Tiny Rack, Big Homelab: How One Maker Built the Ultimate microRACK

What if your entire homelab could fit under a desk, inside a cabinet, or mounted vertically on a wall?

That was the idea behind microRACK — a clever ultra-compact modular server rack system designed for makers who need serious functionality in very limited space.

Built around ZimaBoard, ZimaBlade, drives, switches, and custom accessories, this project proves you don’t need a full-size rack to run a powerful home lab.

Why microRACK Was Created

Like many homelab users, the creator wanted to run multiple services at home without dedicating an entire room to networking gear.

Traditional racks are bulky, expensive, and often overkill for compact devices. So instead, he designed a micro-scale rack system with standard 1U spacing, giving small devices the same organized structure as enterprise hardware.

The goals were simple:

• Fit into tight spaces 
  
• Mount horizontally, vertically, or upside down 
  
•  Keep wiring clean 
  
• Expand over time 
  
• Support multiple Zima devices and accessories 

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Designed in Shapr3D, Printed on Bambu Lab X1C

The entire project was modeled in Shapr3D and printed on a Bambu Lab X1C.

Everything is modular by design. Since sharing it publicly, the creator has already been asked to make additional mounts and accessories for the ecosystem.

That’s usually the sign of a great community project: others immediately want one too.

What Makes microRACK Different?

Instead of being one fixed frame, microRACK uses a track system.

Each module slides in securely, locks into place, and mounts using standard rack screw sizes. Multiple track sizes are available, from 2U to 5U, and can be combined depending on your setup.

Key Features

• Standard 1U spacing (approx. 44mm) 
  
• Modular track system 
  
• Horizontal / vertical / inverted mounting 
  
• Secure tab-lock design 
  
• Expandable sections 
  
• Custom printable modules 
  
• Clean front or rear cable routing 

Built for Zima Hardware

Since much of the creator’s network already runs on Zima devices, those were the first systems supported.

Current modules include:

• ZimaBoard mount 
  
• ZimaBlade solo module 
  
• ZimaBlade + SSD combo 
  
• Dual 2.5-inch drive mount 
  
• Network switch mounts 
  
• ESP32 board modules 
  
• Raspberry Pi case support

What Is Running on This Homelab?

Despite its small footprint, this setup runs a serious list of self-hosted services using CasaOS:

• Jellyfin for streaming media 
  
• PhotoPrism for private photo libraries 
  
• Home Assistant for automation 
  
• Kavita for books/comics 
  
• DokuWiki for notes/documentation 
  
• Various custom services and tools 

This is exactly what modern homelabs are becoming: smaller, smarter, and more personal.

Why This Matters

microRACK solves a real problem many people have:“I want a homelab… but I don’t have space for one.”Now you don’t need a full-size rack cabinet, noisy enterprise gear, or a dedicated room.

You can mount a full self-hosted stack under a desk, inside furniture, or on a wall using compact low-power hardware like ZimaBoard and ZimaBlade.

Final Thoughts

Big racks are impressive.Small racks are smarter.

microRACK turns unused space nto a clean, expandable homelab built for the modern maker. It’s compact, modular, and proof that powerful self-hosting doesn’t need to be oversized. Sometimes the best rack in the house is the one nobody notices.

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