Below you will find a quick explanation of the options for "Build Your Own" Servers available on this site. If you have questions, feel free to reach out to us in the chat!
Processor(s)
Server processors are specifically designed to handle demanding tasks and heavy workloads in data centers and enterprise environments. The benefits of these processors include enhanced multitasking capabilities, higher core and thread counts for parallel processing, advanced error-correcting code (ECC) memory support to ensure data integrity, built-in security features to protect data, and power efficiency optimizations to reduce operational costs. In essence, server processors offer superior reliability, performance, and scalability, ensuring smooth and responsive operations for critical business applications. For comparing processors use the following link: https://technical.city/en/cpu
Memory
Servers have the ability to hold a very large amount of RAM memory due to the high number of DIMM slots available in the chassis. Boosting the RAM in a server can markedly improve its performance. This leads to more fluid program initiations and task operations. A server with additional RAM can execute programs more swiftly than previously, even if running a single program. DDR4 server memory is a specialized volatile computer memory tailored for server environments. It boasts enhanced reliability with Error-Correcting Code (ECC), higher performance speeds, reduced power consumption, and is designed for continuous, intensive workloads and seamless scalability. Available memory sizes can range from 4GB-128GB and available memory speeds can be (2400, 2666, 2933, 3200). Having more memory in your server improves performance by allowing for faster data processing, reducing the need to access slower storage, and supporting more simultaneous applications or users.
Storage
Servers can utilize various storage types: HDDs for cost-effective bulk storage, SSDs for high-speed performance, NVMe drives connected via U.2 interfaces for ultra-fast data access, and hybrid solutions that combine HDDs and SSDs to balance cost and speed. Configurations like RAID enhance performance and data redundancy across these drives.
To compare HDD's use the following link: https://www.harddrivebenchmark.net/
To compare SSD's use the following link: https://versus.com/en/ssd
Network Card
Server network cards, also known as Network Interface Cards (NICs), allow for seamless data transfer by connecting servers to computer networks. They often support high-speed connections, ensuring fast data movement. When equipped with multiple NICs, servers can achieve redundancy for failover protection and load balancing to optimize performance. Server-grade NICs frequently come with advanced features such as offload capabilities that further enhance server efficiency and throughput. Available Network Cards Come in a Variety of Speeds Such as (1GB, 10GB, 25GB, 40GB, and 56GB) and Available Ports can Range from (1-Port, 2-Port, and 4-Port).
RAID Controller
There are many different types of RAID Controllers to choose from when using Servers. The more costly RAID controllers can come with lots of extra features for example. The Dell H330 is an entry-level RAID controller suitable for basic storage needs and less I/O intensive workloads, supporting RAID levels 0, 1, 5, 10, and 50 without onboard cache. On the other hand, the Dell H740 is a high-performance controller designed for I/O intensive applications and offers advanced RAID features with built-in cache, supporting RAID levels up to 60. While the H330 caters to simpler setups, the H740 is aimed at environments requiring high data throughput and resilience. The choice between them hinges on specific requirements and budget constraints.
RAID Configurations
RAID configurations have a very important role when in servers—namely, data redundancy, performance, or both. Servers might prioritize rapid data access or protection against data loss for critical projects. To learn more about RAID configurations, visit our page: Understanding RAID Configurations.
Operating System
Windows Server is a series of enterprise-class server operating systems from Microsoft, tailored for corporate networking, internet hosting, databases, and other server-centric tasks. It boasts an intuitive GUI for easy management, seamless integration with Microsoft products, robust security features including Windows Defender and Advanced Threat Protection, the power of PowerShell scripting for intricate administration tasks, and the centralized user and computer management capabilities of Active Directory.
VMware ESXi is a bare-metal hypervisor from VMware that forms the cornerstone of a virtualized server environment, enabling multiple virtual machines to run on a single physical server. It's known for its ability to efficiently utilize resources through server consolidation, the simplicity of datacenter management with vCenter, features like high availability, fault tolerance, and vMotion, as well as strong virtualization capabilities for networking and storage, and solid security measures like VM Encryption and Secure Boot.
Linux Server Operating Systems are open-source, Unix-like systems based on the Linux kernel, with popular server distributions including CentOS, Ubuntu Server, and Red Hat Enterprise Linux. They are celebrated for being open-source, customizable, and cost-effective, backed by a strong security posture and a storied history of stability. Furthermore, they have extensive community and enterprise support, versatility in hosting various services and applications, and can be lightweight and optimized for dedicated tasks.
Boss Cards
An optional PCIe Card is available for all Dell 40 Series and up (when in stock). The Boss card allows you to add NVMe storage to your Dell server using one of the available PCIE Slots.
Cache Card
A component that comes with most RAID controllers by default. A cache card on RAID controllers is used to store frequently accessed data temporarily, enhancing the speed and efficiency of data access. The cache can be used for both read and write operations, improving the overall performance of the storage system by reducing latency and boosting throughput. In some cases, a battery or capacitor backup is added to the cache card to protect cached data in case of power failures.
iDRAC Remote Access
A built in Remote Management System built into all Dell PowerEdge Servers. Dell iDRAC is an embedded solution in Dell servers for remote management and monitoring, offering out-of-band control, health checks, simplified updates, and enhanced troubleshooting.
Rails
Rails are metal brackets used to mount and support servers within a rack, allowing for optimal utilization of vertical space and facilitating organized, accessible arrangements of hardware.
Bezel
Rails are metal brackets used to mount and support servers within a rack, allowing for optimal utilization of vertical space and facilitating organized, accessible arrangements of hardware.
Optical Drive
An optional DVD rewritable drive can be installed on this unit. Disc drives are becoming less and less common, but some users still request them for legacy purposes.
Warranty
PCSP proudly offers the most comprehensive warranty in the refurbished IT hardware industry. If your equipment is not functioning properly for any reason (other than neglect or abuse) we will ship the equipment back to our facility, replace the necessary components, and ship the equipment back at zero cost to the customer. Rest assured knowing that you are in great hands when you purchase your equipment from PCSP. All equipment ordered from our website comes with a free 90-day warranty period. We offer to extend this warranty period at the time of purchase for up to 5 years. For more details on the PCSP warranty, click here: https://pcserverandparts.com/warranty/