Rack servers are machines built to be mounted in a standard 19-inch server rack, for business workloads such as virtualisation, databases, file storage and video recording. Our range of over 60 models runs from entry-level single-processor units to multi-processor systems, with HPE, Lenovo, ASUS, Fujitsu and Dell among the leading brands.
How to choose a rack server
Processor platform. Our range includes AMD EPYC and several Intel Xeon families: Xeon Silver, Xeon Gold and Xeon 6. Xeon Silver generally suits lighter workloads such as file serving, while Xeon Gold and EPYC are the usual choice for busy virtualisation hosts and databases that need more cores.
Memory. Many models in our range ship with 32 GB installed, which is a starting point rather than a ceiling. Check the maximum supported memory instead, which in our range runs from 128 GB to 12 TB, and choose a model with room to grow beyond your current needs.
Power supply. Power supplies in our range run from 700 W to 3200 W. Lower ratings are enough for a single-processor server with a few drives, while systems with several processors, many disks or add-in accelerator cards need the higher figures. Look for a model with redundant power supplies if downtime is costly, since the server keeps running if one unit fails.
Rack height and storage. Rack servers are measured in rack units (U). A 1U server saves space, whereas a 2U server usually offers more drive bays, more expansion slots and quieter cooling. Measure the depth of your rack before ordering, as some servers are considerably longer than others.
Network connections. Most servers in our range have two RJ-45 Ethernet ports, some have one and a few have more. If you plan to run storage traffic or management on a separate network, count the ports you need, and remember that faster links usually require an add-in network card.
Rack server brands we carry
- HPE: Hewlett Packard Enterprise is the largest brand in this category in our range, and its ProLiant line is one of the most widely used server families in business IT.
- Lenovo: Lenovo sells its servers under the ThinkSystem name, covering single-socket models for small offices up to larger systems for data centres.
- ASUS: ASUS builds rack servers around Intel and AMD platforms, drawing on its long experience in server motherboards.
- Fujitsu: Fujitsu is known for its PRIMERGY rack servers, which are popular with mid-sized companies, particularly in Europe.
- Dell: Dell offers the PowerEdge range, a long-established server line with a large base of administrators who already know its management tools.
- Gigabyte: Gigabyte makes server systems as well as motherboards, with models built around AMD EPYC and Intel Xeon processors.
Also in our range: Dahua Technology, LG, Axis Communications and Intel.
Rack server FAQ
What is the difference between a rack server and a tower server?
A rack server is designed to slide into a 19-inch rack alongside other equipment, while a tower server stands on its own like a desktop PC. Racks save floor space and make cabling tidier when you run several servers. A tower is often simpler for a small office without a rack or a dedicated server room.
What does 1U or 2U mean on a rack server?
1U and 2U describe the height of the server in rack units, where one unit is 44.45 mm. A 1U server is slimmer and lets you fit more machines in one rack. A 2U server is taller, which generally allows more drives, more expansion cards and larger, quieter fans.
Should I choose Intel Xeon or AMD EPYC?
Both are server-grade processors, and the right choice depends on the workload and the budget. AMD EPYC processors are known for high core counts, which helps with virtualisation and other heavily threaded tasks. Intel Xeon processors are widely supported by server software and are available across a broad range of performance levels, from Xeon Silver to Xeon Gold and Xeon 6.
Do I need a redundant power supply?
You need one if the server must stay online when a power supply fails. With two supplies, the second takes over automatically, and most can be replaced while the server is running. For a test machine or a backup system that can be offline for a few hours, a single supply is often enough.
