Tower vs Blade vs Rack Server

Servers are the building blocks of your IT. The type of server you choose for your business is essential for the productive running, and optimization of your technology for your current business model, as well as any growth you see your organization making.

Speaking in general terms, there are three main server types: Blade, Tower and Rack. Each server has its individual benefits and shortcomings depending on your business and IT requirements.

In this article, we will be addressing what each server type can offer you and which of the three is the best fit for your business. At Techbuyer we love to help our customers make informed decisions about how to build their IT infrastructure according to their specific business needs.

 

Rack Servers

When imagining your stereotypical data center, rows of rack servers tucked neatly away in rack cabinets probably comes to mind! Rack servers are extremely popular for many businesses and server estates, and with good reason.

Rack servers are easily slotted into large, cage-like containers known as rack cabinets. Within a rack cabinet, you can combine all devices needed to create a powerful computer network as well as multiple switches for the growth of your IT system.

Rack servers are the ideal solution for many companies due to the various benefits they offer such as expandability, efficiency and convenience. Rack servers are ideal for expansion and growth due to the fact that servers can be easily installed, removed or upgraded within the cabinet. The space within a rack cabinet can be used to house your entire IT system, including servers, switches and routers, allowing all devices to be maintained and cooled together. This makes rack servers a great choice for businesses with limited space, yet still require a powerful IT solution.

 

Tower Server

In comparison, tower servers resemble the computer towers we generally use day to day in both office and home life. With this in mind, they are much smaller and so fit into a smaller office or IT facility. This makes tower servers more suited to smaller organizations. Generally, tower servers also feature a lower component density and so require less cooling, resulting in lower running costs for your business. With this in mind, tower servers are ideal for start-ups and smaller businesses who have limited space and resources for establishing an IT system.

Tower servers require less space and cooling than rack or blade servers and also cause less disruption in terms of noise. This means that tower servers can often fit into an office environment without requiring a separate space which can often be unavailable. Tower servers are worth considering for many smaller organizations, particularly if space is a limiting factor. They are generally a cheaper option to both purchase and run and so make an ideal choice for newly established businesses that don't require an overly powerful or complicated IT solution.

 

Blade Servers

Blade servers function in a different manner to both tower and rack servers in that they are housed within a larger device, known as a blade enclosure. These servers are slotted into a blade enclosure which connects all inputted servers together; this means that blade servers don't require cabling to connect devices together plus allows for more devices to be added and connected easily and without hassle.

Blade servers offer a powerful server solution to many businesses and allow for further expansion and growth for your IT system. The compact nature of the blade enclosure, with a central management application, makes blade servers easy to manage. They are fantastic for load-balancing and providing powerful, yet compact, server options.

For larger organizations requiring a powerful server estate, blade enclosures are an ideal choice. Due to the easy management, space optimization, cableless nature and opportunities for expansion, they are important to consider for many businesses looking to establish or upgrade an IT system.

Blade, tower and rack servers, while they fundamentally perform the same functions and work in the same way, are very different in their setup, power, features and maintenance. Deciding which server is best for you and your organization is essential for both your current business model, as well as any future growth. For further guidance and recommendations into which server is best for you and your company, get in touch with our experienced team who can advise further.