 |
 |  |
 |
|
A server is the backbone of your operation. It plays the role of data repository, information provider and operations manager. A server enables easy data sharing, data protection, collaboration and program sharing among multiple PCs. And it is the central component of every network and a necessity for hosting Web applications.
The differences between a PC and a server
At first glance, the basic components of a PC and a server might appear to be the same. But a closer look reveals that the technology that goes into a server is engineered to different standards.
A PC is designed to run desktop applications and a user-friendly operating system. A server is engineered specifically to manage, store, send and process data around the clock. As a result, servers are designed to be more reliable than client computers. Technologies found in a server that are absent in most PCs include redundant power, hot-swappable hard drives, multiple-processor capability and configuration options for services like e-mail and Web site management.
Levels of performance
An entry-level server might be sufficient if you’ve got a small workgroup that only needs to share files and printers. Typically, entry-level servers have a basic processor and 128 – 512MB of memory.
More advanced servers typically have Intel® Pentium® 4 or AMD Athlon MP processors for faster processing speeds. Servers built around these processors usually have more memory, hard-disk space and room for expansion. A well-equipped server in this class would have at least 512MB of memory, three or four hard drives, 10/100/1000 Ethernet capability and five or more expansion slots. A server of this caliber is ideal for workgroups of 10 who need to share files, printers and e-mail.
In terms of speed, the highest level of servers is based on dual-core processing. Dual core refers to a CPU that includes two complete execution cores per physical processor, meaning each processor can perform multiple tasks simultaneously. Because of their increased processing capabilities, dual-core processors reduce the overall number of servers you need, lower power consumption and produce substantial performance improvements.
AMD’s Opteron and Intel’s EM64T processors give you dual-core processing speeds plus the capability to run current 32-bit and new-to-the-market 64-bit software. Dual-core servers typically come with several gigabytes of memory, several expansion slots and Gigabit Ethernet network adaptors. If you plan to work with large graphics files, audio or video content, technical data or engineering software, you will need this level of performance.
An overview of form factors
There are three primary server form factors on the market. Stand-alone boxes that look similar to desktop PCs are typically the most affordable but offer the lowest performance and can eat up lots of space in your server room as you begin to need more and more of them.
Rack-mountable servers are designed to slide into a metal framework, or rack, that can hold multiple servers. Rack-mountable servers vary in height (measured in "U", which equals 1.75 inches) but follow a standard width that allows multiple servers to be installed in one rack for space efficiency.
Finally, blade servers offer the most compact form factor. A blade server is basically a complete server — processor, memory, hard disk, operating system and applications — in a slim module that slides into a rack with other blades and a shared power supply. Blade servers offer high performance and are an attractive option if you are facing space constraints or would like to reduce the size of your server room. However, because blade servers are packed so closely together, they require well-ventilated cabinets. Most blade server cabinets offer centralized cooling fans.
Remember when evaluating servers that you must consider your needs now and in the future. Get as much memory as you can afford. Don’t short change yourself on storage. Look for a server that offers easy-to-use management tools. And be sure there are sufficient numbers of extra drive bays and memory slots so you can increase performance and capacity down the road.
%%d_amdefault_cta%%
<< BACK TO TOP
|
|
|
|
|
HP ProLiant ML150 G3 server
Get entry-level pricing on an HP server that offers powerful dual-core processing and plenty of expansion capability
CDW 1006860
LEARN MORE >>
APC® Smart-UPS® SC
1000VA
Performance power protection for servers and voice and data networks; 14-minute half-load runtime
CDW 833895
LEARN MORE >>
Adaptec® Snap Server 1100 250GB
Installing 250GB of portable storage is as simple as plugging in the power and Ethernet cables and flipping the power switch
CDW 626999
LEARN MORE >>
|
|
|
|
| Account Manager |
| %%d_amdefault_ambox%% |
|
|
|
