ECHOGEAR 20U Open Frame Rack for Servers & AV Gear - Wall Mountable

Our review of the ECHOGEAR 20U open frame rack finds it best suited for home labs, small office networks, and AV installers who need a compact, ventilated rack that is ready to mount on a wall or stand on leveling feet. The single biggest reason to buy is that it arrives with most of the mounting hardware and two vented shelves, so you can start organizing switches, patch panels and AV components quickly while keeping gear cool with an open design and included vented shelves.

Key Features

• Complete hardware kit: Includes 25 rack mounting screws, 4 leveling feet, shelf stops and securement straps so most installation steps are covered out of the box.
• Two vented shelves included: One 1U vented shelf at 15.12 in deep and one 2U vented shelf at 18 in deep let you place non-rackrail devices while preserving airflow.
• Open frame airflow: The open design and vented shelves improve cooling for high-density networking and AV components without requiring active ducting.
• Wall mountable or freestanding: The rack is ready to hang on the wall or stand on the included leveling feet for flexible placement options.
• 20U height with 20.40 in depth: Sized to accept most rack-mounted networking and AV components up to 19 in deep, making it suitable for common 1U and 2U devices.

Who It's For

This rack is ideal for hobbyist server builders, IT pros provisioning a small office rack, and AV installers who need a compact, ventilated solution that saves floor space by wall mounting. The included shelves make it easier to mix rackmount and non-rackrail equipment without immediately buying additional accessories.

Those who need brand-specific server rails or very deep enterprise servers should look elsewhere, since the unit supports devices up to 19 in deep and does not include brand-specific server rails. Also, buyers requiring enclosed, lockable cabinets for physical security should consider a cabinet-style rack.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Mostly complete kit with screws, leveling feet, shelf stops and straps for a quick setup.
• Good build quality and sturdy open-frame construction that users report as solid.
• Vented shelves and open design optimize airflow for networking and AV gear.
• Versatile mounting options: wall mounted or freestanding on included feet.

Cons

• Some users note mixed opinions about the included screws and may want additional or different screws for certain devices.
• Not intended for servers that require brand-specific rack rails, which must be provided separately.

Specifications

Our Verdict

The ECHOGEAR 20U open frame rack is a practical, value-oriented choice for home labs, small offices and AV setups that need good airflow and quick deployment. With included vented shelves and most mounting hardware, it saves time and expense, though buyers who need deep enterprise servers or locked cabinets should consider other products. Overall, it delivers solid build quality and sensible features for the price.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can it hold standard 19 in rack equipment?
Yes, the rack accepts standard 19 in rack-mounted components up to about 19 in deep given the 20.40 in rack depth.

Are shelves ventilated?
Yes, the package includes a 1U vented shelf (15.12 in deep) and a 2U vented shelf (18 in deep) to help maintain airflow.

Is assembly difficult?
Assembly is required but straightforward; the rack ships with the necessary hardware and clear instructions and can be assembled in under 20 minutes in typical cases.