New SX Racks vs Old VX Racks

[cmarler_apc]

APC's new SX series rack is shorter than the older VX rack. Remember that when you order new racks like I did. Now I have to buy height adapters to marry these to my VX Racks since I can't even order them anymore.

[BillP]

The height adapters are for line-up and match SX racks to existing VX racks, FM-IR cooling units and Symettra PX series UPS's.

The AR3100 and AR3101 SX Racks have replaced both the AR2100BLK and AR2101BLK VX racks it is true. APC decided to implement greater control over product quality bringing this in-house and make some design improvements in the process, like speed access to the leveling feet, increased cable management, lower overall height to roll under door hardware, etc...


Get em while they're hot!

If you still need VX racks, you can get some for a short while. Ingram Micro has purchased a majority (approx 600) of these VX racks. If anyone standardized on either the AR2100BLK or AR2101BLK, you can contact the APC Product Champion (Kurt Krebs) direct at Ingram at (716) 633-3600 ext 66030 or via email at kurt.krebs@ingrammicro.com

[BillP]

Just curious. What is the actual height difference between the NetShelter VX racks and the NetShelter SX racks?

[BillP]

Just a quick fyi. AR3101 doesn't exist. The AR2100BLK and AR2101BLK were replaced by the AR3100. The side panels on the AR3100 are flush to the side of the unit which allows the AR3100s to be bayed together with the side panels on. In this fashion, the side panels offer a dual function. They act as privacy panels between the bayed racks. This provides security between rack a and rack b, in addition to directly proper air flow through the rack for cooling purposes. With no side panels, hot air can mix between racks and cause pooling of hot air, etc. This could result in the decreasing of the lifespan for installed equipment.

If racks without side panels are needed, APC offers an assemble to order process which would allow the AR3100 to be shipped without sides (as well as many other options). You'd have to contact APC directly to configure such a solution, but it is a nice program dependent upon specific customer needs or applications.

[Anonymous user]

One thing I've noticed as a difference between the new SX's (the AR3100, 42U 600mm wide) and the old VX's is that when you connect two SX's together, I don't have as much room to run cables between the racks. The VX's had a nice large hole in the side (with a grommet) above the vertical 0U cable manager near the top. The SX's have a much smaller hole, no grommet, and it is partially obstructed by the installation of the vertical cable manager. I do like the little metal button the vertical cable manager to lock it in.

Does the 48U version have some more room at the top to facilitate running cables between joined racks?

[Anonymous user]

The 48U version was not designed to have more room. However, if you take a look at the placement of the vertical cable organizer it seems to be mounted lower in the rack giving a few more inches of cable space.

[cmarler_apc · Accepted solution]

APC's new SX series rack is shorter than the older VX rack. Remember that when you order new racks like I did. Now I have to buy height adapters to marry these to my VX Racks since I can't even order them anymore.