StarTech RKCOND17HD 1U Rackmount KVM Console Drawer with 17.3" Display

Overview

The StarTech RKCOND17HD is a 1U rackmount KVM console drawer that packages a 17.3-inch active matrix TFT LCD display and a full keyboard into a single rack unit, pulling out on dual rails so you can access servers without leaving the rack. It connects to a host machine via USB and supports both DVI and VGA video inputs at up to 1920x1080 — meaning it works with the legacy VGA outputs still found on older server hardware and the digital DVI outputs on modern equipment without an adapter swap. If your data center or server room needs a clean, low-profile local console that slides away when not in use, the RKCOND17HD is worth a close look.

This is a practical tool for IT administrators, security operations center (SOC) staff, and data center engineers who need reliable direct-access to rack-mounted equipment without rolling in a separate KVM cart or keeping a dedicated monitor on the floor. Browse the full StarTech rack infrastructure catalog for compatible accessories and switching gear.

Key Features

• 17.3-inch 1920x1080 TFT LCD Display: Full HD resolution at 60Hz means text is sharp and menus are readable, which matters during late-night maintenance windows. The 16:9 aspect ratio makes side-by-side terminal windows usable without horizontal scrolling.
• Dual-Rail Sliding Mechanism: The console extends on dual rails between 25.2 and 39.4 inches of mounting depth, accommodating shallow two-post open frames as well as deep four-post enclosed server cabinets. The drawer pulls fully toward you, so you're not leaning into the rack to read the screen.
• 1U Form Factor (1.7 inches tall): Occupies a single rack unit, which is the most space-efficient local console option available. In a densely populated 42U cabinet, saving rack units matters — every U saved is a slot you can use for a switch, patch panel, or additional server.
• USB + DVI and VGA Inputs: The dual-input video design (DVI and VGA on a single KVM port) means you can connect to virtually any server in production today without a separate adapter. USB handles keyboard and mouse signals, so no PS/2 legacy adapter is needed.
• 8 ms Response Time: Fast enough for smooth terminal interaction and real-time video review. If you're using this console in a security operations environment to spot-check NVR playback or camera feeds directly from a rack-mounted recorder, 8 ms won't introduce visible lag.
• 250 cd/m² Brightness, 650:1 Contrast: Adequate for standard data center lighting. Not designed for high-ambient sunlit spaces, but for a server room with controlled lighting, 250 nits gives enough legibility to work without eye strain.
• 140° Horizontal / 120° Vertical Viewing Angle: Workable when two technicians need to view the screen simultaneously during a joint troubleshooting session — neither person has to stand directly in front to read the display.
• 19.4W Power Draw, 100–240V Universal Input: Draws under 20W, which means a standard PDU circuit won't even notice it. Universal voltage input supports both US and international rack deployments without a transformer.
• Steel Construction, 30 lb Weight: The steel chassis adds rigidity during rail extension — the screen doesn't wobble when the drawer is pulled out. Plan for the weight (30 lb / 13.6 kg) when configuring your rack's weight load per U rating.
• MTBF of 44,230 Hours: At roughly five years of continuous operation before a statistically expected failure, this is a solid reliability figure for a device that typically sees intermittent use during maintenance cycles rather than 24/7 operation.
• Operating Temperature 0–40°C: Covers normal server room conditions. If your facility runs hotter than 40°C at the rack face, address the cooling situation first — this is a standard commercial-grade thermal rating, not an extended-range industrial spec.

Integration and Compatibility

The RKCOND17HD connects to any host system with a USB port for HID (keyboard/mouse) and either a DVI or VGA video output. It is not a KVM switch — it presents as a single-port console for one connected machine at a time. If you need to control multiple servers from a single console, you will need a separate KVM switch between this drawer and your server pool. The USB cable handles both keyboard and mouse signals in a single connector, simplifying cabling behind the rack.

Supported resolutions include 1024x576, 1152x648, 1280x720, 1366x768, 1600x900, and 1920x1080, giving you a clean signal match with most server BIOS and OS configurations. The 18-bit panel renders 262,144 colors, which is appropriate for server administration tasks — it is not a color-critical design or video production display.

The dual-rail system requires a minimum rack mounting depth of 25.2 inches and supports up to 39.4 inches — verify your rack's inner depth before ordering to confirm the rails will seat correctly. The unit is 18.9 inches wide, fitting standard 19-inch EIA racks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the minimum rack depth required to mount the RKCOND17HD?

A: The RKCOND17HD requires a minimum mounting depth of 25.2 inches (64.1 cm) and supports up to 39.4 inches (100 cm). Verify your rack's inner depth before ordering.

Q: Does the RKCOND17HD work as a KVM switch to control multiple servers?

A: No. The RKCOND17HD is a single-port KVM console drawer — it connects to one machine at a time. To control multiple servers, you need a separate KVM switch installed between the console and your server connections.

Q: What video input types does the RKCOND17HD support?

A: The RKCOND17HD accepts both DVI and VGA video inputs at up to 1920x1080 @ 60Hz, making it compatible with a wide range of servers from legacy hardware with VGA outputs to modern equipment with digital DVI connections.

Q: What is the warranty on the RKCOND17HD?

A: StarTech provides a 2-year manufacturer warranty on the RKCOND17HD.

Q: How much power does the RKCOND17HD consume, and does it support international voltages?

A: The RKCOND17HD draws 19.4W at a maximum of 1A and accepts 100–240V AC input, making it compatible with both North American and international rack power environments without a voltage converter.

Q: How many rack units does the RKCOND17HD occupy?

A: The RKCOND17HD occupies 1U (1.7 inches tall), making it one of the most space-efficient local console options for densely populated racks.

Eden Phillips

The spec I keep coming back to on the RKCOND17HD is that dual-rail depth range: 25.2 to 39.4 inches. Most data centers run a mix of rack depths, and a console drawer that only fits one depth profile creates headaches when you're standardizing across multiple cabinets. The fact that this unit adjusts across that full range means you can deploy a single SKU consistently rather than sourcing different console drawers for shallow two-post frames versus deep four-post enclosed racks.

Technical Highlights:

• 1U Height (1.7 in): At 1U, this drawer reclaims rack space compared to 2U consoles — meaningful in 42U cabinets where every unit counts and you're already fighting for space between patch panels and ToR switches.
• Dual Video Input (DVI + VGA): Supporting both analog VGA and digital DVI at 1920x1080 @60Hz on a single device eliminates the need for separate console drawers per server generation. Legacy hardware and current equipment both connect without adapters.
• MTBF 44,230 Hours: That's over five years of continuous operation at the statistical mean — appropriate for a device used during maintenance windows rather than 24/7, meaning real-world longevity should comfortably exceed that figure in typical deployments.

Deployment Considerations:

• Confirm your rack's inner usable depth before mounting. The rails require at least 25.2 inches of clear depth — some older two-post open-frame racks with cable management arms installed may fall short of that.
• At 30 lb (13.6 kg), this drawer adds meaningful weight toward the front of a rack. Factor it into your rack's rated weight-per-U and front/rear load balance, particularly in mobile server carts or lighter-duty open-frame racks.

The RKCOND17HD is well-suited for SOC equipment rooms and colocation cage deployments where engineers need a clean, space-efficient local console that accommodates both legacy and current server hardware without carrying additional adapters. It is not the right call for environments needing multi-server switching from a single console — pair it with a dedicated KVM switch for that use case.