It’s the kind of question that only tech-savvy Millennials ask each other when they’re bored at work: “What is the coolest thing you’ve ever bought?”
The answer is: “A server tower.”
Yes, the glorious golden era of IT has given way to the cloud. No longer do we have to be tethered to our desks, struggling with hardware lock-in and software bloat. Thanks to the brave new world of software-defined networking (SDN) and network functions virtualization (NFV), we can outsource our networking needs to the “cloud” and focus on what matters most to us: our apps and our users.
So you want to buy a server tower? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Here’s what you need to know.
Features
Let’s be honest, no matter whether you’re buying a desktop PC or a laptop, all that hardware has to have some kind of feature to make it worth your while. In the case of a server tower, you’re getting a piece of industrial-grade equipment with enough horsepower to run dozens of web servers and other large applications, all in one room.
But what makes this hardware special is a set of features that make it ideal for handling heavy workloads. If you’re looking for a standard desktop or laptop, you might want to consider a different device.
First and foremost, the server tower has a great deal of internal storage. Pre-built barebones come with up to 1 TB of standard hard drive storage and a fixed number of solid-state drives (SSDs), putting storage capacity at a maximum of 2 TB. If you’re looking for a laptop that can run demanding applications like Microsoft Excel or Photoshop, you might want to consider other options as well.
Size
We mentioned the storage capacity earlier, but this piece of equipment is also notable for its relatively small size. The top of the line is a 12-inch rack, which is actually rather compact. If you need a little more room for your desk, you could always pick up an additional 12-inch rack and connect them both via USB 3.0 hubs. This would result in a 24-inch rack, but only if both units are identical.
For even more room, you could look into an all-in-one device like the Mac mini. Not only will you have all the storage you need in one device, but you’ll also get a complete workstation in the form of a MacBook Pro, iMac, and Mac mini. All of these devices combined offer a great experience for multitasking and heavy workloads.
Power
Power comes in many different forms, but in the case of a server tower, you’re getting a fairly high-end device with a lot of it. The high-end model comes with an Intel Xeon E5 processor and up to 16 GB of RAM. This puts it in a class of its own when it comes to processing power.
If you need to process huge amounts of data quickly, the server tower’s performance is unrivaled. If you do a lot of video or graphic editing, these devices are also great choices because of their ample storage and speedy processors. Lastly, the power reserves continue outside of the hardware itself with the inclusion of a backup generator to keep everything working in the event of a power outage.
Cooling
Noise is one of the main factors that negatively affect a workspace. While we’re not talking about screeching noises here, we are referring to the constant hum generated by all that hardware. This is where proper cooling comes in handy. Just like in any other part of your PC, you can also find thermal paste on the market that you can use to improve things a little bit.
In order to keep your hardware working at maximum performance, you need to ensure that it stays cool. Luckily, the server tower has you covered on this front too. Thanks to the design of the case, which is engineered for optimal air flow, you don’t have to worry about overheating even under heavy loads. This makes the server tower a great choice for anyone who works tirelessly on their PC.
Cost
Finally, we arrive at one of the most important factors affecting any purchase decision: cost. Let’s talk about the price first, as it’s quite competitive considering the features mentioned above. Pre-built servers come with a one-year parts and labor warranty, so you’re not completely out of luck if something goes wrong. Typically, you can find these devices for sale at retailers like Newegg for around $600 USD.
Keep in mind that this is the price of the “barebones” version, so you’ll most likely want to pick up some accessories to make the machine truly usable. For example, you could get a keyboard, a mouse, and a headset for around $150 USD. Even more so, you could get the server tower in a bundle with a mid-tiered plan from a hosting provider like Joyent (not affiliated with PC Mag in any way) and sign up for the 1-year parts and labor warranty for only $600 USD. That’s not too bad at all.
Why Renting?
If you’re wondering why you should rent a server tower instead of buying one, the answer is quite simple. It’s more convenient, safer, and less costly to rent. If you’ve ever tried to assemble your own hardware for the purpose of building a PC, you’ll understand what we mean. Most of the hardware you need is either too expensive or too difficult to source individually, which is why you end up going the rental route. When it comes to servers, the sky is the limit.
For those of you who need a new computer anyway and don’t want to build one yourself, renting a server is the next best thing. You’ll either need to find a reputable hosting provider or put together your own servers based on what you can afford. This is where it gets expensive. There are also instances where you might need to upgrade your hardware once your contract is up. In this case, it would be advisable to buy a used server instead of trying to lease one. You’ll save yourself both money and hassle that way. Just keep in mind that the server rental market is competitive, so you might not get the best price if you’re looking for a bargain.
What Next?
So you’ve decided to rent a server tower. What’s the next step? Ensure that you pick a reliable hosting provider who has ample resources and reasonable prices. You don’t want to end up with poor performance due to heavy loads or expensive bills because they don’t have the resources to accommodate your needs. Ensure that you look for reviews before making a decision and that you consider all your options before signing up with any one provider. With the right information and research, you can find a great hosting provider that can put your mind at ease.