A server is not simply a more powerful desktop computer. Enterprise servers are designed around workloads, reliability, expansion, storage, networking and management requirements.
The existing Netcomtech catalogue is centred around three major enterprise server platforms: Dell PowerEdge, HPE ProLiant and Lenovo ThinkSystem. Server Warehouse also carries server components and related infrastructure.
Start with the workload
The first question should not be "Which server is the fastest?" It should be "What does the server need to do?"
A server might support virtual machines, business applications, databases, file services, backups or other workloads. Those requirements affect the processor, memory, storage and network configuration that makes sense.
Define the workload and expected growth before comparing individual server models. A specification only becomes useful when it is considered in the context of the job the server has to perform.
Rack servers or tower servers?
The existing Netcomtech material distinguishes rack servers from tower servers based largely on the physical environment and deployment approach. Rack servers are intended for installation in server cabinets, while tower servers can be used where a rack environment is not required.
| Consideration | Rack server | Tower server |
|---|---|---|
| Physical installation | Designed for rack installation | Freestanding chassis |
| Rack infrastructure | Requires suitable rack infrastructure | Does not require a server cabinet |
| Space planning | Designed around rack units and cabinet space | Uses floor or equipment-room space |
| Typical decision | Useful where equipment is being consolidated into racks | Useful where a rack environment is not required |
Dell PowerEdge
Server Warehouse has a dedicated Dell server category. The previous Netcomtech page identifies Dell PowerEdge as one of the three principal enterprise server platforms covered by the site.
When considering a PowerEdge system, the important exercise is to match the particular model and configuration to the workload rather than choosing a model name in isolation.
HPE ProLiant
HPE ProLiant is another major server platform represented in the existing Netcomtech material and has its own category at Server Warehouse.
As with any server platform, the useful comparison is not simply between brands. Processor generation, memory capacity, storage configuration, expansion requirements and the intended workload all matter.
Lenovo ThinkSystem
Lenovo ThinkSystem is the third major enterprise server platform identified in the existing Netcomtech server material, with a dedicated category at Server Warehouse.
The same decision process applies here: establish the workload first, then compare the available configurations against the required processor, memory, storage, networking and expansion capabilities.
View Lenovo ThinkSystem Servers
Server memory, processors and storage
A server is a system made up of multiple components. Server Warehouse's existing product categories include server RAM, processors, SSD drives, hard drives, RAID controllers, network cards and power supplies. The existing Netcomtech components page specifically describes these as upgrade and replacement areas.
This is important when planning an upgrade. Replacing a server is not always the only option. Depending on the platform and requirements, adding memory, changing storage or replacing a component may be part of the solution.
RAID and server storage
Storage selection is more than capacity. Performance, drive type, redundancy and the way the server uses the storage all need to be considered. RAID can form part of a server storage design, and the appropriate RAID approach depends on the workload and required balance between performance, capacity and redundancy.
If storage is the main requirement rather than general server compute, it is worth looking at the separate Storage section before choosing a server.
Server chassis and rack infrastructure
Physical infrastructure matters too. The existing Netcomtech material covers 1U, 2U, 3U and 4U server chassis, rail kits, power supplies and airflow considerations.
For rack-mounted equipment, the server and the cabinet should be considered together. Rack height, available depth, rails, cable management, power distribution and airflow can all affect the installation.
Read the Server Cabinets guide | Read the Server Chassis guide
What should you compare before buying?
- What workload will the server run?
- How much processor capacity is required now?
- How much memory is required, and how much growth is expected?
- What storage capacity and performance are required?
- Is storage redundancy required?
- How many network connections are needed?
- Will additional expansion cards or storage be required later?
- Will the server be installed in a rack or used as a tower system?
- What power and physical infrastructure is available?
- What maintenance and replacement requirements need to be considered?
Where to go next
If you are still deciding what type of server you need, start with the workload rather than a particular manufacturer or model. Once the requirements are clear, compare the available Dell PowerEdge, HPE ProLiant and Lenovo ThinkSystem configurations.