Server Buying Guide: Rack, Tower, Blade & GPU
How to compare rack, tower, blade and GPU servers and choose the right one.
Tower servers
Self-contained and quiet, towers suit single-server offices with no rack. They are less space-efficient as you add more servers.
Rack servers
1U and 2U rack servers are the standard for server rooms. They are easy to add, cable and manage. 2U models usually offer more drives and expansion slots.
Blade servers
Blades share a chassis for power, cooling and networking. They offer density and consolidated management, but only pay off at larger scale.
GPU servers
GPU servers accelerate AI, rendering and simulation. Match the GPU type to your software, and check power and cooling before you buy.
What to compare
Beyond CPU cores and memory, compare the warranty and support terms, remote-management features, drive bay options, network ports and upgrade headroom.
Before you request a quote
- Number of VMs or users
- Applications and database sizes
- Storage capacity and performance needs
- Preferred brand and warranty period
- Rack space and power available
Need help applying this?
Our consultants can review your environment and recommend next steps.