How to Make a Server Cabinet/closet for Under $110

I have been getting very security orientated due to a security class I am taking at school for my Information Systems Technology major. I have been wanting a server cabinet so I can have all my server and networking equipment in one place in my home so it is secure. Well, I am on a VERY restricted budget so instead of making one out of wood or buying an expensive $250+ metal cabinet, I went to Wal-Mart to see what I could find

Step 1: Find Your Materials

I walked around the hardware and lawn & garden area of Wal-Mart for a while to find out what they had. I found a Sterlite plastic cabinet for $69 (They had two sticker prices; One for $69 another for $79. I got the manager when I was checking out and after he saw I saw it for $69, I got it for $69). I also picked up some office supplies on this trip BUT that is unrelated to this instructable.

So far cost: $69.00 (without tax)

Step 2: Assemble

The assembly took about 15 minutes and the size was perfect!

Step 3: Back to Wal-Mart to Hide Some Cables

About 24 hours pasted and I got tired of being barely able to close and lock to cabinet doors. So, I went to walmart to get some suppies.

This trip I got:

1) Wood Spades - $10
2) Home Theater Surge Protector - $15
3) Velcro Strips - $5
4) Adapter Cords (3-Pack) - $5

Total costs so far: $104.00 (without tax)

Note: I am having trouble adding notes to the pictures. The pictures on THIS step are not my pictures. I just ran a google search for them

Step 4: Cable Management

After learning to measure twice, drill hole that is hard to enlarge once, I used the biggest spade I had with was 1.5 inches. I drilled one whole in the right-side, lower back hand corner of the top portion of the cabinet for the surge protector and other wires, one whole in the first shelf to run cables, a whole in the roof to run ethernet and power cables to my router, and two holes on the left side in the middle for ventilation.

What Now?

The final price tag was about $104 without tax. I also added a white board to the side to write notes and IP addresses on but it has since fell down (I need super glue). The lock I am using it a gun lock that I got when in elementary school (They gave us gun locks to give to our parents and I just shoved it into a box [glad I kept it, you bet :) ] ). I also hooked up a Kill-A-Watt just for fun and because I just had it laying around.

Future Upgrades:

- Internal and External cameras for security
- Fans for ventilation (found an awesome instructable)
- A Smoke Alarm
- A temperature monitor