List of Top Rack Servers 2020

Rack Servers Overview

What are Rack Servers?

A server is a high powered computer designed to store, retrieve and send computer files and data. It processes requests from client computers or programs and delivers the data via the internet or local network. Rack servers, or rack-mounted servers, are servers that are designed to be installed in a low-profile enclosure (rack) designed to hold IT equipment.

These racks contain multiple vertical bays where the servers are installed, minimizing the need for floor space and simplifying supplying power; however cooling the confined space where the servers are crowded is a necessity. When a server is mounted in a rack, it is usually done so with a rail kit that allows the server to slide in and out of the rack to provide easy in-rack serviceability.

What is a Rack Unit?

A rack unit, designated as “U”, is a unit of measurement for standardizing rack servers, racks, and other rack-mounted IT equipment. A rack unit equals 1.75 inches or 44.45 mm. Standard rack heights are designated as 1U, 2U, 3U, and 4U (equal to 1.75”, 3.5”, 5.25”, and 7”). A 2U rack server will, therefore, have a height of 2.5 inches. There are three available widths of rack servers (19”, 23”, and 24”) but 19 inches wide is the most common.

Server Memory

Without delving too deeply into the mechanics of memory, installed server memory is usually SRAM, DRAM, or ECC. Static random access memory (SRAM) is the fastest and the RAM speed is expressed as DDR1, DDR2, etc. SRAM is usually not user replaceable. Dynamic access memory (DRAM) is less expensive but slightly slower than SRAM. It is also replaceable by the user. ECC stands for error-correcting code and has a self checking software that identifies and corrects any errors that might creep into volatile memory. ECC is a type of DRAM that user replaceable but must be compatible with other computer hardware.

Rack Servers Features & Capabilities

Hot swapping - The capability to replace or add components without shutting down the system
The ability to update software without a restart or reboot
Advanced backup capability for frequent backup of critical data
Redundant power supplies
Advanced networking performance
Automatic (invisible to the user) data transfer between devices.
High security for resources, data and memory protection
Powerful cooling fans or water cooling systems
Advanced self-monitoring, such as overheating and disk failure
Various Connectivity capabilities: USB, video, serial cable
Number of processor cores - multiple cores speed up processing times and capabilities

Pricing Information

The prices for rack servers vary greatly. The biggest specs that impact price include server speed, memory, storage capability, and integrated security features. Low end rack servers start around $1,000 and range to more than $70,000 for very high end enterprise level servers.

IBM POWER9 Servers

97 Ratings

IBM offers the POWER9 series of servers, available in scale-out or scale-up variants.

IBM Z

69 Ratings

IBM Z is the company's mainframe enterprise server solution product line.

Cisco UCS C-Series

21 Ratings

Cisco's UCS C-Series is a line of rack servers featuring high density editions.

IBM Power Systems AC922

13 Ratings

The IBM AC922 and LC922 line of servers are storage-rich servers designed to support high data throughput and scalability needs.

HPE ProLiant DL

12 Ratings

HPE ProLiant DL is a rack server, from Hewlett-Packard Enterprise.

IBM LinuxONE

29 Ratings

IBM LinuxONE is the company's high performance scalable mainframe servers, available in the Rockhopper and Emperor editions.

Dell PowerEdge R

22 Ratings

Dell's PowerEdge R is a line of rack servers.