APC NetShelter SX, Server Rack Enclosure, Gen 2, 42U, 1991H x 750W x 1070D mm, without Sides and Doors, Black

Product Overview

AI-generated summary

The APC NetShelter SX Gen 2 42U is the kind of rack you buy once and stop thinking about for years—solid build, sensible engineering, and usually a lot of reseller support for accessories. At ~£1,214 ex‑VAT it’s not “cheap”, but it also doesn’t feel inflated for an APC-branded enclosure that tends to be easier to work with than many no-name alternatives. If you’re building a comms closet, virtualisation cluster area, or general server space and you want something that looks professional and stays dependable, this is a safe bet—especially if your environment isn’t obsessively controlled and you value proper cable management and mounting compatibility.

That said, the big caveat is you’re getting it **without sides and doors**. In a real UK office/IT suite, that matters: you lose protection against dust, reduce security, and you’ll likely end up spending extra (or living with a mess) if you care about airflow discipline and tidy cabling. Also, if you’re comparing value, many buyers can get “ready-to-serve” enclosure options for similar money once you price in the missing door/side panels or security kit. I’d recommend this if you have a dedicated, cleaner, lower-risk location and you either already have (or plan to add) panels/locking/security, or you’re intentionally designing around open airflow. If you need a turnkey, enclosed, lockable rack for a shared site, I’d look for a variant that includes sides/doors.