A reliable IT infrastructure is the backbone of every modern-day business. Be it a database server, business applications, file storage, or hundreds of employees, the server at the heart of every operation is crucial to maintaining its day-to-day operations.

However, not all servers are the same, and the different server hardware components play an integral role in the system’s performance, storage, reliability, and scalability.

At NOK Smart, we offer business technology advisory services to help companies understand their requirements and build their IT infrastructure around it. In this article, we’ll be going over the different server hardware components and their importance to your business.

What Is a Business Server?

A server is a computer that is used to store data, run applications, and provide services to other computers joined in a network. Unlike a regular PC, a business server is a powerful machine that is designed to operate continuously, serve multiple users, and run enterprise-level applications. Depending on the needs of the organization, servers can provide file storage, databases, applications, virtualization platforms, backups, web services, email, and more.

1. Processor (CPU)

The central processing unit, or CPU, is the brain of the server. It is responsible for calculating and processing all operations carried out by the applications running on the server. While it may be tempting to go for the best processor on the market, it is advisable to analyze your needs and only get the necessary power.

A server that will only store files will need a much less powerful processor than one that will run databases or virtualization platforms.

When choosing a processor for your server, you will need to analyze:

• Number of cores
• Clock speed
• Threads
• Cache
• Workloads
• Scalability

With the right processor, you can ensure you only pay for what you need.

2. Server RAM

Random Access Memory, or RAM, is a form of server memory that stores information temporarily while the server is operating. Simply put, the more RAM you have, the more data your server can process at once. This is why servers that run multiple applications or virtual machines need much more memory than those that only store data.

When choosing the amount of memory for your server, you need to take into consideration:

• The number of users
• The applications you will run on the server
• The size of your database
• Virtual machines
• Operating system
• Scalability

This is why RAM is not a stand-alone component – it needs to be sized according to your server’s requirements.

3. Server Storage

A server’s storage is where the data is held. Most modern-day servers use either solid-state drives or hard disk drives. The former is much faster and better suited for applications and databases, while the latter offers better value for money and can be used for storage and backups.

Depending on the type of data you will be storing and the performance needs of your applications, you can choose the amount and type of storage your server will use.

4. RAID Controllers and RAID Storage

RAID stands for Redundant Array of Independent Disks. It is a technology that uses multiple drives to offer data storage, performance, and redundancy depending on the RAID level. RAID is useful in servers because it can offer increased performance, data redundancy, and disk fault tolerance. However, it is important to understand that RAID is not a backup solution, and a proper infrastructure design will use a combination of RAID and backups to ensure data security.

5. Network Interface Card (NIC)

The Network Interface Card is a server component that allows the computer to connect to the network. The card is essential in determining the amount of data that can be transferred to and from the server. For businesses that use large amounts of data, a reliable network connection is essential to avoid downtime and delays.

Depending on your business needs, you may want to consider servers with multiple network ports and different Ethernet speeds.

6. Power Supply Unit

The power supply unit, or PSU, is the component that provides power to the server. While it may seem like an unimportant component, the PSU is what keeps the server running. For this reason, it is not advisable to skimp on the power supply, especially if you are running an enterprise-level server. Most modern-day enterprise servers also use redundant power supplies to ensure uninterrupted operations.

7. Server Cooling System

The cooling system in a server is responsible for keeping the hardware at optimal temperatures. As the server processes data, the CPU and other components can reach very high temperatures, which can cause damage if not cooled adequately. In addition to keeping the server hardware safe, a good cooling system can prevent system instability and hardware failure.

When choosing a cooling system for your server, it is important to keep in mind that the server room or data center also needs to be cooled. This is why organizations that use servers usually have large server rooms with specialized cooling systems.

8. Server Motherboard

The motherboard is the foundation of the server. It connects all the other components and determines what other hardware can be used. The motherboard also determines the server’s performance, so it is important to choose the right one depending on the needs of your business.

When choosing the motherboard, you should consider:

• CPU compatibility
• RAM capacity
• Storage options
• Expansion slots
• Network options
• Peripheral devices
• Motherboard form factor

If you plan on expanding your IT infrastructure, the motherboard should also be able to support additional hardware.

9. Expansion Cards

Some businesses may need to add additional features to their servers. This is why expansion cards are useful, as they can add additional network ports, storage options, graphics processing power, and more. When choosing the expansion cards, it is important to determine what additional features your server may need.

10. Server Chassis and Form Factor

A server’s chassis is its physical structure. There are two types of server chassis: tower and rack-mount. Tower servers are good for small businesses that do not have much space for a server room or rack. Rack servers, on the other hand, are mounted in standard server racks and are usually used in larger organizations that need more space.

Depending on the size of your organization and the amount of space you have, you can choose between the two server chassis.

How Should Businesses Choose Server Hardware?

When it comes to choosing server hardware, it is important not to get caught up in the technical specifications. Instead, businesses should focus on the purpose of the server and what they need it for. The most important factors when choosing server hardware include:

• Your workloads
• The number of users
• Storage requirements
• Scalability
• Availability
• Security
• Maintenance and monitoring

A server that is powerful today will not be powerful enough in five years. This is why it is important to plan your server infrastructure around your current and future needs.

Build the Right Server Infrastructure With NOK Smart

When it comes to server hardware components, there is more to it than just the processor, RAM, and storage. At NOK Smart, we offer advisory services to help you choose the right server infrastructure that fits your business needs. We can help you build a reliable, scalable, and secure IT infrastructure that will support your business for years to come.

The right server is not always the most powerful one; it is the one that has the exact specifications you need to run your business.