WHAT IS A RACK SERVER?
Rack servers, also known as rack mount servers, are specially built to fit into a framework known as a rack. They are positioned in slots called bays and held in place with screws. These servers come in four different sizes: 1U, 2U, 4U, and the less common 8U.
Rackmount servers differ from tower servers in that they have a compact, flat design. Several servers can be stacked on top of each other in a single rack, saving space and making it easier to manage network resources. This also streamlines the process of connecting components within the network.
There’s no restriction on using different server types for tasks such as virtualization or cloud computing. However, due to their design, rackmount servers are commonly used for tasks like email and file hosting. Blade servers, with their strong computing power, are often favored for virtualization purposes. Advantages of using rack servers and their applications.
1. Ease of addition/removal – sliding the server along the rails is all it takes for a technician to install or remove it. Keep in mind that larger servers (4U, 5U) are heavier and require more cooling.
2. Space efficiency – stacking all servers horizontally into one or multiple racks saves data center space.
3. Scalability – adding upgrades or extra servers is simple and if operations expand, there’s ample space for more servers or upgrades. Hot-swappable devices allow for seamless maintenance and maximizing uptime.
4. Network consolidation – every server has network interfaces, making it straightforward to install a switch and connect all servers to it.
WHAT COMPONENTS DO RACK SERVERS CONTAIN?
The type of components required will depend on your IT needs. For example, if you’re performing heavy load tasks, you’ll probably need DDR4 server memory to improve bandwidth and lower voltage.
BASIC COMPONENTS THAT EVERY RACK SERVER CHASSIS MUST CONTAIN
Components required for a rack server.
1. Motherboard (also called a system board) – facilitates communication between components through data buses.
2. CPU (Central Processing Unit) – also known as a processor – is responsible for executing instructions.
3. RAM (Random Access Memory) or server memory – more slots allow for more memory modules, reducing bottlenecks and speeding up data access.
4. HBA (Host Bus Adapter) – connects external devices to the server.
5. I/O Ports (such as USB, serial, or AUX port) – usually built into the system board.
6. Drive bays – for adding HDDs or SSDs to the server.
7. Supporting hardware – including rails, cable management bars, and cooling system – prevents overheating.
WHERE CAN I BUY RACK SERVERS?
REF Group offers a vast selection of new and refurbished rack servers from over 150 brands, including HPE, Dell, and IBM, with over 225,000 IT parts available. Browse our inventory of HPE and Dell rack servers online or contact our highly-rated customer service team.
All products undergo a rigorous 25-step recertification process and come with a robust three-year warranty for customer assurance. Our configure to Order service is also free of charge. Just discuss your IT needs with our account managers and our experienced service technicians will take care of the rest.