Eaton MiniRaQ Review - StorageReview.com

The Eaton MiniRaQ is a unique vertical wall mount rack for edge IT and power management equipment. Saving both space and time, key features of this solution include its modular design, impressive weight capacity, large cable access openings, and small footprint. Capable of supporting up to 400 pounds in a compact footprint, the MiniRaQ is an ideal solution for network closets and other non-traditional applications. Additionally, unlike traditional enclosures with 19 to 23 inch limitations, you can vertically mount networking and server equipment up to 35 inches in length with the Eaton MiniRaQ. Plus, with its modular design and large cable access openings installation can be performed by one technician, reducing installation cost and time to deploy.

The MiniRaQ is highly customizable and comes in a variety of form factors including 2U, 4U, 6U, 8U, and 10U. Additionally, this rack offers two sizing options, compact and tall, in three configurations. Looking at the configurations, the open version is ideal for simplified deployments, the convertible version is best suited for those who require flexibility, and the secure version would be best for those who need optimum security. Our unit is a Compact Secure MiniRaQ with an 8U configuration and it measures 31.0 inches high x 19.97 inches wide x 19.45 inches deep.

Here’s our video overview:

*Convertible and secure models have an additional 4U dedicated space for patch panel + 2U equipment space internal to the backplate (4.5-inch backplate) *Open configuration models will only have 2U equipment space (2.5-inch backplate)

Part of the draw for these enclosures is the company’s focus on ease-of-use and the modular design of the system. We found the MiniRaQ to be very well-built to the point of even being over-engineered. So, it is a little bit heavy for what it is. However, the overall footprint is 50 percent smaller than competitive solutions and the solid build bodes well for security purposes. Another feature worth mentioning about this rack design is that it can support and hold UPSs. This in addition to the 400-pound load capacity of the MiniRaQ offers the ability to mount a server or two, switch, wireless, patch panel, and UPS in a securely locked enclosure. For those who a looking for a completely locked out infrastructure, one step of further security would be to utilize the pass-through outlet installation. Leveraging that provides a tamper-proof enclosure that can maintain power protection.

Digging into the build we’ll start with the base. The base of the MiniRaQ is the backplate and depending on the model the backplate is either 2.5 or 4.5 inches deep. Built into the back of the backplate there are large circular openings useful for including power inside the enclosure, horizontal slots useful for zip tie cable management, and mounting holes which line the sides from top to bottom. The mounting holes offer flexibility as there are three options built-in. There are also 6 rectangular cable access openings in the backplate; Two on the top, two on the bottom, and then one towards the bottom of each of the sides. The solid covers can be swapped out for brush cover access plates. The cable slots are wide for plenty of connectivity pass-through and the brushes to help minimize airflow passthrough. In addition to the U’s of space provided by the side plates, there is an additional 4U dedicated space for a patch panel and a bonus 2U of equipment space internal to the backplate.

The next two components of this enclosure are the side panels and the front panel which are pretty straightforward. The side panels come in a variety of sizes ranging from 2U to 10U and determine your overall capacity for stuff/depth of the rack. The side panels are easy to attach to the backplate with just a few screws and the front plate simply slides into the side panels.

The last two components of the build before getting into optional accessories are the locking cover and the vented bottom. The cover like it says locks and provides security but the cover is also designed with perforations on the front and sides to allow for airflow intake. A really useful accessory worth adding to the cover is the filter kit, which is a reusable solution to keep dust and debris away from equipment; these are super convenient to install and clean as they attach easily with magnets. The vented bottom features the same airflow perforations as the cover and an optional fan tray with a dual-fan unit can be installed here as well.

Other accessories offered for the Eaton MiniRaQ include riser brackets and an environmental monitoring probe. The 6-inch riser kit increases the maximum equipment holding depth to 35 inches. The Eaton Environmental Monitoring Probe (EMP) Gen 2 is a connectivity device that enables you to collect temperature and humidity readings in rack enclosures and monitor environmental data remotely.

The MiniRaQ series by Eaton is a small, but mighty, vertical rack solution bringing improved security and customized deployment to the ever-growing needs of edge computing. Its modular design and large cable openings are features that are a friend to IT technicians everywhere and make installation a breeze. The 400-pound weight capacity on this guy is impressive along with its support for equipment up to 35-inch long. Support for PDUs is also a nice feature and with all the nooks and crannies there’s a spot in this rack to neatly fit a server or two, switch, wireless, patch panel, and UPS. As we’ve come to expect of Eaton, the MiniRaQ is rugged and of an expert build caliber.

With the majority of our thoughts on the Eaton MiniRaQ being positive we want to point out one thing that we found to be initially unclear. Detailing capacity is a bit funky. Eaton offers sizes ranging from 2U – 10U but actual capacities are larger and in this case, size is defined by the size of the side plates. For example, we found that our 8U model has an actual capacity of 14U with 4U of dedicated space for a patch panel and an extra 2U of equipment space internal to the backplate.

Overall, the Eaton MiniRaQ provides all the components for a fully resilient edge deployment and is a solid choice for non-traditional applications.

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