How to choose server components? What to pay attention to?

Nowadays, the conduct of business is closely linked to information systems. Among other things, they are used for data collection and processing, customer service or management of various areas of the company. At the heart of any IT infrastructure is a specialized "computer". It creates the resources server, which today are often virtualized and delivered as a service, giving access to them from anywhere in the world. However, many entrepreneurs prefer to invest in their own hardware. Do you also have such a plan? From this article you will learn, what a computer server is and what are its types. In addition, specialists from Stovaris describe the components that make it up components, such as disk, processor or enclosure. Check what they are responsible for and what to pay attention to when choosing them!

Computer server - what is covered by this term?

According to the definition computer server is a specialized device that provides access to various IT services. It provides a source of resources server, which can be used for such purposes as:

• storage, sharing and processing of data,

• print equipment management,

• website maintenance,

• email handling.

To answer the question, what is a server, it should be added that its function can be performed by any PC. The related services can be enabled through software.

PC-based server - does it work for a company?

The ability to run server on a desktop PC is very rarely used in companies. This is mainly due to the fact that the personal computer:

• usually has insufficient computing power and data storage space, even when it is high-end hardware computer,

• must operate all days of the year, 24 hours a day - is unsuitable for such operation, increasing the risk of failure and costly, temporary loss of access to IT services,

• compared to devices server devices has in housing components (drives, RAM modules and the processor) that consume more power, which contributes to its high operating costs.

Models of communication with the server

While describing it, what are servers, it is worth mentioning two more models of their operation in terms of communication. The first one, commonly used in companies, is referred to as a hierarchical architecture. In it we have one device server (master) and clients connected to it, such as PCs. They individually send queries to the central unit, which processes them and forwards the answers only to the sender.

The opposite is the P2P (peer-to-peer) model. In its case, all devices are equal - each of them is a server and can communicate with the others. This architecture is mainly applicable to the creation of networks focused only on data exchange.

What components does a computer server consist of?

Description of equipment computer servers, i.e. the components inside them components, it is necessary to start with an analysis of their construction. In their simplest form, they resemble stationary PCs, as they are equipped with server housings tower type. Inside there is:

• powerful power supply usually with 80 PLUS certification

• server motherboard together with a processor Intel Xeon or AMD Epyc series,

• drives hard drives HDD and SSD

• RAM memory modules with ECC parity control

The main advantages of this equipment are its affordable purchase price and low operating costs. However, it should be borne in mind that it has severely limited resources. It is mainly used in small companies for simple tasks - it serves, for example, as a server printing or office applications.

A much more advanced version of these devices are rack constructions. In their case, instead of the classic housing special cabinets are used for server components. They contain holders of standardized sizes for mounting, among other things. drives, switches, RAID controllers or FC cards. It is worth noting that this type of equipment is devoid of peripherals, such as a monitor, mouse or keyboard.

Such computer servers are very powerful and have virtually unlimited expansion possibilities. Although they are sold in ready-made kits, it is usually more profitable to buy individual components to build them.

What are the characteristics of server components?

Among the basic elements that make up computer server Rack type include:

• storage media - drives SSD,

• processors,

• RAM modules.

Although similar components are found in PCs, their server counterparts consume less power. On top of that, they have been adapted for round-the-clock operation, making them less prone to malfunction.

Of particular note are the processors. They are distinguished from their PC counterparts by their higher computing power. They have up to a dozen cores each and use multi-threading technology, which makes them capable of performing millions of operations per second. However, because of this design, they generate much more heat, so they require extremely efficient cooling systems. In servers we use Intel's Xeon or AMD's Epyc series processors.

What to follow when buying server components?

Whether you are planning to build a server w enclosure Tower type or in a rack version, you should think carefully about the choice of its components. They should be selected in terms of the tasks for which the equipment will be used. Knowing its application, you will more easily determine such parameters as:

• capacity and technologies drives hard drives,

• number and type RAM operating memory,

• needed processor computing power.

Safety issues are also important. The device server should have access to a UPS from Eaton and remote hardware management, such as via KVM Vertiv or Opengear serial console. We can also use remote management through software for this purpose we use remote access. It is also worth investing in solutions that minimize the risk of data loss due to, for example, the failure of any of the computer storage media, in this case, Arcserve backup software will work great.

Build a computer server for your business with the help of professionals!

Remember that just knowing what a server is and what application it has in the enterprise is not enough to be able to build one on your own. The correct selection of its components requires taking into account many different factors. For this reason, you should leave it in the hands of specialists - contact the consultants of our company Stovaris. We provide technical support and are engaged in the sale of such equipment. You will buy from us server drives, controllers, enclosures and many other components computer components From the best manufacturers. Get to know the whole offer!