Tower servers are standalone, upright servers for small businesses, branch offices and workshops that have no server rack. Our range covers more than 30 models from HPE, Fujitsu, Dell and Lenovo, built around Intel Xeon processors and tower chassis from 3U to 4.5U.
How to choose a tower server
Processor. Match the Xeon generation to the workload. Our range includes Intel Xeon 6 models, which are the newest, as well as Xeon Silver and Xeon Gold systems. File sharing, print services and light virtualisation run well on mid-range chips, while databases and many virtual machines benefit from more cores.
Memory. Check the maximum supported memory, not just what is installed. Many tower servers in our range support up to 128 GB, which is enough for most small-office roles. A few go much higher, up to 1 TB or 4 TB, which suits heavy virtualisation or in-memory databases.
Storage. Decide how much capacity you need and whether you want room to grow. Some configurations ship with SSDs of 480 GB, 960 GB or 1.92 TB, and others with 2 TB. Look at the number and type of drive bays, and whether a RAID controller is included, because that determines how easily you can add disks or protect data against a drive failure.
Power supply and chassis. Power supplies in our range run from 300 W for entry-level machines to 1100 W for systems with several drives or add-in cards. Chassis sizes include 3U and 4.5U towers, and the taller ones usually leave more room for drives and cooling. If the server must stay on a single desk or in a cupboard, check the physical dimensions before ordering.
Tower server brands we carry
- HPE (HP Enterprise): the largest brand in this category, known for business server hardware with built-in remote management.
- Fujitsu: a Japanese manufacturer with a long history of supplying servers to businesses and public organisations.
- Dell and Dell Technologies: one company listed under two names, widely used in small and mid-sized businesses for its server range.
- Lenovo: took over IBM's x86 server business in 2014, so its servers build on that long-standing enterprise lineage.
Also in our range: ASUS.
Tower server FAQ
What is a tower server used for?
A tower server runs shared business services for a small group of users. Typical jobs include file storage, backups, email, print management, databases and virtual machines. It is built like a desktop PC case but with server-grade components such as Xeon processors and ECC memory.
Is a tower server better than a rack server?
A tower server is better when you have no rack and only need one or two servers. It can stand on the floor or a shelf and is usually quieter and easier to cool in an office. A rack server suits larger setups, since it saves space when you run many machines in one cabinet.
How much memory does a tower server need?
For file sharing and basic office services, 16 GB to 64 GB is often enough. If you plan to run several virtual machines, aim for more and check the maximum the server supports. Many tower servers in our range support up to 128 GB, and some support far more.
Can I put a tower server in an office?
Yes, tower servers are designed for that. They are generally quieter than rack servers, but they still produce more noise and heat than a normal PC. Give the server good ventilation and avoid closed cupboards without airflow.
