters for tightness and wear. Keep cables neatly routed to prevent tangling, and ensure the rack remains level to maintain stability. Clean the frame with a soft, dry cloth to remove dust and debris, and avoid using harsh chemicals that could affect coatings or fasteners.