Hardware Basics

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In general, server hardware is much more expensive because of enterprise grade components. This is because components are designed to run 24/7 under load, unlike consumer hardware that will only sporadic usage.

To safeguard this investment it is typical to also pay for extended support. This can be in terms of software/firmware upgrades, but most of the time involves hardware support contracts that replace faulty components and even dispatch technicians when needed.

There’s typically different levels of support, the more you pay the better. E.g., mission critical hardware support could garantee a response by a technician with a few hours after an issue is reported. A more relaxed agreement might only send you the necessary components at the next business day after remote diagnostics.

The following will go through some of the most important components of a server system:

• Processors
• Memory
• Storage
• PCI express
• Power
• Board Management Controller
• Cooling