published on: 24-08-2025

Mini Server Rack Build

Overview

Two mini PCs stacked on top of each other on a bookshelf are cute, but two mini PCs in a mini server rack? Now that is sexy.

My goal with this project was to house my two mini PCs that make up my nomad cluster, along with a network switch and home assistant pi. Size was constrained by bookcase shelf being 35cm cubed. After some measurements to account for 30mm alu profiles, I caculated a 6U rack would fit. I went with alu profiles (erector set for adults) as Desk Pi Racks were expensive to ship to Germany. In the end I had luck; was very careful with measurements and didn’t have to figure out how to cut the metal them myself.

Pleased with the end result. Next thing on upgrade path would be fan cooling.

Parts list

Alu profiles
- Aluminium slot profile 3030 from alluxprofile.com
- 248mm, 262mm, 270mm
T Screws
- T-head bolt, T-slot 8 M6x12 from aluxprofile.com x 15
Nuts
- M6 Nuts x 15
Three way connectors
- Corner Connector, Profile Connector, 3030, Pack of 8 from Amazon
Bracket
- 6U profile from thomann.de
Screws
- M6 x 16 from thomann.de
Case Nuts
- M6 Cage Nuts from thomann.de
3D prints shelves
- Self modeled with OnShape, 3D Models. File includes the HP ProDesk shelf and Ubuqui network switch shelf.
- Printed via CraftCloud
Tray
- Digitus 10-inch Item from Amazon
Patch panel
- DIGITUS Patch Panel Modular - 12 ports - 10-inch 1U from Amazon
Keystones
- Leikurvo RJ45 Coupling CAT6a Keystone Module 12 Pieces from Amazon
Ethernet cables
- 0,25m, 10-colours, LAN Network Cable CAT.5 from Amazon

Resources

Jeff Geerling’s Youtube videos originally turned me on to mini racks. He has a great site with measurements and ideas. His DeskPi RackMate T2 product is best off the shelf 10in rack I found. Shipping to Germany was expensive and I needed exactly 6U so I went with a custom build.

The Minilab subreddit was a great resource. A few alu builds there to copy / remix: