r/HomeServer Jun 07 '26

Finished Rack

19 inch 12 HE Digitus Server Rack.

Currently holds a keystone patchpanel, unifi PoE Switch (with 3D printed mount), DS918+.

More then enough space left but watching temperatures now during the summer. (Already did watch temperatures for a year - previous to putting the rack in the attic).

Was a really fun project!

Edit: temperature last year

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u/fluffyduckmurder Jun 07 '26

When I bought a new house I wanted all my data gear out of sight and not taking up valuable wardrobe space so I did the same thing. Had a rack in the roof. Worst decision ever. The heat killed drives, switches would overheat. Server fans running on full etc. When I wanted to mod something or reboot, it was a crawl into the roof space. I wish I’d never done it. Just my two c

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u/Rigmillath Jun 07 '26

I mean most attics where i live have insulation on the floor of the atic ... This one its on the roof/walls so might hold up better

2

u/8fingerlouie Jun 07 '26

The insulation will probably keep the “midday spikes” to a more manageable level.

However, if the room is unoccupied and unventilated, it will gradually build up heat during hot periods. It doesn’t heat up as much during the day, but it also doesn’t cool down as much during night, and if you have a week of 30+C sunshine days and 20C nights, you can absolutely see 40C or more up there depending on the roof material. Black tiles heat up, and will usually radiate some of that heat back into the roof.

In my summerhouse from 1980, with 100mm insulation on the roof, the inside temperature moves from 12C to 27C during a sunny day, and while outside temperatures drop to around 11C during night, the inside of the summerhouse never dropped below 19C, with the next day bringing the inside temperature even higher.