Dell’s Rack Server is one of those elusive products that only the most hardcore of PC enthusiasts have been able to obtain. The device is essentially a small form factor PC that plugs into a rack and offers enough storage and computing power to run multiple applications. Dell’s goal was to create a miniature PC that you can bring and use anywhere, and I think they nailed it.

Basic Info

The Dell Rack Server was first announced (in PR terms, at least) back in October 2016. The product is essentially a miniature version of Dell’s X-Series of servers that come in a 19-inch (or thereabouts) form factor. You’ll typically find the Dell Rack Server with two 2.5-inch solid-state drives (SSDs) and a single 3.5-inch HDD. The small size of the device makes it easier to tuck into the tight spaces where a traditional PC won’t fit, and its diminutive stature also makes it easier to carry-along than your standard PC. All told, it’s a perfect travel companion for those wanting to temporarily set up shop in a different location.

Features

The Dell Rack Server is a relatively modern PC that features a number of interesting features. First off, the device is PC-based, so you’ll need a compatible power supply and interface to run it. Fortunately, modern PC power supplies are less demanding than those found in traditional servers, so there’s no real worry about running out of juice. Additionally, the Dell Rack Server supports both 2.5-inch and 3.5-inch drives, so if you have a couple of old spinning hard drives laying around, you can use them without worrying about filling up all available space. The device also features a number of interesting ports, including four USB 3.0 ports that can be used to connect to various peripherals, an HDMI port for connecting to an external display, and an Ethernet port for connecting to the internet.

What’s Missing

While the Dell Rack Server is a relatively complete device, it’s not without its flaws. For example, there’s no built-in optical drive, so you’ll either need to bring your own or rent one when needed. Despite the relatively advanced internal hardware, the device is still reliant on an older generation wireless card to connect to wireless networks, so you’ll need to have either a wired or WiFi connection available when you need to use the PC. Another minor annoyance is that there’s no built-in microphone, so if you’re planning on using the device to record audio, you’ll either need to bring your own or buy one separately.

Overall

In the end, is it worth it? That’s ultimately up to you and what you want out of the device. On the plus side, the Dell Rack Server is a ton of fun to use and packed with enough features to satisfy the most demanding of users. Plus, if you’ve got a need for a temporary (or permanent) working machine, it’s hard to find a better solution than the Dell Rack Server.