Waveshare HomeRack 8U Review: Compact
A review of the Waveshare HomeRack 8U, a compact aluminum rack for homelab components, priced at 113 euros but with high shipping costs to Europe.
The Waveshare HomeRack 8U is a compact all-in-one rack solution for 10-inch homelab setups, priced at 113 euros. According to a review from Igor's Lab, its main limitations are a shallow 203 mm depth and shipping costs of nearly 80 euros to Europe.
Packaging and Assembly
The rack arrives as a kit in a black cardboard box with a diagram of the contents. Inside, accessories are distributed across three layers and include large, curved aluminum panels, various screws and spacers, white gloves for assembly, and two small PCBs for routing Raspberry Pi connections to the front.
Assembly begins with screwing four crossbars to one side panel. The second side panel is then installed. The top cover is placed on the rack from above and secured with four screws. The bottom plate uses threaded parts for the included feet, though an optional set of casters with brakes can be installed instead. The review notes the casters appear somewhat large relative to the rack's size.
Features and Compatible Hardware
A supplied multi-mount accommodates various devices. The listed compatible devices include 2.5-inch storage drives, Raspberry Pi 3, Raspberry Pi 4, Raspberry Pi 5, Jetson Orin, and Rock 5B single-board computers. The review confirms the included PCBs work with a Raspberry Pi 4 despite labeling, though a passive heatsink for the Pi is not included.
The review describes a sample setup with two Geekom A7 2026 units in the front, a blanking panel, and a compact network switch with four 2.5-Gigabit and two 10G-SFP+ ports. A second cable entry routes network cables inside. Additional blanking panels, custom hard-drive mounts, and a shelf that fits in one rack unit complete the setup. The shelf can hold power supplies and cables, with cable ties suggested for additional securing.
Other components shown in the setup include an adjustable rackmount fan mount from Kiwiworks, a cable entry from SilvestreDesignLab, and a self-developed mount for a conventional power strip, avoiding the need for expensive 10-inch rack-specific models. The review notes the supplied front screws were insufficient for the rear in this specific setup, requiring spare screws.
Price and Market Classification
The review provides a price comparison for the enclosure market.
| Product/Series | Approximate Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Waveshare HomeRack 8U | 113 euros | Base price in Waveshare store. |
| GeeekPi RackMate series | ~140 euros | Named competitor series. |
| Basic network cabinets (e.g., Digitus) | Under 70 euros | Alternative, less expensive enclosures. |
At 113 euros, the HomeRack is initially positioned below the GeeekPi RackMate series. Compared to basic network cabinets available for under 70 euros, it is more expensive. The review states its value lies not in being the least expensive option, but in its compact 10-inch form factor, aluminum construction, simple assembly, and flexible mounting options for homelab components.
For European buyers, the shipping price significantly alters this assessment. Adding nearly 80 euros in shipping costs to the 113 euro base price changes the total cost. Waveshare reportedly confirmed awareness of the shipping cost issue but could not currently offer a solution. The review mentions possible approaches include waiting, ordering multiple devices together to divide shipping costs, or looking for alternatives.
The review concludes by referencing a previously shown 3D-printed 10-inch rack as an alternative for DIY enthusiasts.
