Servers in our range cover NAS storage, rack servers, tower servers and storage arrays, plus components such as controllers, network cards, memory and drives. They suit small offices that need file sharing, IT teams building a server room and businesses replacing ageing hardware. Leading brands include HPE, Supermicro, Lenovo, Synology and Dell.
How to choose a server
Form factor. Tower servers stand on the floor or under a desk and need no extra furniture, which suits a single office. Rack servers mount in a standard 19-inch cabinet and save space when you run several machines, but they need a rack and usually produce more fan noise.
Workload. A file server or backup target needs far less processing power than a database, a virtualisation host or several virtual machines. For virtualisation, prioritise the number of processor cores and the amount of memory the server can hold, since both limit how many virtual machines you can run.
Storage and RAID. Count the drive bays and decide how much redundancy you need. RAID 1 mirrors two drives, while RAID 5 or RAID 6 spreads data and parity across several, so a failed drive does not stop the system. A NAS from our range is the simpler route when the main job is shared storage, and a storage array suits larger or shared storage pools.
Redundancy and expansion. Redundant power supplies keep a server running if one unit fails, and spare memory slots, PCIe slots and network ports leave room to grow. Check these before buying, because adding them later is often impossible or costly.
Compatibility and support. Memory, drives, controllers and network cards are often specific to a server generation or vendor. Match the part number or the supported list for your model, especially for ECC server memory and RAID controllers.
Server brands we carry
- HPE: maker of the ProLiant server family, found in businesses of every size, and the largest brand in this category in our range.
- Supermicro: known for flexible, high-density rack servers and server motherboards that are popular with system builders.
- Lenovo: sells servers under the ThinkSystem name, covering tower and rack models for small businesses and data centres.
- Synology: specialist in NAS devices that run the DiskStation Manager operating system, with built-in backup and file sharing tools.
- Fujitsu: builds the Primergy line of tower and rack servers, sold here under both Fujitsu and Fujitsu Technology Solutions.
- Dell: produces the PowerEdge range, one of the best-known server families worldwide.
- Intel: designs the Xeon processors used in many servers, and also makes server-related components.
- ASUS: offers server boards and rack systems alongside its wider computer range.
Also in our range: Lanberg and ACT.
In the subcategories you will find NAS storage, rack servers, tower servers, storage arrays, controllers and network cards, and a larger group of components and accessories for upgrades.
Frequently asked questions about servers
What is the difference between a NAS and a server?
A NAS is a server built mainly to store and share files over a network. A general-purpose server is more flexible and can run databases, virtual machines, email or business applications. For simple file sharing and backup, a NAS is usually easier to set up.
Should I buy a rack server or a tower server?
Choose a tower server if you have one or two machines and no cabinet, and a rack server if you already have a rack or plan to add more servers. Towers are quieter and need no mounting hardware. Racks use space more efficiently and are easier to manage in groups.
What does RAID do in a server?
RAID combines several drives into one logical volume to improve speed, protect data or both. Levels such as RAID 1, 5 and 6 let the server keep running after a drive fails. RAID is not a backup, so you still need separate copies of important data.
Can I upgrade a server after buying it?
Yes, most servers allow upgrades to memory, drives, network cards and sometimes processors. The limits are the number of free slots and bays, plus the parts the manufacturer supports. Check the model's compatibility list before ordering any component.
