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GizMac updates small Xserve enclosures with air filtration system

Along with its usual sound dampening system, the new, small 4U and 6U XRackPro2 server enclosures now feature air filters, like their bigger cousins in the data-closet.
Written by David Morgenstern, Contributor

To little surprise given its company name, GizMac has targeted Mac-centric applications such as digital video production for its line of XRackPro2 rackmount server cabinets with noise dampening capabilities. Now, its smaller 4U and 6U come with air filtration, previously available as options on its larger 12U and 25U server racks.

4U and 6U models of XRackPro2 server racks now feature an air filtration system in addition to reducing noise. The air filtration provides cleaner air into the server rack enclosure and ultimately into computer and other electronic equipment located inside. The controlled airflow of the XRackPro2 server rack aids cooling, improves noise reduction and allows for an air filtering system to function.

The company said the filtered XRackPro2 units cost $549.99 and $749.99, respectively, for 4U and 6U versions. http://www.xrackpro.com/server-rack-air-filter-4U-6U.htm

No doubt, IT managers who are used to the prices of ordinary server enclosures will scoff at these prices. The XRackPro2 price tag is about double that of a comparable commodity server enclosure. Of course, the XRackPro2 comes standard with a lot more, such as doors, locks, and the specially engineered acoustical foam that lines the box. Even the doors and the grommets have foam inserts to dampen noise.

I really don't get the praise for low-ball prices for computer or server accessories. What is the point of putting a rackmount server in a cheap box, especially one that sits outside of a data closet? Or why do people pack their expensive MacBook Pros in a cheap slipcover?

The air filtering is a nice touch that protects the customer's investment in the server hardware and data. These units aren't just used in video production, but can be found in education, design shops and in SMBs. They are portable and whether out in the field or sitting under a desk in an office, they are often where there's more dust in the environment; certainly, more than found in the usual data center.

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