05701-A-0512 Rack components in the 8-channel rear aisle

Rack servers are one of the most useful items in IT hardware, allowing you to store multiple servers in a space-saving rack structure. Server modules are stored in mounting slots called brackets, which typically hold one to eight server units. Unlike tower racks, which are designed to be stored in their own cabinets, server racks have a lower profile that allows your servers to sit on shelves, keeping them off the floor. Rack servers are practical because of their versatility, which allows them to stack, scale, and perhaps most importantly, network. Let’s look at why rack-mounted servers have become a standard accessory in IT hardware management.

IT’s no surprise that rack-mounted servers are the workhorses of the IT world, used by companies of all sizes. Rack-mounted servers can provide you with a number of distinct advantages over other server configurations, including:

1. Integrated server and network control:

Not only can you keep all your server units in one place, but most rack servers offer the ability to install network switches, which can save a lot of time. Network administrators can quickly bring servers online by simply connecting all of them to a single switch.

2. Scalability:

Need an upgrade? Need to add more server cells? This is not a rack server issue. Most units simply slide into the slot and screw in place, and reinstalling a unit or adding a new one can be as simple as taking out a screwdriver.

3. Convenience:

Racks can be stored horizontally, most racks allow servers to be locked into a low, space-saving profile, and rack servers are easy to move and easy to place in tight Spaces, even if server racks are stacked. However, it is important to remember that the more server units you add to the server rack, the heavier, warmer and more power-hungry it will be, and it is important to keep the rack server in a cool, low-dust environment. Keep in mind that the more server cells you have, the more resources you need to provide for cooling equipment.

4. Compact:

Each rack server fits neatly into a 19 “x 1.75” case, and each of these 1.75 “tall rack units is abbreviated to U. Typical full-size rack cages are 42U, and hardware heights are typically 1U, 2U, 3U, and 4U.

While the capacity of all of these components may vary greatly depending on your data and computing needs, most individual rack-mounted servers contain the following common components:

Motherboard – This single server motherboard connects all the systems in the rack and allows components and data buses to communicate with each other.
Central Processing Unit (CPU) – also known simply as processor. While the motherboard provides connectivity, the CPU allows you to set up processes and issue commands to servers in the rack. Think of it as an idea that travels through the computer brain.
RAM (Random Access Memory) – In short, this is the active data processing power of the server stack. Use more server cells to scale up, or remove them to scale down. However, the server rack with the most server memory slots will allow you to easily upgrade processing power in the future without time-consuming reconfiguration.
Host Bus Adapter (HBA) – This simple project allows you to connect external devices to your server, such as network storage.
I/O ports – These ports are an entire subcategory in their own right, and where they are placed can have a significant impact on server design and functionality. Port types include USC, serial, or AUX ports. Which you choose depends on your server size, use cases, and configuration.
Drive bays — Almost every server rack configuration includes secondary drive bays. This allows you to use more hard drives (HDDS) or solid-state drives (SSDS) as needed.
Extra devices – These are small plug-ins that make your server stack more manageable. Common items include rack rails, railings to secure cables, and cooling systems to keep server racks running healthy and strong.