High Performance, High Endurance: The Makings of an Enterprise Server

                For every problem, there’s a solution. This is true, but it does leave a little bit out of the equation when it comes to computers. When it comes to technology, it’s not just that there is a solution, but rather, that there are several solutions. This implies that the problem isn’t just finding a solution, but finding the best solution. In terms of computer hardware, oftentimes the best solution is one which can complete a priority task with the most efficiency. This is particularly evident as we observe the demands of enterprise level Information Technologies – while a dozen entry level servers might be able to meet enterprise level demands, this is hardly the best solution. Rather, an enterprise level server should meet the demands of an enterprise level business. But what goes into these highly powered, business optimized machines? Check it out below: the makings of an enterprise server.

Power And Performance: Primary Objectives

While multi-server arrays are nice, sometimes working double duty (or deca-duty!) is a necessity of situation. When businesses require a server which can perform a high degree of multitasking, multiprocessing, and can handle mission critical applications, they choose an enterprise level server optimized for such. So how does this translate into the server’s configuration? While, the space constraints for such a server necessitate a larger volume. Rack servers would, for instance, be in the 3U or 4U range, allowing for a large configuration.

Processor support should range in the quad core through deca core models, typically two to eight individual processors. Industry standard processor models would most likely be Intel Xeon or AMD Opteron, with clock speeds in excess of 2.0 GHz. Enterprise level servers also allow for a minimum amount of downtime, allowing for hot pluggable hard drives, hot swappable fans, and quick removal access panels. Typical enterprise level servers have anywhere between eight to sixteen internal hard drives, supporting several terabytes of storage. Standard hard drives for enterprise level servers are either SATA or SAS, though SCSI is a semi-popular model.

Due to the high degree of memory intensive multitasking, an enterprise level server should support a large amount of high speed memory. Memory configurations should range from the low hundreds (128 gigabyte minimum) up into the terabyte range (high corporate level servers). A good degree of network manageability and interface is also of key importance, especially considering the workload tasked with enterprise level servers. Though such enterprise level servers are often an expensive investment, oftentimes cost saving alternatives like the refurbished 487362-001 server provide a more viable alternative to factory-new models. Remember that enterprise level servers are meant to be powerful and comprehensive machines – tasking a less powerful server with such applications could have poor results.

Heating Solutions for Computer Processors: Liquid or Fan?

A chain is only as strong as its weakest link. We’re all familiar with the old saying, but it holds true in a wide variety of applications, and computer builds are no exception. Thus, when setting out to build a computer system, you ought to focus on a holistic approach, applying (insofar as your budget allows) appropriate resources towards quality components. While many people spend all of their money on primary components like central processing units, memory configurations, high speed hard drives, and high performance motherboards, there are other components which must also be given proper consideration to truly maximize your computer’s build. One component which many people overlook when considering their ideal build is the cooling system – in particular, the processor cooling system. Let’s take a more in depth look below.

The Heat Problem

It’s a problem that all computer systems encounter, and one limiting factor in the development of consumer available computer hardware. As your computer performs work (yes, that includes even the execution of simple commands) the electrical signaling generates some small amount of heat. Now we crank the quantity of processes being executed up a full million, and the amount of heat generated by a computer system becomes much more substantial. Computers generate heat in their operation, and heat is the enemy of computer hardware. It’s a bit of a catch twenty two, but computer heat must be dealt with all the same, lest the heat cause hardware malfunctions or permanent damage.

One of the hottest components within the computer is the central processing unit, which usually requires a dedicated cooling system to sap the heat away during the course of normal operation. In the world of cooling, there are currently two option when it comes to processors: fan and liquid cooling systems.

Fan Cooling

Fan cooling works in combination with a heat sink to sap heat away from the processor. A fan is fixed directly over the processor and supplies a steady stream of cool air over the surface of the processor. The heat sink provides a direct thermal transfer from the processor and distributes heat over a large surface area, which helps in the transfer of heat away from that surface. Fan cooling is inexpensive and effective. However, fans can get large in high performance machines, and the main negative is a noticeable or downright loud fan noise.

Liquid Cooling

Liquid cooling works by transferring heat away from the CPU using direct thermal transference via liquid heat transfer. Liquid cooling is, on the whole, quieter than fan cooling and consumes less internal space in the computer. Additionally, liquid cooling is more efficient than fan cooling. Liquid cooling is far more expensive than comparable fan cooling. Which one is right for you? This depends on your intended application. A fan in conjunction with a good heat sink like the 41R6039 can provide ample cooling in entry to mid range computer applications, but nothing beats a liquidcooling system in high performance applications. Keep it cool.