Where could I get dirt cheap server racks, rackmount servers, etc at?

[Bryce]

I'm looking to start dabbling in this field and am looking for some server racks, rackmount servers, but I've got no money hardly. Where would you look for very cheap equipment like this?

Would you recommend going by old computer companies and seeing if they had old stuff ready to be gotten rid of or what?

I just don't have $500+ to spend on this right now

 

[Automata]

Check local recycling places. I got a place that will call me the SECOND they get a full 42u rack in.

Sounds like they want ~$80 for one.

 

[Dice]

I have seen used racks for free on craigslist. Just go get it, they say. Freecycle is another option.

Cheap racks can be had from Dantrak.net.

 

[Bryce]

I'll do that, but would recycling plants really have something like this though? And would they just give it to me or charge or what? $80 here and there adds up fast for someone who is only making $10/hr -_-.

I just wanna start getting into this area but to do that it seems I'll need a ton of cash

 

[Automata]

Yup, places like local colleges just haul them there and they either recycle the parts or part them out. This place gets "broken" laptops by the crate, grabs the good parts, makes working laptops and sells them. I'm sure you can find someplace that does that.

 

[Adragontattoo]

Craigslist is a better bet.

I got my rack for 80? delivered (time and hassle tip basically).

I have seen free racks but they are usually rare and fairly crappy in condition.

 

[Automata]

Craigslist is a better bet.

Didn't think of that, if he is in a major city, I'm sure he could find it pretty quick.

I live in the middle of no where, so I can't find anything.

 

[Bryce]

I hardly see anything related to servers on Craigslist here. Raleigh, NC sucks

How would going to local colleges who are getting rid of things and just telling them I'll haul it off for free for them?

 

[Automata]

They probably have policies, but can't hurt to ask.

 

[Dice]

I hardly see anything related to servers on Craigslist here. Raleigh, NC sucks

How would going to local colleges who are getting rid of things and just telling them I'll haul it off for free for them?

Craigslist - Raleigh, NC:

Server rack with patch panel - $100

Dual Xeon 3Ghz servers- $50

Enclosed Rack with 6 almost-complete new servers, needs 6 P4's and memory- $700

Stack of 1U Dell PowerEdge 350's- $20 each

 

[MadMan007]

Yeah I'd think Raleigh would be pretty good for that stuff so it's just a matter of hunting and calling around. You've got RTP, a number of large universities and large cities.

 

[Bryce]

Thanks for those craigslist links. Just emailed a few of them.

 

[Xenocide]

We have a crapload of stuff here in Raleigh with all the companies around. Try ITXchange, they have decent prices on used equipment. I think they still have a bunch of Xseries 232 servers for like 15 bucks each but i don't think they have the rackmount rails for them. (native tower configuration)

I Don't know how you "dabble" with rackmount stuff though.

 

[Bryce]

You're in Raleigh to? Never though I'd meet someone else in Raleigh lol.

I'll give ITXchange a go. When are they open?

 

[Xenocide]

Can't go in order online www.itxchange.com, they are open normal business hours.

 

[Bryce]

Well, their inventory search is screwed up. I get error pages on everything. So I can't just show up at the warehouse and buy XD?

 

[Xenocide]

nope, they dont work that way. Try internet explorer, I have had better luck with it.

edit: hit me up on aim if you want.

 

[Adragontattoo]

On craigslist the easiest way to search for rackmount gear is to search for

Rackmount
Server

You WILL get audio gear and china cabinets but literacy is key, sort the drivel and just select what you are interested in.