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Comparing 2U Vs 4U Servers

Updated: October 4, 2016

The 2u vs 4u servers discussion is one that every business will likely have as it grows, and there isn’t a single best solution when a company needs to improve its network infrastructure. The ‘U’ unit of measurement refers to the height of the hardware, as this is the essential number when fitting the equipment into a rack. The greater the number, the taller the hardware, and the taller the hardware, the more space it will take up that could be reserved for other equipment. However, going bigger is often the right approach. It depends on the company’s current and likely future needs.

When weighing 2u vs 4u servers, what should a company consider?

Perhaps the most important thing to keep in mind is this – when it comes to hardware performance, size doesn’t always matter. Larger models do tend to offer superior processor and RAM configurations, but this isn’t always the case. In fact, if a company’s number one priority is performance density, then smaller models are usually the best choice. Small hardware form factors allow companies to fit more pieces of equipment into a more compact area, which is why they are typically found in enterprise applications and major datacenters. However, while performance density is a major factor, companies may need expandability from their equipment instead. With larger boxes comes additional expansion slots, so companies can make use of extra PCI Express cards or other expansion cards. For some applications, the extra expansion slots may be critical to operations. Larger models can also accommodate more hard drives, which can give companies greater data storage capabilities. When it comes to 2u vs 4u servers, those are the primary considerations, but there is a great deal of nuance even with them in mind. Every generation of hardware brings major upgrades in performance, so if a company wants to save space and get top of the line performance, they can find both in a recent generation model. And if a company needs expansion and drive slots, but isn’t overly concerned with processor and memory performance, it can save a great deal of money by choosing an older model. Every hardware model offers a unique set of specifications and capabilities, though, and this is why companies should always consult with an experienced professional before choosing a system. Some business owners are reluctant to make a major investment into their network infrastructure, for fear that a sudden rise or drop in growth could render their choice less than optimal. Fortunately, a hardware expert can help a business find a model that offers an ideal combination of performance density, space efficiency, scalability, expandability and cost. SourceTech has the knowledge and experience to help. Call or chat today to determine the best choice for your business needs.

The 2u vs 4u servers discussion is one that every business will likely have as it grows, and there isn’t a single best solution when a company needs to improve its network infrastructure. The ‘U’ unit of measurement refers to the height of the hardware, as this is the essential number when fitting the equipment into a rack. The greater the number, the taller the hardware, and the taller the hardware, the more space it will take up that could be reserved for other equipment. However, going bigger is often the right approach. It depends on the company’s current and likely future needs.

When weighing 2u vs 4u servers, what should a company consider?

Perhaps the most important thing to keep in mind is this – when it comes to hardware performance, size doesn’t always matter. Larger models do tend to offer superior processor and RAM configurations, but this isn’t always the case. In fact, if a company’s number one priority is performance density, then smaller models are usually the best choice. Small hardware form factors allow companies to fit more pieces of equipment into a more compact area, which is why they are typically found in enterprise applications and major datacenters. However, while performance density is a major factor, companies may need expandability from their equipment instead. With larger boxes comes additional expansion slots, so companies can make use of extra PCI Express cards or other expansion cards. For some applications, the extra expansion slots may be critical to operations. Larger models can also accommodate more hard drives, which can give companies greater data storage capabilities. When it comes to 2u vs 4u servers, those are the primary considerations, but there is a great deal of nuance even with them in mind. Every generation of hardware brings major upgrades in performance, so if a company wants to save space and get top of the line performance, they can find both in a recent generation model. And if a company needs expansion and drive slots, but isn’t overly concerned with processor and memory performance, it can save a great deal of money by choosing an older model. Every hardware model offers a unique set of specifications and capabilities, though, and this is why companies should always consult with an experienced professional before choosing a system. Some business owners are reluctant to make a major investment into their network infrastructure, for fear that a sudden rise or drop in growth could render their choice less than optimal. Fortunately, a hardware expert can help a business find a model that offers an ideal combination of performance density, space efficiency, scalability, expandability and cost. SourceTech has the knowledge and experience to help. Call or chat today to determine the best choice for your business needs.