Isn't a server just a computer?
Well, yes…
BUT before you click away, allow me to elaborate on why Servers aren’t just any bog-standard computers.
Servers vs. Computers
Technically speaking, there’s nothing fundamentally different between a Server and a Desktop PC. However it’s the type, quality and physical size of the hardware which makes Servers special.
Let me explain by using the analogy of a Range Rover vs. an F1 Racecar…
The 4×4 is more comfortable, has a fancy infotainment system, space for passengers in the back, and for luggage in the boot – but it’s not best-in-class at all of these things.
An F1 car has no room for passengers, no suspension and no touchscreen onboard.
BUT it will beat a Range Rover in a drag race…
Why? Because its design is entirely focused on maximising two things – speed and acceleration.
…and that’s why you don’t see Range Rovers competing in the Grand Prix!
An F1 car is tailored towards maximum speed, just like a Server is tailored towards maximum computational power.
It's not only density, though...
Efficiency is a big factor too.
If for a workload, a business requires 250 TB of storage, and 100 GHz of combined CPU speed, ideally they want to achieve these numbers by balancing the following three things:
1. Value – i.e. cost per GHz or TB;
2. Energy efficiency – i.e. performance per watt;
3. Space efficiency – i.e. GHz or TB per unit volume.
Why does it matter?
For a large proportion of global companies, servers live in datacenters. I have an article dedicated to explaining datacenters, but for now, all we need to know is how datacenter pricing works.
A business will pay a datacenter for two things:
1. Power usage
2. Rack space
Power usage is more to do with the efficiency of server hardware…
and rack space is the size.
So essentially, having fewer more powerful Servers costs less in datacenter ‘rent’ than more slower (but cheaper) ones.
This is why having efficient and powerful equipment is as small an enclosure as possible, is so important.
As a result, 95% of Servers look like this:
Servers vs. Computers - A Summary
The size and shape of Server hardware is the main thing that differentiates them from traditional desktop PCs.
Just like a laptop, the components are designed to fit within a standard-size chassis with a universally-specified thickness (measured in ‘U‘s). This means that most Servers look the same and you are often limited in choice when selecting one for your business. That is unless you decide to purchase through a partner that specialises in bespoke performance Servers, such as Digitize.
I really enjoyed what you have accomplished here. The outline is elegant, your written content is stylish, yet you seem to have acquired a bit of apprehension over what you aim to convey next. Undoubtedly, I will revisit more frequently, just as I have been doing nearly all the time in case you sustain this upswing.
The breadth of knowledge compiled on this website is astounding. Every article is a well-crafted masterpiece brimming with insights. I’m grateful to have discovered such a rich educational resource. You’ve gained a lifelong fan!
Nice blog here Also your site loads up very fast What host are you using Can I get your affiliate link to your host I wish my site loaded up as quickly as yours lol
I self host. Send me an email and I can provide a quote depending on your needs.