When the time comes to upgrade your server infrastructure, the choice you make will significantly impact your business’s digital capabilities and operational costs for years to come. However, with so many options available on the market, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by all the technical specifications and features.
Done right, investing in a powerful new rack server can help streamline your workflows, improve productivity across departments, and drive down IT expenses through increased efficiency gains and energy savings over the lifespan of the equipment.
Let’s break down the eight most important considerations to help you select a rack server perfectly suited for your unique computing needs and budget.
1. Massive Processing Power and Memory to Handle Any Task
When it comes to the core computing components, few aspects of a rack server are more important than its processor and memory. These components determine how quickly and capably the server will be able to crunch through even the most demanding workloads you can throw at it. As such, they should be top priorities in your selection process.
- For power, opt for a server with an AMD processor. The higher the core and thread count, the more tasks the CPU can handle simultaneously. Look for processors with at least 8 cores and 16 threads as a minimum for serious workloads. You’ll also want processors with clock speeds of 3 GHz or higher to ensure snappy performance.
- In addition, make sure to consider the processor’s cache sizes, as this memory housed directly on the CPU chip helps speed up common operations. Larger Level 3 (L3) caches of 16MB or more will give programs faster access to frequently used data and instructions.
- When it comes to system memory, you’ll want a server with ample RAM installed right from purchase to avoid future upgrade costs. Aim for no less than 128GB of DDR4 memory as a baseline to give your apps plenty of room to run without the dreaded “out of memory” errors. And if your workloads involve heavy use of virtual machines or databases, specify the server with 256GB or more of RAM.
- Beyond capacity, also check the memory’s speed and configuration. Faster DDR4 RAM rated at 3000 MHz or above will boost performance. And look for memory installed across multiple channels in a dual-inline memory module (DIMM) setup like 8x16GB for optimal throughput.
With powerful multi-core processors and generous fast memory, your rack server will have all the grunt needed to sail through intensive compute, modeling, simulation, and analytics workloads. It will also be able to smoothly run dozens of virtual machines alongside resource-hungry databases and other enterprise applications without breaking a sweat.
2. Robust Storage to Hold All Your Data Assets
With more data being generated every day, you’ll need a rack with generous and expandable storage. Select a server with 8 or more hot-swap drive bays that you can fill with large-capacity hard disk drives or faster solid-state drives.
Make sure to also check the server’s RAID support and levels to get redundancy and optimal performance from your drives. Some servers even support all-flash or hybrid storage configurations. The right storage will keep your data safe and accessible for the long haul.
3. Built-In Networking Power for High-Speed Connectivity
Networking is the lifeblood of your server, so it needs top-shelf networking capabilities. Look for a rack server with dual 10GbE or faster ports for lightning-fast data transfers. It should also have additional Gigabit Ethernet ports for management. Make sure the server’s network interface cards support the latest technologies, like RDMA over converged Ethernet for low-latency applications. With features like these, your rack will be able to maximize your network bandwidth.
4. Remote Management at Your Fingertips
Save time and effort by remotely deploying, updating, and troubleshooting your rack host. The server you choose needs IPMI or DRAC built right in for easy out-of-band management over the network. This lets you access the server’s console, power it on/off, and more without being physically present. You’ll also want a server with remote KVM functionality so you can access the server’s screen, keyboard, and mouse from anywhere. Remote management makes light work of server administration.
5. Robust Security and Access Controls
In today’s world of increasing cyber threats, security must be top of mind. Your rack server needs robust security features like TPM for hardware-based encryption keys and Secure Boot to verify the integrity of the boot process. Multi Factor authentication support is also a must for remote management. Look for additional security tools like encryption of data-at-rest and in-transit. The right security tools will give you control and peace of mind.
6. Flexible Expansion for Future-Proof Growth
You can’t predict exactly how your infrastructure needs will change, so choose a rack server designed for expansion. Look for a server with available PCIe slots and interface ports so you can add functionality down the road like 10GbE NICs, FPGAs, or storage controllers. Make sure the server has room to grow with additional drive bays, memory slots, and even the ability to upgrade the CPU. A modular, expandable design means your server can change with your business for years to come.
7. Energy Efficiency to Cut Costs and Go Green
Electricity is a major ongoing expense, so efficiency matters. Look for a rack host utilizing the latest generation of Intel or AMD server processors, which are designed to use less power. Servers with adjustable CPU frequencies and power capping allow you to optimize performance versus efficiency. It should also have features like redundant and high-efficiency power supplies. With an energy-smart rack, you can reduce power usage and lower your bills.
8. Trusted Quality and Support from Dell, HPE or Lenovo
Finally, choose a server from a top-tier vendor with a proven track record like Dell, HPE or Lenovo. These brands deliver high-quality, reliable hardware and offer worldwide support you can depend on. Factors like warranty length, available support plans, and quick part replacement all become important the day you need help. Buying from a brand you trust means you’re covered now and in the future.
Final Words
By considering these eight must-have features, you can select a powerful and future-proof rack server that will reliably support your business for years to come. Don’t cut corners; choose a server with processing and memory muscle, robust storage, top-shelf networking, security, manageability, expansion capacity, efficiency, and backing from a leading vendor. When equipped with features like these, your next rack server will power your business operations efficiently and securely for the long haul.
