The enterprise server market hit $342 billion in 2025 and is projected to reach $1.03 trillion by 2033, driven by AI infrastructure. Here is what this means for server parts buyers. Key Trends AI driving GPU demand — NVIDIA H100/A100 prices remain elevated. Supply improving but still constrained. DDR5 transition — DDR5 modules declining in […]
Blog
Server TPM Module Guide: What It Is and Why Your Server Needs One
A Trusted Platform Module (TPM) is a hardware security chip that provides encryption key storage, secure boot, and platform integrity verification. Most enterprise compliance frameworks now require TPM. Why You Need TPM Windows Server — Required for BitLocker encryption VMware vSphere — Required for vTPM (virtual TPM) pass-through Compliance — PCI-DSS, HIPAA, and SOC 2 […]
Server PSU Wattage Guide: How to Size Your Power Supply
Choosing the right PSU wattage ensures stable operation under load and allows headroom for upgrades. This guide covers common wattage tiers and when to use each. Wattage Guidelines Wattage Typical Server Configuration 350-550W 1U, 1-2 drives Single CPU, no GPU 750-800W 1U-2U general purpose 2 CPUs, 8-12 drives, 1G NIC 1100-1400W 2U fully loaded 2 […]
Server Network Cards: 1GbE vs 10GbE vs 25GbE — Which Do You Need?
Choosing the right network speed for your server depends on workload, storage protocol, and budget. Here is when to use each speed tier. Speed Tier Guide Speed Best For Typical Use Case 1GbE Management, basic workloads iDRAC/iLO, small office servers 10GbE VM traffic, iSCSI storage VMware, Hyper-V, NAS 25GbE High-throughput, NVMe-oF HCI, cloud, AI training […]
HPE Smart Array Controllers Guide: P408i to MR416i
HPE Smart Array is the RAID controller family for ProLiant servers. This guide covers the Gen10 and Gen11 controller lineup. Gen10 Controllers Controller Cache Ports Interface E208i-a None Internal 12Gbps SAS P408i-a 2GB Internal 12Gbps SAS P816i-a 4GB Internal 12Gbps SAS Gen11 Controllers (MR Series) Controller Cache Interface Feature MR216i-o None 12Gbps SAS Entry MR408i-o […]
Dell PERC RAID Controllers: Complete Guide from H330 to H965
Dell PERC (PowerEdge RAID Controller) is the standard storage controller family for PowerEdge servers. This guide covers every generation from legacy H330 to the latest H965. PERC Controller Generations Controller Server Gen Cache Interface Max Drives PERC H330 13G None 12Gbps SAS 8 PERC H730/H730P 13G-14G 2GB 12Gbps SAS 32 PERC H740P 14G 8GB 12Gbps […]
Cisco UCS C-Series vs B-Series: Rack vs Blade Server Guide
Cisco UCS offers two main server platforms: C-Series (rack servers) and B-Series (blade servers). This guide explains when to use each. C-Series (Rack Servers) Standalone rack servers deployed like traditional Dell/HPE servers. Models include C220 M6, C240 M6, C480 ML. Standard 19″ rack deployment No UCS Fabric Interconnect required (standalone mode) Up to 24 drive […]
DDR4 vs DDR5 Server Memory: Performance, Price, and Compatibility
DDR5 is the new standard for Intel 4th Gen Xeon and AMD EPYC 9004 servers. But DDR4 still dominates the installed base. This guide compares both for enterprise buyers. Performance Comparison Feature DDR4 DDR5 Max Speed 3200 MT/s 5600 MT/s Max Module 128GB 256GB Voltage 1.2V 1.1V Channels per CPU 6 (Intel) / 8 (AMD) […]
Lenovo ThinkSystem SR630 vs SR650: 1U vs 2U Comparison
The Lenovo ThinkSystem SR630 (1U) and SR650 (2U) are the workhorses of Lenovo’s data center lineup. This guide compares their specifications to help you choose the right form factor. Key Differences Feature SR630 (1U) SR650 (2U) Form Factor 1U Rack 2U Rack Drive Bays Up to 10 SFF Up to 24 SFF or 14 LFF […]
How to Buy Refurbished Servers: 2026 Complete Guide
Refurbished servers offer 40-70% savings with minimal performance compromise. Enterprise servers are built for 7-10 year lifespans — buying refurbished is smart economics. Why Refurbished? 40-70% savings vs new equipment Immediate availability — no 8-16 week lead times Environmental impact — extends server life, reduces e-waste Proven reliability — enterprise hardware built for decade-long duty […]