A spec-me thread! - Rack mount screens (KVM)

ci_newman · 30 Jul 2008 at 13:22

Hi all,

I've been asked to try and find a rack-mountable 1U KVM LCD screen & keyboard combination. We haven't got any experience in using this type of hardware so I'm looking for some recommendations!

We will be looking at the cheaper end of the scale for the moment. Has anyone got any recommendations on which product is best?

bigredshark · 30 Jul 2008 at 13:44

ci_newman said:
Hi all,

I've been asked to try and find a rack-mountable 1U KVM LCD screen & keyboard combination. We haven't got any experience in using this type of hardware so I'm looking for some recommendations!

We will be looking at the cheaper end of the scale for the moment. Has anyone got any recommendations on which product is best?

We use HP ones, purely because our supplier will generally chuck us a few with a server order, they work, I can't complain...

Can't really give a recommendation other than that...

TheKnat · 30 Jul 2008 at 13:55

I like the Dell ones, but thats mainly due to the keyboard & mouse combo they have. I find its easier to use than many of the other ones I've tried.

davetherave2 · 30 Jul 2008 at 16:46

Well we don't use a KVM rack mount screen but we do use some Avocent DSR KVM over IP boxes which are really good.

We use the DSR 1021, 1022 and 2020 models and they suit our needs perfectly.

Plus it means I can do all our server changes from the comfort of my desk rather than being frozen by the AC in our server room.

bigredshark · 30 Jul 2008 at 16:55

davetherave2 said:
Well we don't use a KVM rack mount screen but we do use some Avocent DSR KVM over IP boxes which are really good.

We use the DSR 1021, 1022 and 2020 models and they suit our needs perfectly.

Plus it means I can do all our server changes from the comfort of my desk rather than being frozen by the AC in our server room.

Yeah, we never actually use the KVM units, everything that needs to be done locally can be done by iLO rather than actually going there, they literally get used twice a year if we're installing memory or something.

sidethink · 31 Jul 2008 at 10:01

Just be careful speccing one from the major brands; Dell at least sell what you want but its two different kits:

1 is the KVM switch with cable kits.

2 is the LCD panel, keyboard and mouse unit in 1u drawer.

I've used Dell and HP ones frequently and have a very slight personal preference for Dell in terms of the actual keyboard/mouse.

I would also echo someone's comments about really considering iLo and/or an IP based virtual KVM - they are much more convenient in very large server environments.

Stolly · 31 Jul 2008 at 19:43

Yeah the IP ones are the best. Just VNC into it from the comfort of your desk without having to spend half the chuffing day waiting for your access request to be authorised.

bigredshark · 31 Jul 2008 at 21:27

Stolly said:
Yeah the IP ones are the best. Just VNC into it from the comfort of your desk without having to spend half the chuffing day waiting for your access request to be authorised.

You need both ideally, if you're buying decent servers you'd expect there to be built in lights out management these days really....

Will Gill · 1 Aug 2008 at 11:53

we use APC ones

no complaints there either

Stelly · 2 Aug 2008 at 12:16

We have bought 4 raritan KVM switches and they are amazing... wouldnt go with anything else

http://www.raritan.com/

Stelly

Curiosityx · 4 Aug 2008 at 00:24

Always used the HP range which is currently the 7600, unfortunately it doesnt have a KVM build in but is very tidy package.

http://h18004.www1.hp.com/products/servers/proliantstorage/rack-options/TFT7600RKM/index.html

Caged · 7 Aug 2008 at 02:01

We have Avocent for our KVM over IP setup, works well. Didn't bother with the rackmount screens, we had a few 1U Dell ones but they fell apart.

tbz_ck · 7 Aug 2008 at 14:41

I've today ordered an Avocent 17 with 8 port KVM built in.

I'll let you know how it performs when its in if you like.

Regards

CK

DustyMiller · 12 Aug 2008 at 08:34

Stelly said:
We have bought 4 raritan KVM switches and they are amazing... wouldnt go with anything else

http://www.raritan.com/

Stelly

This man speaks the truth, have just installed a new Raritan Dominion KX 11 32 port. Man that is one excellent KVM. Yes I know its just a KVM but it is fantastic.