--- description: Deskpi’s RackMate T2 brings 10" mini-rack power to the homelab crowd, blending compact design with serious hardware flexibility. title: "Deskpi RackMate T2 Review: A Compact Desktop Homelab Solution" image: https://www.storagereview.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/StorageReview-RackPi-Build-2.jpg --- [![Storage Review]()](https://storagereview.com/) --- [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/@storagereview) [X (Twitter)](https://twitter.twitter.com/storagereview) [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/storagereview/) [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/company/storagereview-com) [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/user/storagereview?sub_confirmation=1) [Email](mailto:info@storagereview.com) [Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/show/1y6VnznABhHeOSMOmbDTz0) [Reddit](https://www.reddit.com/r/StorageReview/) [Discord](https://discord.gg/TwMHb4azdC) [RSS Feed](https://www.storagereview.com/rss.xml) [TikTok](https://www.tiktok.com/@storagereview) [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/@storagereview) [X (Twitter)](https://twitter.com/storagereview) [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/storagereview/) [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/company/storagereview-com) [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/user/storagereview?sub_confirmation=1) [Email](mailto:info@storagereview.com) [Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/show/1y6VnznABhHeOSMOmbDTz0) [Reddit](https://www.reddit.com/r/StorageReview/) [Discord](https://discord.gg/TwMHb4azdC) [RSS Feed](https://www.storagereview.com/rss.xml) [TikTok](https://www.tiktok.com/@storagereview) [![StorageReview.com](https://www.storagereview.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Storage-Review-2x.png)](https://www.storagereview.com) ≡ Menu - [Home](https://www.storagereview.com/) - [Storage Reviews](https://www.storagereview.com/review) - [Consumer Reviews](https://www.storagereview.com/consumer) - [Enterprise Reviews](https://www.storagereview.com/enterprise) - [Ubiquiti Reviews](https://www.storagereview.com/best/ubiquiti-reviews) - [SR Merch](https://store.storagereview.com) - [Leaderboards](https://www.storagereview.com/best) - [Best Storage Arrays](https://www.storagereview.com/best/storage-arrays) - [Best Enterprise SSDs](https://www.storagereview.com/best/enterprise-ssds) - [Best Servers](https://www.storagereview.com/best/servers) - [Best Desktops for Local AI](https://www.storagereview.com/best/desktops-local-ai) - [Best Laptops for Local AI](https://www.storagereview.com/best/laptops-local-ai) - [Best Local LLM Tools](https://www.storagereview.com/best/local-llm-tools) - [Agentic AI Hardware](https://www.storagereview.com/best/agentic-ai-hardware) - [Best SSDs & Hard Drives](https://www.storagereview.com/best_drives) - [Best Portable SSDs](https://www.storagereview.com/best/portable-ssds) - [Best Business Laptops](https://www.storagereview.com/best/business-laptops) - [Best Mobile Workstations](https://www.storagereview.com/best/mobile-workstations) - [Best Desktop Workstations](https://www.storagereview.com/best/desktop-workstations) - [Best Laptop Battery Life](https://www.storagereview.com/best/laptop-battery-life) - [Storage Reference Guide](https://www.storagereview.com/storage-reference-guide) - [About SR](https://www.storagereview.com/about-storagereview) - [StorageReview.com Sweepstakes Rules and Regulations](https://www.storagereview.com/storagereview-com-sweepstakes-rules-and-regulations) Search [Home](https://www.storagereview.com/) » [Review](https://www.storagereview.com/review) » Deskpi RackMate T2 Review: A Compact Desktop Homelab Solution # Deskpi RackMate T2 Review: A Compact Desktop Homelab Solution by Dylan Dougherty on July 1, 2025 [Client Accessories](https://www.storagereview.com/consumer/client-accessories)  ◇  [Consumer](https://www.storagereview.com/consumer) Mini racks are having a moment, especially in the homelab scene. Driven by active communities on Reddit (like r/homelab and r/minilab) and supported by popular YouTube creators, the 10″ mini-rack format has found a dedicated audience among space-conscious enthusiasts. The Deskpi RackMate T2 is one of the latest entries in this category, offering a 12U aluminum-frame rack that’s purpose-built for compact systems and home environments where a full-size 19″ rack simply isn’t practical. We received a [complete RackMate T2 kit from Deskpi](https://deskpi.com/products/deskpi-rackmate-t2-rackmount-12u-server-cabinet-for-network-servers-audio-and-video-equipment?_pos=1&_sid=00fb6aa68&_ss=r), including shelves, side panels, and support brackets. With a few additions of our own and some help from the broader homelab community, we assembled a complete desktop rack that includes virtualization hardware, a Mac-based daily driver, networking gear, and even a compact AI server. ![Deskpi RackMate T2 Build](https://www.storagereview.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/StorageReview-RackPi-Build-1.jpg) ## Rack Overview: Deskpi RackMate T2 The Deskpi RackMate T2 measures approximately 25″ x 11″ x 11″, making it the largest in Deskpi’s mini-rack lineup while remaining small enough to fit comfortably on a desk or shelf. The frame is made of sturdy aluminum alloy, and the side panels are transparent acrylic, providing a balance of structural rigidity and visual access. ![Deskpi RackMate T2 Shelf]() The design is professional and clean, suitable for both home use and light commercial environments. Deskpi includes a generous assortment of mounting hardware, shelves, and panels with the RackMate T2. Additional accessories, such as trays, rail kits, and faceplates, are available separately through [Amazon](https://amzn.to/40yoMw6) (affiliate link) or Deskpi’s official website. The kit provided gave us everything needed to set up and mount a multi-system test configuration. #### Community-Sourced Enhancements - To complement the Deskpi hardware, we incorporated a few third-party components and open-source designs: - PDU and Rails: Sourced via community contributions from Reddit (thanks to u/seibd). - Flex 2.5G Rackmount Model: Courtesy of u/Mauker\_. - JetKVM and Mini System Mounting: Based on JaredC01’s Labstack system, which allowed us to mount multiple JetKVMs and keep room for expansion. ![Deskpi RackMate T2 Build In Progress]() ## Homelab Build Configuration Our RackMate T2 test build featured a mix of compact systems that represented typical homelab workloads. Here’s how it came together: ### Daily Driver: Apple Mac Mini M1 To manage the cluster and serve as the primary interface for system access, we used an Apple Mac Mini M1. The system was installed on a 1U shelf and wired to a local PDU and dual monitors. Its compact size and quiet operation make it an ideal desktop companion in this type of rack. #### Virtualization Node: Intel Z690 + Proxmox VE We repurposed a Mini-ITX system based on a Z690 motherboard and Intel Core i5-13600K processor. Proxmox VE was installed to serve as our hypervisor. Using a JetKVM, we could remotely provision VMs, test OS installs, and simulate enterprise-style automation workflows. The 10″ form factor was an excellent fit for this compact but capable virtualization host. ![Deskpi RackMate T2 JetKVM]() #### Local AI Node: Ryzen Mini-PC The next server in our rack is an AMD Ryzen mini-PC. We often see these included in small-scale homelab builds, as they are versatile, affordable, and low-power. By modifying settings in the BIOS, 16GB of RAM can be dedicated to the integrated GPU, making this system great for a low-budget local AI server. After installing Ollama for AMD and Open WebUI, we were able to run 8b models within a couple of minutes of processing time per response, and even 14b models if you’re willing to wait a little longer. #### Infrastructure Services: Raspberry Pi Deskpi includes an SBC tray compatible with Raspberry Pi, Rock Pi, and Jetson boards. We also installed a Raspberry Pi into the provided SBC tray. Deskpi’s well-designed SBC tray is designed to hold various Raspberry Pi models, Rock Pi models, and NVIDIA Jetson Nanos. It also provides mounting on the opposite side for two 2.5″ SSDs as well. This would be a great way to add a Pi-hole Ad-blocker, WireGuard VPN server, or even a UniFi controller to your rack. ![Deskpi RackMate T2 Pi shelf]() #### Networking: UniFi Flex Switch To connect everything, we installed a UniFi Flex Switch that fit perfectly in the rack’s 10″ width. It provided adequate PoE and data ports for our entire setup, ensuring clean cable management and reliable performance within a compact footprint. ## Conclusion The Deskpi RackMate T2 delivers impressive value and flexibility for homelab users who don’t have room for traditional 19″ racks. It’s a well-engineered solution that helps bring order to the typical desktop clutter many homelab setups suffer from. With the right mix of community-driven accessories and off-the-shelf components, it’s easy to assemble a clean, functional, and scalable environment. ![Deskpi RackMate T2 Build Complete]() Although the ecosystem may not be as extensive as the standard 19″ rack, Deskpi is making significant strides to address this issue. The RackMate T2 offers a solid foundation for small-scale laboratories and demonstrates substantial potential for commercial applications. The additional accessories enhance its value, and Deskpi frequently introduces more hardware for future expansion that can be purchased separately. [GeekPi at Amazon](https://amzn.to/40yoMw6) (affiliate link) - *Written by Jack Gallo, [StorageReview Discord](http://discord.gg/storagereview) member* **Engage with StorageReview** [Newsletter](https://www.storagereview.com/storage_newsletter) |  [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/user/StorageReview "Opens in a new window") | Podcast  [iTunes](https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/storagereview-com-storage-reviews/id1060681115 "Opens in a new window")/ [Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/show/1y6VnznABhHeOSMOmbDTz0 "Opens in a new window") |  [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/storagereview/ "Opens in a new window") |  [Twitter](https://twitter.com/storagereview "Opens in a new window") |  [TikTok](https://www.tiktok.com/@storagereview? "Opens in a new window") |  [RSS Feed](https://www.storagereview.com/rss.xml) ![]() ### Dylan Dougherty IT professional specializing in network administration and writer for StorageReview. Previous post: [Crucial T710 Gen5 SSD Review: Competitive in a Crowded Field](https://www.storagereview.com/review/crucial-t710-gen5-ssd-review-competitive-in-a-crowded-field) Next post: [Phison Pascari X200P SSD Review: Balanced Gen5 Performance for the Data Center](https://www.storagereview.com/review/phison-pascari-x200p-ssd-review-balanced-gen5-performance-for-the-data-center) Trusted Vendors Products and solutions from our affiliate partners: - [ ![Ubiquiti Logo](https://www.storagereview.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/2-1.webp) Ubiquiti](https://store.ui.com/us/en?a_aid=StorageReview "Opens in a new window") - [ ![Newegg Logo](https://www.storagereview.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/newegg.webp) Newegg](https://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=g5terNMDhz0&offerid=1207190.18&subid=0&type=4 "Opens in a new window") - [ ![Amazon Logo](https://www.storagereview.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/amazon.webp) Amazon](https://amzn.to/4fLJUEW "Opens in a new window") Newsletter Subscribe to the StorageReview newsletter to stay up to date on the latest news and reviews. We promise no spam! 1 Leave this field empty if you’re human: ## Advertisement Content Categories [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/@storagereview) [X](https://twitter.com/storagereview) [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/storagereview/) [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/company/storagereview-com) [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/user/storagereview?sub_confirmation=1) [Email](mailto:info@storagereview.com) [Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/show/1y6VnznABhHeOSMOmbDTz0) [Reddit](https://www.reddit.com/r/StorageReview/) [Discord](https://discord.gg/TwMHb4azdC) [RSS](https://www.storagereview.com/rss.xml) [TikTok](https://www.tiktok.com/@storagereview) Copyright © 1998-2025 Flying Pig Ventures, LLC Cincinnati, Ohio. All rights reserved. Manage your privacy To provide the best experiences, we and our partners use technologies like cookies to store and/or access device information. Consenting to these technologies will allow us and our partners to process personal data such as browsing behavior or unique IDs on this site and show (non-) personalized ads. Not consenting or withdrawing consent, may adversely affect certain features and functions. Click below to consent to the above or make granular choices. Your choices will be applied to this site only. You can change your settings at any time, including withdrawing your consent, by using the toggles on the Cookie Policy, or by clicking on the manage consent button at the bottom of the screen. Functional Functional Always active The technical storage or access is strictly necessary for the legitimate purpose of enabling the use of a specific service explicitly requested by the subscriber or user, or for the sole purpose of carrying out the transmission of a communication over an electronic communications network. Preferences Preferences The technical storage or access is necessary for the legitimate purpose of storing preferences that are not requested by the subscriber or user. Statistics Statistics The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for statistical purposes. The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for anonymous statistical purposes. Without a subpoena, voluntary compliance on the part of your Internet Service Provider, or additional records from a third party, information stored or retrieved for this purpose alone cannot usually be used to identify you. Marketing Marketing The technical storage or access is required to create user profiles to send advertising, or to track the user on a website or across several websites for similar marketing purposes. Statistics Marketing Features Always active Always active - Manage options - Manage services - Manage {vendor\_count} vendors - [Read more about these purposes](https://cookiedatabase.org/tcf/purposes/) Accept Deny Manage options Save preferences Manage options - {title} - {title} - {title} Manage your privacy To provide the best experiences, we use technologies like cookies to store and/or access device information. Consenting to these technologies will allow us to process data such as browsing behavior or unique IDs on this site. Not consenting or withdrawing consent, may adversely affect certain features and functions. Functional Functional Always active The technical storage or access is strictly necessary for the legitimate purpose of enabling the use of a specific service explicitly requested by the subscriber or user, or for the sole purpose of carrying out the transmission of a communication over an electronic communications network. Preferences Preferences The technical storage or access is necessary for the legitimate purpose of storing preferences that are not requested by the subscriber or user. Statistics Statistics The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for statistical purposes. The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for anonymous statistical purposes. Without a subpoena, voluntary compliance on the part of your Internet Service Provider, or additional records from a third party, information stored or retrieved for this purpose alone cannot usually be used to identify you. Marketing Marketing The technical storage or access is required to create user profiles to send advertising, or to track the user on a website or across several websites for similar marketing purposes. Statistics Marketing Features Always active Always active - Manage options - Manage services - Manage {vendor\_count} vendors - [Read more about these purposes](https://cookiedatabase.org/tcf/purposes/) Accept Deny Manage options Save preferences Manage options - {title} - {title} - {title} Manage consent Manage consent ```json {"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/www.storagereview.com\/review\/deskpi-rackmate-t2-review-a-compact-desktop-homelab-solution","url":"https:\/\/www.storagereview.com\/review\/deskpi-rackmate-t2-review-a-compact-desktop-homelab-solution","name":"Deskpi RackMate T2 Review: A Compact Desktop Homelab Solution - StorageReview.com","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.storagereview.com\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.storagereview.com\/review\/deskpi-rackmate-t2-review-a-compact-desktop-homelab-solution#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.storagereview.com\/review\/deskpi-rackmate-t2-review-a-compact-desktop-homelab-solution#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/www.storagereview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/StorageReview-RackPi-Build-2.jpg","datePublished":"2025-07-01T20:19:48+00:00","description":"Deskpi’s RackMate T2 brings 10\" mini-rack power to the homelab crowd, blending compact design with serious hardware flexibility.","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.storagereview.com\/review\/deskpi-rackmate-t2-review-a-compact-desktop-homelab-solution#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/www.storagereview.com\/review\/deskpi-rackmate-t2-review-a-compact-desktop-homelab-solution"]}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/www.storagereview.com\/review\/deskpi-rackmate-t2-review-a-compact-desktop-homelab-solution#primaryimage","url":"https:\/\/www.storagereview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/StorageReview-RackPi-Build-2.jpg","contentUrl":"https:\/\/www.storagereview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/StorageReview-RackPi-Build-2.jpg","width":1500,"height":1125},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/www.storagereview.com\/review\/deskpi-rackmate-t2-review-a-compact-desktop-homelab-solution#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https:\/\/www.storagereview.com\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Review","item":"https:\/\/www.storagereview.com\/review"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"Deskpi RackMate T2 Review: A Compact Desktop Homelab Solution"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/www.storagereview.com\/#website","url":"https:\/\/www.storagereview.com\/","name":"StorageReview.com","description":"StorageReview.com is a leading provider of news and reviews throughout the entire IT stack - from the datacenter to the edge, and all points in between.","publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.storagereview.com\/#organization"},"potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/www.storagereview.com\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/www.storagereview.com\/#organization","name":"StorageReview.com","url":"https:\/\/www.storagereview.com\/","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/www.storagereview.com\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/www.storagereview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/Storage-Reviews-2-2.png","contentUrl":"https:\/\/www.storagereview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/Storage-Reviews-2-2.png","width":344,"height":61,"caption":"StorageReview.com"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.storagereview.com\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/"},"sameAs":["https:\/\/x.com\/storagereview","http:\/\/youtube.com\/user\/storagereview"]}]} ```