STARTECH
StarTech 12U 4-Post Open Frame Server Rack – Adjustable 22–40in, Mobile
- SKU:
- 4540647
- UPC:
- 0065030858502
- MPN:
- 4POSTRACK12U
- Availability:
- Free Click & Collect in Peterborough. UK delivery also available
Description
StarTech 4POSTRACK12U 12U 4-Post Open Frame Server Rack – 22–40in Adjustable Depth, 544kg Capacity & Casters
The StarTech.com 4POSTRACK12U is a heavy-duty 12U 4-post open-frame server rack designed to organise and support standard 19-inch servers, network switches, patch panels, KVM equipment, telecommunications hardware, storage systems, rackmount UPS equipment and professional AV devices.
Its four adjustable vertical mounting rails provide a wide 22 to 40-inch / 560 to 1017mm mounting-depth range, allowing the rack to accommodate everything from relatively shallow networking equipment to deeper rackmount servers and compatible sliding-rail systems.
Constructed from durable steel, the 4POSTRACK12U supports a substantial 544kg / 1200lb stationary load. It can also be configured as a mobile rack using the four supplied casters, with a 300kg / 660lb portable rolling load capacity. Four levelling feet and pre-drilled floor-anchoring points provide alternative fixed installation options.
Quick answer: The StarTech 4POSTRACK12U is a compact 12U, 19-inch, four-post open-frame server and network rack with adjustable 560–1017mm mounting depth. It supports up to 544kg when stationary or 300kg while mobile, includes casters, levelling feet, cage nuts, mounting screws, cable-management hooks and assembly tools, and complies with the EIA/ECA-310-E rack standard.
Key Features of the StarTech 4POSTRACK12U
- 12U equipment capacity
- Standard 19-inch rackmount format
- Four-post open-frame construction
- Four adjustable vertical mounting rails
- 22–40in / 560–1017mm adjustable mounting depth
- Suitable for compatible servers, switches, networking, telecom, data and AV equipment
- 544kg / 1200lb stationary load capacity
- 300kg / 660lb portable rolling capacity
- Durable steel construction
- Black finish
- Open-frame design for unrestricted airflow
- EIA/ECA-310-E compliant
- TAA compliant
- Square equipment-mounting holes for cage nuts
- L-shaped mounting rails
- Clearly marked rack-unit positions
- Depth adjustment markings
- 4 casters included
- 4 levelling feet included
- Pre-drilled base plates for floor anchoring
- Built-in cable-management provision
- 4 cable-management hooks included
- Grounding lugs
- 4 grounding wires included
- 24 M6 cage nuts included
- 24 M6 equipment screws included
- 24 PVC cup washers included
- Assembly hardware included
- M8 and M6 wrenches included
- Phillips screwdriver included
- Flat-packed for easier transport
- Assembly required
- 637.6mm / 25.1in high without casters
- 710mm / 28in high with casters
- 600mm / 23.6in wide
- Current manufacturer-listed overall length: 1119mm / 44.1in
- Current manufacturer-listed product weight: 22.74kg
- 2-year StarTech.com warranty
- Free lifetime StarTech.com technical support
What Is the StarTech 4POSTRACK12U?
The StarTech 4POSTRACK12U is an open-frame 12U server and network equipment rack built around the industry-standard 19-inch rack format.
It provides four vertical rails rather than the two posts used by simpler telecommunications racks. This gives compatible servers, storage systems and other deep rackmount equipment mounting support at both the front and rear.
The open construction provides direct access to the front, back and sides of installed equipment and allows cooling air to circulate without being restricted by cabinet doors or side panels.
What Does 12U Mean?
Rack equipment height is measured in rack units, abbreviated as U. One rack unit is approximately 44.45mm / 1.75 inches high.
A 12U rack therefore provides twelve vertical equipment positions that can be divided between compatible devices.
For example, a 12U installation could potentially contain a combination of:
- 1U network switches
- 1U patch panels
- 1U or 2U servers
- Rackmount firewalls
- Rackmount UPS equipment
- KVM switches
- Rack shelves
- Power distribution units
- Cable-management panels
- Professional AV equipment
The actual configuration depends on the height, mounting depth, weight and mounting requirements of each device.
Standard 19-Inch Rack Compatibility
The 4POSTRACK12U is designed for standard 19-inch rackmount equipment.
StarTech specifies compliance with the EIA/ECA-310-E rack standard, helping provide compatibility with a broad range of professional IT, data, telecom and AV equipment.
Typical Compatible Equipment
Applications can include compatible:
- Rackmount servers
- Network switches
- Routers
- Firewalls
- Patch panels
- KVM switches
- Storage arrays
- Rackmount NAS systems
- Telecommunications equipment
- Rackmount UPS systems
- PDUs
- Audio/video equipment
- Broadcast equipment
- Rack shelves for non-rackmount devices
22–40 Inch Adjustable Mounting Depth
One of the most important features of the StarTech 4POSTRACK12U is its adjustable front-to-rear rail spacing.
The mounting depth can be configured between:
- Minimum mounting depth: 22in / 560mm
- Maximum mounting depth: 40in / 1017mm
This wide adjustment range provides flexibility for equipment with very different chassis depths.
Why Adjustable Rack Depth Matters
Although rackmount equipment typically uses the same 19-inch front width, the depth can vary dramatically.
A network switch may be relatively shallow, while a Dell PowerEdge, HPE ProLiant, Lenovo ThinkSystem or other rackmount server may require much greater front-to-rear rail spacing.
With adjustable rails, the rack can be configured around the mounting-depth requirements of compatible equipment instead of forcing every device to use one fixed rail position.
Depth Markings Simplify Setup
StarTech includes easy-to-read depth adjustment markings to help position the rails evenly.
This can make assembly and future rack reconfiguration easier than repeatedly measuring each vertical rail manually.
Mounting Depth Is Not Overall Rack Depth
The 560–1017mm measurement refers to the adjustable distance between the equipment mounting rails.
It should not be confused with the complete external length of the rack.
StarTech's current technical specification lists the rack's overall product length at approximately:
1119mm / 44.1in
Always consider both the rail spacing and the overall footprint when planning the installation location.
Four-Post Design for Servers and Heavy Equipment
The rack has four vertical equipment rails: two at the front and two at the rear.
This configuration is particularly important for equipment that needs support at both ends, such as:
- Rackmount servers
- Storage arrays
- Rackmount UPS systems
- Sliding server rails
- Deep professional AV equipment
4-Post Rack vs 2-Post Rack
A two-post rack is often used for networking and telecommunications equipment that mounts mainly from the front or centre.
A four-post server rack provides mounting points at both the front and rear, making it the better choice for many heavy or deep rackmount servers.
544kg Stationary Load Capacity
StarTech rates the 4POSTRACK12U for a maximum stationary load of 544kg / 1200lb.
This allows the relatively compact 12U rack to support a substantial amount of professional IT equipment when correctly assembled and installed.
Suitable for Heavy Rack Equipment
The high stationary weight capacity can accommodate combinations of compatible:
- Enterprise servers
- Storage equipment
- Network switches
- UPS systems
- AV equipment
- Rack shelves
- Other rackmount hardware
The combined weight of all equipment and accessories should always remain within the manufacturer's limit.
300kg Portable Rolling Capacity
When the rack is fitted with the supplied casters and used as a mobile installation, the specified portable rolling capacity is lower:
300kg / 660lb
Stationary and Mobile Ratings Are Different
- Maximum stationary load: 544kg / 1200lb
- Maximum rolling load: 300kg / 660lb
The 544kg figure should therefore not be interpreted as a safe load for moving the rack.
Three Flexible Installation Options
The StarTech rack can be configured in three main ways depending on how the equipment needs to be installed.
1. Mobile Installation with Casters
The package contains four casters, allowing the rack to be rolled for maintenance, testing or repositioning.
A mobile configuration can be particularly useful in:
- IT workshops
- Server test environments
- Home labs
- Network staging areas
- Development labs
- Broadcast studios
- AV installations
2. Stationary Installation with Levelling Feet
Four levelling feet are included for stationary use.
They help provide a stable base and allow adjustment where the floor is not perfectly level.
3. Floor-Anchored Installation
The rack's base plates contain pre-drilled floor-anchoring holes.
This allows the frame to be secured to a suitable floor for additional stability when required.
The correct floor anchors depend on the floor structure and installation environment and should be selected accordingly.
Compact 12U Height
The 12U size gives the rack useful equipment capacity without the height of a full-size 42U data-centre cabinet.
StarTech's current specification gives a chassis height of approximately:
- 637.6mm / 25.1in without casters
- 710mm / 28in with casters
This can make the rack suitable for spaces where a full-height cabinet would be excessive.
Suitable for Utility and Server Closets
StarTech specifically positions the compact rack for locations such as:
- Server closets
- Utility rooms
- Network rooms
- Small offices
- Home labs
- Branch-office IT installations
Open-Frame Design for Maximum Airflow
The rack has no solid side panels or cabinet doors obstructing cooling airflow.
This allows equipment fans to draw and exhaust air freely around the rack.
No Heat Trapped Inside a Closed Cabinet
Enclosed server cabinets can require additional ventilation or active cabinet fans to remove accumulated heat.
An open-frame design avoids enclosing the equipment in a sealed chamber, making it particularly useful in temperature-controlled server rooms and technical environments.
Individual servers and network devices still require their own appropriate cooling.
Easy Front, Rear and Side Access
Open-frame construction also provides excellent service access.
Technicians can reach equipment and cabling from multiple directions for tasks including:
- Installing servers
- Connecting network cables
- Replacing switches
- Servicing power cables
- Changing patch leads
- Accessing server rails
- Troubleshooting hardware
- Replacing network modules
Built-In Cable Management
The 4POSTRACK12U includes four cable-management hooks.
These hooks provide convenient routing points for:
- Ethernet cables
- Fibre cables
- Power leads
- KVM cables
- AV cables
Benefits of Organised Rack Cabling
Good cable management can help:
- Keep airflow paths clear
- Make troubleshooting easier
- Reduce cable strain
- Improve equipment accessibility
- Create a cleaner professional installation
Clearly Marked Rack Units
The vertical rails include easy-to-read U markings.
This allows installers to quickly identify the correct vertical position for each server, switch, patch panel or other device.
Rack-unit markings are particularly helpful when following a planned rack layout or replacing equipment later.
Square Cage-Nut Mounting Holes
The 4POSTRACK12U uses square equipment-mounting holes designed for cage nuts.
Square-hole rails are widely used in professional server racks because replaceable cage nuts provide greater flexibility than permanently threaded mounting rails.
24 M6 Cage Nuts and Screws Included
The standard package includes:
- 24 × M6 cage nuts
- 24 × M6 Phillips equipment screws
- 24 × PVC cup washers
This allows multiple compatible devices to be mounted without purchasing an initial set of rack screws separately.
Additional rack hardware may be required if all twelve rack units are filled.
L-Shaped Mounting Rail Profile
StarTech specifies an L-shaped vertical mounting rail profile.
For servers that use proprietary sliding rails, always verify that the server rail kit supports:
- Standard 19-inch four-post racks
- Square mounting holes
- The selected 560–1017mm front-to-rear post spacing
Compatible with Many Rackmount Servers
The 19-inch four-post design can accommodate many compatible rackmount servers, including equipment from manufacturers such as:
- Dell
- HPE / HP
- Lenovo
- Supermicro
- Other manufacturers using compatible rack standards
Always Check the Exact Server Rail Kit
Not every server rail kit has the same front-to-rear mounting requirements.
Before purchasing, compare the server manufacturer's rail specification against:
- Minimum rack mounting depth: 560mm
- Maximum rack mounting depth: 1017mm
- Square-hole mounting system
- 19-inch rack format
Also allow sufficient room behind the server for power cables, network connections and cable-management arms.
Ideal for Network Switches and Patch Panels
The rack is also suitable for standard 19-inch networking hardware including compatible:
- Ethernet switches
- PoE switches
- Managed switches
- Routers
- Firewalls
- Patch panels
- Fibre distribution panels
- Rackmount network controllers
Shallow Networking Equipment Is Also Supported
Many switches and patch panels mount only at the front of a rack and do not require full-depth rear support.
These devices can still be installed even though their chassis may be considerably shallower than the selected front-to-rear rail spacing.
Suitable for Rackmount UPS Equipment
The strong four-post construction and high stationary load capacity can also accommodate compatible rackmount UPS systems.
Because UPS batteries can be extremely heavy, installers should:
- Check the UPS rail-kit requirements
- Verify the UPS weight
- Keep the total rack load within specification
- Install heavy equipment towards the bottom of the rack
Suitable for Professional AV Equipment
StarTech also identifies professional audio/video applications as a suitable use for the 4POSTRACK12U.
Examples can include compatible:
- AV matrix switches
- Broadcast equipment
- Video processors
- Audio processors
- Professional amplifiers
- Studio hardware
- Video distribution systems
Ideal for Home Lab Server Racks
The 12U capacity makes the 4POSTRACK12U particularly attractive to home-lab users who need more structure than a desktop installation but do not require a full 42U cabinet.
A typical home-lab rack might contain:
- 1U firewall/router
- 1U patch panel
- 1U or 2U network switch
- 2U or 4U server
- Rackmount NAS
- Rackmount UPS
- PDU
provided all components remain within the available 12U height, depth and weight limits.
Useful for IT Test and Development Labs
The included casters make this model particularly convenient for temporary or frequently reconfigured installations.
It can be useful for:
- Server testing
- Network equipment staging
- Hardware demonstrations
- IT training
- Development environments
- Temporary AV production
Remember that mobile use is subject to the lower 300kg rolling capacity.
Grounding Provision
The rack includes grounding lugs and four grounding wires.
Proper electrical bonding and grounding can be important when installing rackmount IT and telecommunications equipment.
Grounding should be performed according to equipment-manufacturer instructions and applicable electrical and building requirements.
Durable Steel Construction
The 4POSTRACK12U is manufactured from durable steel and finished in black.
StarTech describes the frame as a cold-rolled-steel design intended to provide the rigidity required for professional servers, networking and AV installations.
Flat-Pack Design for Easier Transport
The rack is supplied flat-packed and requires assembly.
Flat-pack construction makes it easier to move the rack components through:
- Doorways
- Corridors
- Staircases
- Lifts
- Small server-room entrances
The rack can then be assembled close to its final installation position.
Assembly Tools Included
StarTech includes the main tools required for rack assembly:
- 1 × M8 / 13mm wrench
- 1 × M6 / 10mm wrench
- 1 × Phillips screwdriver
This reduces the amount of additional equipment required to assemble the rack.
Complete Structural Assembly Hardware Included
The package contains the structural components and hardware needed to assemble the rack, including:
- 2 × left vertical rails
- 2 × right vertical rails
- 2 × base brackets
- 2 × top brackets
- 8 × corner sections
- 4 × centre sections
- 48 × M8 bolts
- 48 × M8 washers
- 16 × M6 screws
- 16 × M6 flat washers
- 16 × M6 flange nuts
Current StarTech External Dimensions
StarTech's current technical specification lists:
- Overall length: 1119mm / 44.1in
- Overall width: 600mm / 23.6in
- Height without casters: 637.6mm / 25.1in
- Height with casters: 710mm / 28in
Allow Additional Installation Clearance
The external dimensions should not be treated as the minimum room-space requirement.
Additional clearance may be required for:
- Rear power cables
- Ethernet and fibre connections
- Server cable-management arms
- Removing servers from rails
- Technician access
- Cooling airflow
Current Manufacturer Product Weight: 22.74kg
StarTech's current technical specification lists the 4POSTRACK12U product weight at approximately:
22.74kg / 50.1lb
This refers to the rack itself before servers, switches, UPS systems and other equipment are installed.
Why Some Retailer Listings Show 17kg
Some older distributor databases list approximately 17kg for the same 4POSTRACK12U.
For current product-page information, the latest manufacturer specification of 22.74kg should be used.
Open Rack vs Enclosed Server Cabinet
An open-frame rack and an enclosed cabinet solve different installation requirements.
Advantages of an Open-Frame Rack
- Excellent natural airflow
- Easy front, rear and side access
- Easy cable installation
- Easy server maintenance
- Lower obstruction around equipment
- Good suitability for secure technical rooms
When an Enclosed Cabinet May Be Better
An enclosed cabinet may be preferable when you require:
- Lockable front and rear doors
- Lockable side panels
- Protection against accidental contact
- Greater protection from surrounding debris
- Controlled cabinet airflow
- Physical security at rack level
Important: This Rack Is Not Lockable
The 4POSTRACK12U is an open-frame server rack.
It has no lockable doors or side panels and therefore does not prevent physical access to installed hardware.
It is best suited to secure server rooms, network closets, home labs and technical spaces where rack-level locking is not required.
Important: This Rack Is Not Wall-Mountable
StarTech's current technical specification explicitly lists the 4POSTRACK12U as:
Wallmountable: No
It is designed for floor-standing use with:
- Casters
- Levelling feet
- Floor anchoring
Important Equipment Weight Distribution
Heavy equipment such as UPS systems, large servers and storage arrays should generally be installed towards the lower part of the rack.
This lowers the centre of gravity and can improve rack stability.
This is particularly important when casters are installed.
Important Rack Shelf Compatibility
Equipment without standard rackmount ears cannot normally be fixed directly to the rack rails.
Devices such as:
- Desktop routers
- Small unmanaged switches
- Mini PCs
- Modems
- External drives
may require a suitable 19-inch rack shelf, sold separately.
Important Server Rail Compatibility
The rack conforms to standard 19-inch rack dimensions and provides 560–1017mm adjustable mounting depth, but proprietary server rails can have additional requirements.
Before ordering, verify:
- Server rail minimum depth
- Server rail maximum depth
- Square-hole compatibility
- Chassis depth
- Required cable-management-arm clearance
- Server weight
Important 544kg Load Note
The 544kg / 1200lb rating applies to the correctly assembled rack while stationary.
When the rack is fitted with casters and moved, keep the load within the specified 300kg / 660lb portable rolling capacity.
Important Overall Depth Note
Older product feeds sometimes show an external depth of approximately 662mm. StarTech's current product specification lists the overall product length as 1119mm / 44.1in.
The front-to-rear equipment rail spacing itself remains adjustable from 560 to 1017mm / 22 to 40in.
For current product-page data and space planning, use the latest StarTech manufacturer dimensions.
StarTech 4POSTRACK12U Technical Overview
- Brand: StarTech.com
- Model / Product ID: 4POSTRACK12U
- Memox SKU: 4540647
- Product Type: Open-Frame Server / Network Equipment Rack
- Rack Type: 4-Post
- Rack Width: Standard 19-Inch
- Rack Capacity: 12U
- Adjustable Rails: Yes
- Minimum Mounting Depth: 560mm / 22in
- Maximum Mounting Depth: 1017mm / 40in
- Stationary Weight Capacity: 544kg / 1200lb
- Portable Rolling Capacity: 300kg / 660lb
- Material: Steel
- Colour: Black
- Mounting Hole Type: Square / Cage Nut
- Rail Profile: L-Shape
- Rack Standard: EIA/ECA-310-E
- TAA Compliant: Yes
- Wall Mountable: No
- Casters: 4 Included
- Levelling Feet: 4 Included
- Floor-Anchoring Provision: Yes
- Cable Management: Built In
- Cable-Management Hooks: 4 Included
- Grounding Lugs: Yes
- Grounding Wires: 4 Included
- U Markings: Yes
- Depth Markings: Yes
- Flat Pack: Yes
- Assembly Required: Yes
- Current Overall Length: 1119mm / 44.1in
- Width: 600mm / 23.6in
- Height Without Casters: 637.6mm / 25.1in
- Height With Casters: 710mm / 28in
- Current Manufacturer Product Weight: 22.74kg
- Warranty: 2 Years
- Technical Support: Free Lifetime StarTech.com Technical Support
- UPC-12: 065030858502
- EAN / GTIN-13: 0065030858502
What Is Included?
- 2 × left vertical rails
- 2 × right vertical rails
- 2 × base brackets
- 2 × top brackets
- 8 × corner sections
- 4 × centre sections
- 48 × M8 bolts
- 48 × M8 washers
- 1 × M8 / 13mm wrench
- 1 × M6 / 10mm wrench
- 1 × Phillips screwdriver
- 24 × M6 cage nuts
- 24 × PVC cup washers
- 24 × M6 Phillips equipment screws
- 4 × cable-management hooks
- 4 × hook-mounting screws
- 4 × casters
- 4 × levelling feet
- 16 × M6 screws
- 16 × M6 flat washers
- 16 × M6 flange nuts
- 4 × grounding wires
Who Is the StarTech 4POSTRACK12U Best For?
- Small and medium-business server rooms
- Home labs
- Network closets
- Rackmount server installations
- Network switches and patch panels
- Telecommunications equipment
- Rackmount storage systems
- Rackmount UPS installations
- Professional AV systems
- Broadcast equipment
- IT workshops
- Server test environments
- Network-equipment staging
- Installations requiring adjustable server-rail depth
- Users requiring a mobile rack
- Users requiring a floor-anchored rack
- Locations where unrestricted cooling airflow is desirable
Who Should Consider a Different Rack?
A different server rack or cabinet may be more appropriate if you specifically require:
- More than 12U of rack space
- Lockable equipment security
- Front and rear doors
- Side panels
- Wall mounting
- Protection against dust and accidental contact
- A mounting depth below 560mm
- A mounting depth above 1017mm
- A fully assembled cabinet rather than a flat-packed rack
- Controlled enclosed-cabinet cooling
Why Choose the StarTech 4POSTRACK12U?
The StarTech 4POSTRACK12U combines the stability of a heavy-duty four-post server rack with a compact 12U format that is practical for smaller server rooms, network closets, home labs and equipment-testing environments.
Its 22–40in / 560–1017mm adjustable mounting depth allows the rack to accommodate a much wider range of equipment than a fixed-depth frame, including compatible shallow network hardware and deeper rackmount servers.
The 544kg stationary load capacity provides substantial strength for server, storage, networking, UPS and AV equipment, while the supplied casters create a mobile configuration for loads up to the specified 300kg rolling limit.
Users can choose between casters, levelling feet or floor anchoring, making the same rack suitable for mobile technical labs as well as permanent server-room installations.
The open-frame construction provides unrestricted airflow and excellent front, rear and side equipment access, while the included cable-management hooks help organise power, network and AV cabling.
Square cage-nut mounting holes, clearly marked rack units, depth markings, included M6 cage nuts and equipment screws, grounding wires and supplied assembly tools further simplify installation.
With support for standard 19-inch EIA/ECA-310-E equipment, a compact 12U format and a 2-year StarTech.com warranty with free lifetime technical support, the 4POSTRACK12U provides a flexible professional rack solution for servers, network equipment and AV hardware.
Choose the StarTech 4POSTRACK12U if you need a compact but heavy-duty 12U 19-inch open-frame server rack with adjustable 22–40in mounting depth, 544kg stationary capacity, mobile caster support and flexible floor installation.
Specification
StarTech 4POSTRACK12U 12U 4-Post Open Frame Server Rack Specifications
The StarTech.com 4POSTRACK12U is a heavy-duty 12U open-frame server and network rack designed for standard 19-inch rackmount equipment. It features four adjustable mounting rails with 22–40in / 560–1017mm mounting depth, a 544kg stationary load capacity, 300kg rolling load capacity, casters, levelling feet, cable-management hooks, grounding provision and square cage-nut mounting holes.
General Information
| Brand | StarTech.com |
| Model / Product ID | 4POSTRACK12U |
| Manufacturer Part Number / MPN | 4POSTRACK12U |
| Memox SKU | 4540647 |
| Product Type | Open Frame Server / Network Equipment Rack |
| Rack Type | 4-Post |
| Frame Type | Open Frame |
| Rack Capacity | 12U |
| Rack Width Standard | 19-Inch |
| Colour | Black |
| Construction Material | Steel |
Rack Format
| Rack Units | 12U |
| Number of Vertical Mounting Rails | 4 |
| Equipment Standard | Standard 19-Inch Rackmount Equipment |
| Open / Enclosed | Open Frame |
| Front Door | No |
| Rear Door | No |
| Side Panels | No |
| Wall-Mountable | No |
| Floor-Standing | Yes |
Adjustable Mounting Depth
| Adjustable Mounting Rails | Yes |
| Minimum Mounting Depth | 560mm / 22in |
| Maximum Mounting Depth | 1017mm / 40in |
| Mounting Depth Range | 560–1017mm / 22–40in |
| Depth Adjustment Markings | Yes |
Equipment Mounting System
| Mounting Hole Type | Square Holes for Cage Nuts |
| Mounting Rail Profile | L-Shaped |
| Rack Unit Markings | Yes |
| Depth Markings | Yes |
| M6 Cage Nuts Included | 24 |
| M6 Equipment Screws Included | 24 |
| PVC Cup Washers Included | 24 |
Rack Standards and Compliance
| Primary Rack Standard | EIA/ECA-310-E |
| 19-Inch Rack Equipment Compatibility | Yes – subject to equipment depth, rail and weight requirements |
| TAA Compliant | Yes |
Load Capacity
| Maximum Stationary Load | 544kg / 1200lb |
| Maximum Rolling / Mobile Load | 300kg / 660lb |
| Stationary Rating Applies When | Rack is correctly assembled and stationary |
| Rolling Rating Applies When | Rack is fitted with casters and moved |
Installation Options
| Mobile Installation | Yes – casters included |
| Stationary Installation | Yes – levelling feet included |
| Floor Anchoring | Yes – base plates include floor-anchoring holes |
| Wall Mounting | No |
Casters
| Casters Included | Yes |
| Number of Casters | 4 |
| Mobile Operation | Yes |
| Maximum Portable Rolling Capacity | 300kg / 660lb |
| Rack Height with Casters | 710mm / 28in |
Levelling Feet
| Levelling Feet Included | Yes |
| Number of Levelling Feet | 4 |
| Purpose | Stationary installation and adjustment on uneven floors |
Floor Anchoring
| Base Plate with Floor-Anchoring Holes | Yes |
| Floor Anchoring Supported | Yes |
| Building / Floor Fasteners | Select suitable anchors separately according to installation surface and local requirements |
Cable Management
| Built-In Cable Management | Yes |
| Cable-Management Hooks Included | 4 |
| Hook Mounting Screws Included | 4 |
| Typical Cable Types | Network, power, fibre, KVM and AV cabling |
Grounding
| Grounding Lugs | Yes |
| Grounding Wires Included | 4 |
| Grounding Required | Follow StarTech instructions, equipment requirements and applicable electrical regulations |
Physical Dimensions
| Overall Length / Depth | 1119mm / 44.1in |
| Overall Width | 600mm / 23.6in |
| Height Without Casters | 637.6mm / 25.1in |
| Height With Casters | 710mm / 28in |
| Overall Dimensions Without Casters | 1119 × 600 × 637.6mm (L × W × H) |
Product Weight
| Current Manufacturer Product Weight | 22.74kg / 50.1lb |
| Older Published Weight | Approximately 17kg in legacy StarTech documentation |
| Recommended Current Specification | 22.74kg |
Package Specifications
| Package Width | 664mm / 66.4cm |
| Package Length | 361mm / 36.1cm |
| Package Height | 153mm / 15.3cm |
| Shipping / Package Weight | 25.4kg / 56lb |
| Package Quantity | 1 |
| Flat Pack | Yes |
| Assembly Required | Yes |
Main Rack Components Included
| Left Vertical Rails | 2 |
| Right Vertical Rails | 2 |
| Base Brackets | 2 |
| Top Brackets | 2 |
| Corner Sections | 8 |
| Centre Sections | 4 |
Rack Assembly Hardware Included
| M8 Bolts | 48 |
| M8 Washers | 48 |
| M6 Screws | 16 |
| M6 Flat Washers | 16 |
| M6 Flange Nuts | 16 |
Equipment Mounting Hardware Included
| M6 Cage Nuts | 24 |
| M6 Phillips Equipment Screws | 24 |
| PVC Cup Washers | 24 |
Mobility, Cable and Grounding Accessories Included
| Casters | 4 |
| Levelling Feet | 4 |
| Cable-Management Hooks | 4 |
| Hook Mounting Screws | 4 |
| Grounding Wires | 4 |
Assembly Tools Included
| M8 / 13mm Wrench | 1 |
| M6 / 10mm Wrench | 1 |
| Phillips Screwdriver | 1 |
Construction and Design
| Construction Material | Steel |
| Colour | Black |
| Frame Design | Open Frame |
| Cooling / Ventilation | Open construction provides unrestricted natural airflow around installed equipment |
| Flat-Pack Design | Yes |
| Assembly Tools Supplied | Yes |
Typical Equipment Compatibility
| Rackmount Servers | Yes – subject to 19-inch format, rail, mounting-depth and weight compatibility |
| Network Switches | Yes |
| Patch Panels | Yes |
| Routers / Firewalls | Yes – where rackmount compatible |
| KVM Equipment | Yes |
| Rackmount Storage | Yes – subject to rail and weight requirements |
| Rackmount UPS Systems | Yes – subject to weight, depth and rail compatibility |
| Telecommunications Equipment | Yes |
| Professional AV Equipment | Yes |
| Non-Rackmount Desktop Equipment | Requires a suitable 19-inch rack shelf or mounting accessory |
Security and Enclosure
| Lockable | No |
| Front Door | No |
| Rear Door | No |
| Side Panels | No |
| Physical Equipment Security | Not provided at rack level due to open-frame design |
Product Identification
| Manufacturer | StarTech.com |
| Model / Product ID | 4POSTRACK12U |
| MPN | 4POSTRACK12U |
| Memox SKU | 4540647 |
| UPC-12 | 065030858502 |
| EAN / GTIN-13 | 0065030858502 |
Warranty and Support
| Manufacturer Warranty | 2 Years |
| Technical Support | Free Lifetime StarTech.com Technical Support |
Important Current Dimension Note
StarTech's current technical specification lists the 4POSTRACK12U at:
- 1119mm / 44.1in overall length
- 600mm / 23.6in width
- 637.6mm / 25.1in height without casters
- 710mm / 28in height with casters
Older StarTech documentation listed dimensions of approximately 600 × 637.5 × 661.8mm. For current product-page information, the latest manufacturer figures above should be used.
Important Product Weight Note
StarTech's current specification lists the rack itself at 22.74kg / 50.1lb.
Older StarTech documentation and some distributor feeds list approximately 17kg. This specification uses the latest StarTech manufacturer figure of 22.74kg.
Important Mounting Depth Note
The 22–40in / 560–1017mm figure refers to the adjustable distance between the front and rear equipment mounting rails.
It is not the complete external front-to-back dimension of the rack. The current manufacturer-listed overall rack length is approximately 1119mm / 44.1in.
Important Stationary vs Rolling Load Note
The maximum 544kg / 1200lb load rating applies when the rack is stationary.
When the rack is fitted with casters and moved, the specified portable rolling load is 300kg / 660lb.
Do not move the rack while loaded to the 544kg stationary maximum.
Important Server Rail Compatibility Note
The rack supports standard 19-inch equipment and provides adjustable front-to-rear mounting depth between 560 and 1017mm.
However, proprietary sliding-rail systems from server manufacturers may impose their own mounting-depth and hole-type requirements.
Before purchasing, check:
- Required front-to-rear post spacing
- Square-hole rack compatibility
- Server chassis depth
- Server weight
- Rear power and network cable clearance
- Cable-management arm requirements
Important Equipment Weight Distribution Note
Heavy equipment such as rackmount UPS systems, large servers and storage arrays should normally be installed towards the bottom of the rack.
This helps maintain a lower centre of gravity and improves stability, particularly when the rack is fitted with casters.
Important Open-Frame Security Note
The 4POSTRACK12U is an open-frame rack and does not include lockable doors or side panels.
If physical equipment security is required, consider a suitable enclosed and lockable server cabinet instead.
Important Wall-Mounting Note
The 4POSTRACK12U is not wall-mountable.
It is designed for floor-standing operation using the supplied casters or levelling feet, or it can be anchored to a suitable floor through the base-plate mounting holes.
Important Floor-Anchoring Note
StarTech provides pre-drilled floor-anchoring holes in the rack base. Suitable anchors depend on the building structure and floor material and should be selected appropriately for the installation.
Important Rack Shelf Note
Non-rackmount equipment such as small desktop switches, routers, modems, mini PCs or external storage devices may require a suitable 19-inch rack shelf, sold separately.
Important Indoor Use Note
The 4POSTRACK12U is designed for indoor installation. It should not be treated as a weatherproof or outdoor rack.
Important Package Hardware Note
The rack includes the structural assembly hardware, 24 M6 cage nuts, 24 M6 equipment screws, 24 PVC cup washers, four cable-management hooks, four casters, four levelling feet, four grounding wires and the main assembly tools.
Additional cage nuts and screws may be required when installing equipment throughout all 12 rack units.
Model Identification Note
These specifications apply specifically to the StarTech.com 4POSTRACK12U 12U 4-Post Open Frame Server Rack, manufacturer part number 4POSTRACK12U, Memox SKU 4540647, UPC 065030858502 and EAN / GTIN-13 0065030858502.
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FAQ: Frequenlty Asked Questions
StarTech 4POSTRACK12U 12U Open Frame Server Rack FAQ
The StarTech.com 4POSTRACK12U is a heavy-duty 12U, four-post, open-frame 19-inch server and network rack designed for rackmount servers, switches, patch panels, UPS systems, storage hardware, KVM equipment and AV devices. Its front-to-rear mounting depth adjusts from 22 to 40 inches (560 to 1017mm), allowing it to accommodate equipment and server rail kits with very different depth requirements.
Below are answers to the most common questions buyers ask about the StarTech 4POSTRACK12U, including Dell PowerEdge and HPE ProLiant compatibility, server-rail depth, 12U capacity, UPS installation, shelves, cage nuts, casters, levelling feet, floor anchoring, cable management, grounding, home-lab use and the differences between 12U, 18U and 25U open-frame racks.
1. What is the StarTech 4POSTRACK12U?
The StarTech 4POSTRACK12U is a 12U four-post open-frame 19-inch server and network rack. It is designed to hold compatible rackmount servers, switches, patch panels, UPS systems, storage equipment, KVM hardware, AV equipment and other standard 19-inch devices.
2. What is the exact model number, SKU and UPC?
The manufacturer part number is 4POSTRACK12U. The Memox SKU is 4540647, the UPC is 065030858502 and the corresponding EAN-13 format is 0065030858502.
3. What are the main specifications of the StarTech 4POSTRACK12U?
Key specifications include 12U rack height, standard 19-inch equipment compatibility, four-post open-frame construction, 22–40in / 560–1017mm adjustable mounting depth, 544kg / 1200lb stationary load capacity, square cage-nut mounting holes, casters, levelling feet, floor-anchoring holes, grounding points, cable-management hooks and EIA/ECA-310-E compliance.
4. What does 12U mean?
Rack height is measured in rack units or U. One rack unit equals approximately 44.45mm / 1.75in, so a 12U rack provides twelve standard vertical equipment positions.
5. How much equipment can fit in a 12U rack?
In theory, 12U can hold twelve 1U devices, six 2U devices, three 4U devices or a mixture of different equipment heights. In practice, allow space where required for shelves, cable management, airflow, PDUs and future expansion.
6. What does “19-inch server rack” mean?
The 19-inch measurement refers to the standardised equipment mounting format, not the rack's complete outside width. The StarTech 4POSTRACK12U itself is approximately 600mm / 23.6in wide.
7. Is the 4POSTRACK12U compliant with standard rack equipment?
Yes. StarTech specifies EIA/ECA-310-E compliance, making it suitable for compatible standard 19-inch rackmount equipment designed to the same industry format.
8. What is a four-post server rack?
A four-post rack has two front and two rear vertical mounting rails. This allows heavy and deep equipment to be supported at both ends and makes four-post racks particularly suitable for servers, storage systems and rackmount UPS units using sliding or fixed rails.
9. What is an open-frame server rack?
An open-frame rack has no front door, rear door or enclosed side panels. This gives excellent equipment access and unrestricted airflow, but it provides less dust protection, noise containment and physical security than an enclosed server cabinet.
10. What is the adjustable mounting depth of the 4POSTRACK12U?
The front-to-rear mounting rails adjust from 22in to 40in / 560mm to 1017mm. This wide range allows the rack to accommodate both relatively shallow networking equipment and many full-depth enterprise servers.
11. Is the StarTech rack 22–40in or 23–41in deep?
The manufacturer's current specification for the 4POSTRACK12U is 22–40in / 560–1017mm mounting depth. Some older distributor descriptions quote different measurements, but the current official StarTech specification should be used when checking equipment compatibility.
12. Is mounting depth the same as the overall depth of the rack?
No. Mounting depth is the distance between the front and rear equipment rails. The physical frame extends beyond those rails. At maximum configuration StarTech lists an overall product length of approximately 1119mm / 44.1in.
13. What depth should I set the rack to for my server?
Check the supported front-to-rear mounting distance of the server's rail kit. Adjust the rack so its posts sit within the rail kit's minimum and maximum supported depth. Do not simply set the rack to 40 inches unless the server rails support that spacing.
14. Will setting the rack to its maximum 40-inch depth make every server fit?
No. Server sliding rails have their own minimum and maximum extension ranges. If the posts are farther apart than the rail system supports, the rails may not attach even though the server chassis itself is shorter than 40 inches.
15. Can I change the rack depth after assembly?
Yes. The frame is designed to be depth adjustable. However, changing its depth is substantially easier and safer before heavy equipment has been installed, so establish the required server-rail spacing during initial assembly where possible.
16. What are the external dimensions of the StarTech 12U rack?
StarTech currently lists approximately 600mm width × up to 1119mm length/depth × 637.6mm height. The actual front-to-back footprint varies because the frame is depth adjustable.
17. How tall is the 4POSTRACK12U without casters?
The main rack frame is approximately 637.6mm / 25.1in high.
18. How tall is the StarTech 12U rack with the casters installed?
StarTech specifies approximately 710mm / 28in overall height with casters.
19. Will the StarTech 12U rack fit under a desk?
Potentially. The rack is approximately 25.1in high without casters and 28in with casters. Measure the clear space under your desk carefully, including support beams, drawers and cable trays. Home-lab owners specifically choose the 12U version for under-desk installations where clearance permits.
20. How much does the StarTech 4POSTRACK12U weigh?
StarTech's current technical specification lists the assembled rack at approximately 22.74kg / 50.1lb. Some older distributor data quotes lower weights, so the current manufacturer's figure is the safest specification to use.
21. What is the maximum weight capacity of the 4POSTRACK12U?
StarTech specifies a maximum stationary load capacity of 544kg / approximately 1200lb when the rack is correctly assembled and used in an appropriate stationary configuration.
22. Can I move the rack on its casters while it is loaded to 544kg?
Do not assume the 544kg figure applies while moving the rack. StarTech's current 4POSTRACK12U specification identifies 544kg specifically as the stationary capacity and does not publish that value as a rolling-load rating. Heavy systems should be moved cautiously and excessive equipment removed before relocation where appropriate.
23. Does the StarTech 4POSTRACK12U include wheels?
Yes. The package includes four casters so the rack can be configured as a mobile equipment rack for easier rear access, servicing and repositioning.
24. Does the rack include levelling feet?
Yes. Four levelling feet are supplied for stable freestanding installation when mobility is not required.
25. Can the 4POSTRACK12U be bolted to the floor?
Yes. Its base plates have pre-drilled floor-anchoring holes. Appropriate floor fixings need to be selected according to the floor material, installed load and local building requirements.
26. Is the StarTech 4POSTRACK12U wall mountable?
No. StarTech specifically lists this model as not wall mountable. It is intended as a floor-standing rack using its casters, levelling feet or floor-anchoring points.
27. Does the StarTech 12U rack require assembly?
Yes. The rack is supplied flat packed and requires assembly. Flat-pack construction makes it easier to move through doorways, corridors, staircases and other restricted-access areas before assembly.
28. Are assembly tools included?
Yes. StarTech includes an M8/13mm wrench, M6/10mm wrench and Phillips screwdriver together with the main structural bolts, washers and fasteners required for rack assembly.
29. Does the rack include cage nuts and rack screws?
Yes. StarTech supplies 24 M6 cage nuts, 24 M6 Phillips-head rack screws and 24 PVC cup washers. Additional mounting hardware may be required if you install a large number of devices.
30. What type of mounting holes does the rack use?
The vertical rails use square mounting holes for cage nuts. This is a common professional server-rack design and makes damaged or stripped threaded hardware easy to replace.
31. Why do my cage nuts keep popping out when I mount a shelf?
First check that the cage nuts are installed in the correct orientation. They should be positioned so tightening the rack screw pulls the cage securely against the rail rather than pulling it out through the square opening. This exact installation mistake has been reported by owners of the 4POSTRACK12U.
32. Does the rack have numbered U markings?
Yes. The vertical rails include easy-to-read rack-unit markings, helping installers keep shelves, sliding rails and equipment level across all four posts.
33. Does the rack have depth-adjustment markings?
Yes. StarTech includes depth markings to make it easier to position the front and rear rail assemblies evenly when configuring the 22–40in mounting depth.
34. Does the StarTech 12U rack include cable management?
Yes. The 12U version includes four cable-management hooks. Additional horizontal or vertical cable managers can also be fitted if the installation contains substantial network and power cabling.
35. Does the rack have grounding points?
Yes. The frame includes grounding lugs and four grounding wires. Professional installations should follow applicable electrical regulations and the manufacturers' grounding and bonding guidance.
36. Does the 4POSTRACK12U include server sliding rails?
No. Server rails are normally specific to the server chassis and must be supplied with the server or purchased separately. The rack provides the four-post structure into which compatible rails are installed.
37. Can I use universal server rails?
Yes, provided the rails are designed for a standard 19-inch four-post square-hole rack, support the installed equipment's weight and work within the rack's configured front-to-rear mounting distance.
38. Are all third-party sliding rails guaranteed to fit the 4POSTRACK12U?
No. Rail compatibility depends on the exact rail design. Community discussions show that some third-party chassis rails can be sensitive to dimensional tolerances even when both products nominally follow 19-inch rack standards. Where possible, verify compatibility with the exact server or rail manufacturer before ordering.
39. Will Dell PowerEdge servers fit the StarTech 4POSTRACK12U?
Many Dell PowerEdge rack servers can fit because the StarTech rack offers standard 19-inch square-hole mounting and a wide 22–40in rail-depth range. Compatibility ultimately depends on the exact PowerEdge model and Dell ReadyRails kit, so check its required front-to-rear post spacing.
40. Will a Dell PowerEdge R720 or R730 fit?
These full-depth servers are commonly used in home labs with adjustable four-post racks such as the 4POSTRACK12U. However, check the specific Dell rail kit's mounting-depth range rather than relying only on the R720/R730 chassis length. Community users have specifically considered this StarTech rack for R7xx-series systems.
41. Will HPE ProLiant servers fit this rack?
Many standard 19-inch HPE ProLiant rack servers can be installed when their rail kit supports square-hole four-post mounting and a front-to-rear spacing within the StarTech rack's 560–1017mm range.
42. Will Lenovo ThinkSystem or ThinkServer equipment fit?
Compatible standard 19-inch Lenovo server equipment can fit when its rails support the rack's square-hole four-post configuration and selected mounting depth. Check the exact Lenovo rail-kit specification before installation.
43. Can the StarTech 12U rack hold full-depth servers?
Yes, many full-depth servers can be accommodated because the rack adjusts to a maximum 1017mm / 40in mounting depth. The decisive factor is the server rail system's required mounting distance plus adequate rear clearance for power and network cables.
44. Can I install network switches and patch panels?
Yes. Standard 19-inch Ethernet switches, PoE switches, routers, firewalls, fibre panels, patch panels and cable managers are typical equipment for this rack.
45. Can I install a rackmount NAS or storage server?
Yes. Compatible rackmount NAS units and storage arrays can be fitted using suitable rails or shelves. Check both equipment weight and mounting-depth requirements, particularly for heavy multi-drive storage systems.
46. Can I install a rackmount UPS in the 4POSTRACK12U?
Yes. A compatible 19-inch UPS can be installed using the manufacturer's appropriate four-post rail kit or a sufficiently rated four-post shelf. Check UPS depth and weight before choosing the mounting hardware.
47. Where should I install a heavy UPS in the rack?
Heavy UPS units and battery packs should normally be installed as low in the rack as practical. This lowers the centre of gravity and improves stability, especially when the rack contains multiple servers or is fitted with casters.
48. Can a heavy UPS be supported only by its front mounting ears?
Only if the UPS manufacturer specifically approves that mounting method. Heavy UPS equipment should generally use proper front-and-rear support, four-post rails or an appropriately rated shelf.
49. Can I install shelves for non-rackmount equipment?
Yes. Standard 19-inch shelves can hold devices such as desktop NAS units, modems, routers, mini PCs and AV hardware. Heavy equipment should use a properly rated four-post shelf rather than a lightly loaded front-only cantilever shelf.
50. Does the rack include shelves, a PDU or patch panel?
No. Shelves, PDUs, patch panels, server rails and most equipment-specific accessories are purchased separately. The standard package contains the rack structure, casters, levelling feet, cable hooks, grounding hardware, cage nuts, screws and assembly tools.
51. Is the 4POSTRACK12U good for airflow?
Yes. Its open-frame construction places very little restriction around server air intakes and exhausts. Cooling still depends on the room temperature and the airflow design of each installed device, but the rack itself does not trap hot air like a poorly ventilated enclosed cabinet can.
52. Does the open rack protect equipment from dust or unauthorised access?
No. Because it has no doors or side panels, it provides very limited dust isolation and no rack-level physical security. It is best suited to controlled home labs, offices, studios and secure IT rooms.
53. Open-frame rack vs enclosed server cabinet – which is better?
Choose the open-frame 4POSTRACK12U when ventilation, easy rear access, adjustable depth and compactness are priorities. Choose an enclosed cabinet when you need lockable doors, side panels, better protection from accidental contact, more controlled airflow or stronger rack-level physical security.
54. Four-post rack vs two-post rack – which is better for servers?
A four-post rack is normally preferable for heavy servers, UPS equipment, storage arrays and sliding rails because equipment can be supported at both front and rear. A two-post rack is more commonly used for lightweight networking and telecommunications equipment designed for front or centre mounting.
55. StarTech 12U vs 18U vs 25U open-frame rack – which should I choose?
Choose the 12U 4POSTRACK12U when compact height is important and your planned equipment fits within 12U. Choose the 18U 4POSTRACK18U for six additional rack units of expansion, or the 25U 4POSTRACK25U for a larger home lab, office or server installation. All three families offer the same broad 22–40in adjustable mounting-depth concept and 544kg stationary capacity, but the taller models provide substantially more vertical expansion space.
56. Who is the StarTech 4POSTRACK12U best for, and who should choose another rack?
The StarTech 4POSTRACK12U is especially suitable for home labs, small businesses, network rooms, workshops, IT test environments and AV installations that need a compact but deep four-post rack for standard 19-inch equipment. Its adjustable 22–40in mounting depth makes it particularly useful where enterprise servers and shorter networking hardware need to share the same rack.
Choose another rack if you need more than 12U of equipment space, lockable doors, enclosed sides, significant dust protection, wall mounting or rack-level physical security. If you expect your home lab or server environment to expand substantially, selecting the 18U or 25U version initially may avoid replacing the rack later.
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