Downsizing My Homelab (Again!)
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Downsizing My Homelab (Again!) – Introducing the Cubi-Rack System
A while back , I wrote about downsizing my homelab from a full 24U 19” rack to a more compact 10” DeskPi setup. That shift was great, but a few of my complaints was the use of 10/32" threaded holes instead of the more standard Square Hole, and the more I’ve used it the fixed side panels were a pain when needing to maintenance mounted hardware. After looking into Project Mini Rack , I realized there weren’t many options of Open-Rack, or modular, designs that featured the Square Hole pattern that you’ll typically find in Datacenters. For the Home enthusiast, it may not be that important, but I much prefer the versatility this mounting option provides.
From Project Mini Rack, I found Rackstack , and liked its hinged side panels and overall design. It was the best of the existing solutions I saw. The problem? The base code doesn’t fit the 10" rack standard, and it’s designed to use Hex Nuts for mounts instead of the usual Cage Nuts (or Rackstuds). It also required a 3D printer to print all the parts for assembly. It’s truly DIY.
After exploring Rackstack, I started modifying its designs to better suit my own homelab needs. Along the way, a few other 3D-printed rack projects popped up as well — namely Mod10 and Lab Rax . Each of these had clever design elements and community appeal, but I still couldn’t find a solution that combined standard compliance, stackability, cage nut support, and ease of assembly.
That’s why we created Cubi-Rack, inspired by Project Mini Rack – a 5U rack mount system designed specifically for homelab enthusiasts like us, without their own printer. Ultimately, we did go with a more fixed (but removable) side panel as the hinged panel from Rackstack was more difficult to put together, and not very sturdy with repeated use.
Why We Built Cubi-Rack
The problem I saw with many existing mini-rack solutions is that they’re either non-standard, too expensive, or not modular. Cubi-Rack solves these issues by:
- ✔ Meeting 10” mini rack standards, making it compatible with DeskPi shelves and other homelab gear.
- ✔ Supporting Cage Nuts & Rackstuds with square holes, unlike most available mini racks. Cubi-Rack supports Rackstud Duo and Rackstud Purple.
- ✔ Stackable Design, so you can build up your homelab as needed.
- ✔ Made from PETG, ensuring it’s durable and heat-resistant.
- ✔ Designed for simplicity, shipping fully assembled, just add Cage-Nuts and Shelves.
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Who is Cubi-Rack For?
If you’re a homelab enthusiast, IT professional, or anyone looking for a compact server rack that doesn’t have their own 3D printer, Cubi-Rack is built for you! Whether you’re running a networking lab, a small NAS setup, or a mini data center, this budget-friendly and space-saving solution will fit right in.
Ready to Upgrade?
Cubi-Rack is available now on LinuxNiche ! Check it out and transform your homelab today.
Let us know if you’d like any tweaks or additions! 🚀