Businesses in 2024 will face an increasingly complex technological landscape, making the selection of the right server an essential decision. A server's performance, reliability, and scalability play a pivotal role in driving operational efficiency, data management, and overall competitiveness. In this article, we'll explore the top server models suitable for various business needs, considering factors such as CPU performance, memory capacity, storage options, and RAID configurations.
As technology continues to evolve rapidly, businesses must stay ahead of the curve to remain competitive. The server market is no exception, with manufacturers constantly pushing boundaries to deliver cutting-edge solutions. From high-performance computing to virtualization, businesses require servers that can handle demanding workloads while ensuring seamless integration with existing infrastructure.
Whether you're a small business seeking to expand or a large enterprise optimizing your data center, this guide will provide valuable insights to help you navigate the server market in 2024. We'll explore options that cater to diverse requirements, from entry-level servers for small businesses to enterprise-grade solutions for mission-critical applications. By understanding the key features and capabilities of the top server models, you'll be better equipped to make an informed decision that aligns with your organization's goals and budget.
Dell PowerEdge T40: Best Entry-Level Server for Small Businesses
PowerEdge T40 Server, BTX Intel Xeon E-2224G 3.5GHz, 8GB 2666MT/s DDR4, ... -- 1500(Amazon)
Server Tower Dell T40 Intel Xeon E-2224G 1 TB 8 GB DDR4 -- 1500(Amazon)
PowerEdge T40 Tower Server - Intel Xeon E-2224G Quad-Core Processor up t... -- 2002.01(Amazon)
Dell PowerEdge T40 BTX Tower Server Intel Quad-Core Xeon E-2224G up to 4... -- 2105.67(Amazon)
PowerEdge T40 BTX Tower Server Intel Quad-Core Xeon E-2224G up to 4.7GHz... -- 2105.67(Amazon)
Why We Picked It
The Dell PowerEdge T40 is an excellent choice for small businesses looking for an entry-level server that provides a solid balance between performance and storage. With its Intel Xeon E-2224G processor and options for up to 32GB DDR4 memory and 2TB SATA hard drive, it's capable of handling file and print services, mail and messaging, and other basic business applications efficiently.
Who It's For
The PowerEdge T40 is best suited for small businesses that require a reliable server for basic operations and do not anticipate rapid growth that would demand quick scalability. It's also ideal for those who are looking for an affordable server solution without the need for an included Windows Server license.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| ✅ Equipped with a powerful Intel Xeon E-2224G processor capable of reaching up to 4.7 GHz | ❌ May not be suitable for businesses with rapid growth due to scalability concerns |
| ✅ Offers a variety of configurations with up to 32GB DDR4 memory and 2TB of storage | ❌ Windows Server license not included, which could be an additional expense |
| ✅ Good customer reviews, indicating reliability and satisfaction | ❌ Limited to a single processor, which might restrict performance for more demanding tasks |
HPE ProLiant DL360 Gen10: Best High-Performance Compact Server
HPE ProLiant DL360 Gen10 1U Rack Server Bundle with Dual Xeon 6130 2.10 ... -- 4649(Amazon)
HPE ProLiant DL360 Gen10 Rack Server with one Intel Xeon 4214R Processor... -- 2499.99(Amazon)
HPE ProLiant DL360 Gen10 Server -- 2755(Newegg.com - ADP Tech)
HPE ProLiant DL360 Gen10 Plus 4310 2.1GHz 12-core 1P 32GB-R S100i NC 8SF... -- 3491.37(Amazon)
HPE ProLiant DL360 Gen10 - Server - Rack-mountable - 1U - 2-Way - 1 x Xe... -- 3860.99(Newegg Business)
HPE ProLiant DL360 G10 1U Rack Server - 1 x Intel Xeon Silver 4210R 2.40... -- 2289(Amazon)
Why We Picked It
The HPE ProLiant DL360 Gen10 server is a top-of-the-line choice for businesses that require robust performance in a space-efficient package. With its compact 1U form factor, it is designed to deliver exceptional power without occupying excessive rack space, making it ideal for data centers with space constraints. The server is equipped with Intel Xeon processors and ample DDR4 memory, ensuring it can handle demanding workloads and applications such as virtualization, database management, and high-performance computing.
Who It's For
This server is best suited for businesses and enterprises that need a reliable, high-performance server solution and have the budget to invest in quality infrastructure. It's particularly well-suited for IT professionals looking for a server that can deliver enterprise-grade capabilities with redundancy and scalability options. However, it may not be the best fit for small businesses or startups with limited financial resources or those who do not require the advanced features that this server offers.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| ✅ Powerful dual Intel Xeon processors for handling intensive workloads | ❌ Higher price point may be prohibitive for some budgets |
| ✅ Space-saving 1U form factor ideal for limited rack space | ❌ Complexity of features may be unnecessary for smaller operations |
| ✅ Scalable memory and storage options with easy upgrade paths | ❌ Memory and hard drives require installation, which may be a hurdle for less technical users |
Lenovo ThinkSystem ST50: Affordable Entry-Level Server for SMBs
Lenovo ThinkSystem ST50 7Y49A013NA 4U Tower Server - 1 x Intel Xeon E-21... -- 699(Amazon)
ThnkSystem Lenovo ThinkSystem ST50 7Y49A013NA -- 699(Amazon)
Lenovo ThinkSystem ST50 V2 Tower Server - The Latest Intel Xeon E Proces... -- 497.25(Lenovo)
ThinkSystem ST50 Tower Server Bundle Including APC BR1500MS 1500VA UPS, ... -- 1729(Amazon)
Lenovo ThinkSystem ST50 Tower Server Including Intel Xeon 3.4GHz CPU, 32... -- 1399(Amazon)
Lenovo ThinkSystem ST50 V2 Server XEON E 2324G SW RAID 8GB 1X2TB 500W -- 684.93(Microless.com)
Why We Picked It
The Lenovo ThinkSystem ST50 stands out as an excellent entry-level server for small to medium-sized businesses, retail environments, or remote offices seeking a balance between performance and affordability. It offers reliable performance with its Intel Xeon processors, sufficient memory and storage for basic applications, and built-in security features. Its compact 4U tower design is space-efficient and operates quietly, making it suitable for office environments. The inclusion of remote management capabilities further enhances its value, allowing for convenient monitoring and maintenance.
Who It's For
Ideal for small businesses, retail settings, or branch offices that require a dependable server for day-to-day computing, file management, email, and web serving without a hefty investment. It's also suitable for businesses looking for a server with efficient power consumption and minimal noise. However, companies planning for rapid growth or those that anticipate needing significant expansion in the future might find its limited scalability a drawback.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| ✅ Affordable price point for small businesses | ❌ Limited expansion capabilities for future growth |
| ✅ Quiet operation and compact size suitable for office environments | ❌ Base model's memory and storage might be insufficient for more demanding applications |
| ✅ Remote management capabilities for easy maintenance | ❌ Single power supply unit, lacking redundancy for critical applications |
Cisco UCS C220 M5: Reliable and Scalable Server Solution
Cisco UCS C220 M5 Barebone System UCSC-C220-M5SN -- 2745.88(4TEKGear)
Cisco HX-C220-M5SX UCS C220 M5 Barebone System -- 1887.82(Tecisoft)
Why We Picked It
The Cisco UCS C220 M5 server is a highly customizable and reliable server platform that is designed to handle a wide range of business applications. Its versatility and performance make it a solid choice for organizations looking to invest in a robust server infrastructure.
Who It's For
The Cisco UCS C220 M5 is best suited for medium to large businesses that require a powerful and scalable server solution for their data centers. It is also ideal for IT professionals who are familiar with server configuration and management. However, it might not be the best option for small businesses or those without a dedicated IT staff due to its complex setup process.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| ✅ Highly customizable to meet specific business needs | ❌ Configuration and setup can be complex for those without technical expertise |
| ✅ Known for its reliability and performance in various applications | ❌ Initial cost may be high for small businesses |
| ✅ Supports a wide range of storage and networking options | ❌ May require additional investment in compatible components and licenses |
Fujitsu Primergy TX1310 M3: Best Energy-Efficient Server for SMBs
Fujitsu Primergy TX1310 M3 Server 3.3 GHz 8 GB Tower Intel Xeon E3 V6 25... -- 1758.06(Zayntek)
4GB RAM for Fujitsu PRIMERGY RX1330 M3, TX1310 M3, TX1330 M3 | DDR4 2400... -- 15.99(Amazon)
16GB RAM for Fujitsu PRIMERGY RX1330 M3, TX1310 M3 | DDR4 2400MHz PC4-19... -- 50.99(Amazon)
8GB RAM for Fujitsu PRIMERGY RX1330 M3, TX1310 M3 | DDR4 2400MHz PC4-192... -- 31.99(Amazon)
Why We Picked It
The Fujitsu Primergy TX1310 M3 is a robust and reliable server that is designed to meet the needs of small and medium-sized businesses. It offers excellent energy efficiency and operates quietly, which is a significant advantage for office environments where noise can be a distraction. Additionally, the server's compatibility with various RAM upgrades ensures that it can be tailored to meet specific performance requirements.
Who It's For
This server is best suited for small to medium-sized businesses looking for a cost-effective, energy-efficient solution for their day-to-day operations. It's ideal for businesses that require a server for tasks like file sharing, hosting business applications, and other non-compute-intensive workloads. However, it might not be the best fit for organizations that need to run compute-intensive applications, as its performance may not meet the demands of such tasks.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| ✅ Energy-efficient design reduces operational costs | ❌ Base performance might be insufficient for compute-intensive tasks |
| ✅ Quiet operation suitable for office environments | ❌ Initial cost may be a consideration for budget-conscious businesses |
| ✅ Flexible memory upgrade options to improve performance | ❌ May require additional investment in memory upgrades for optimal performance |
Supermicro SuperServer 5019A-FTN4: Best Compact Versatile Server
Supermicro SYS-5019A-FTN4 SuperServer 1U Rack Mountable Server -- 794.5(Wiredzone.com)
SuperServer 5019A-Ftn4 - Rack-Mountable - Atom C3758-0 GB - 0 -- 896.8(Amazon)
Supermicro SuperServer SYS-5019A-FTN4 FCBGA 1310 200W 1U Rackmount Server -- 1329(Thinkmate)
16GB Memory for Supermicro SuperServer 5019A-FTN4 (A2SDi-8C-HLN4F) DDR4 ... -- 129.99(Amazon)
Supermicro SYS-5019A-FTN10P -- 950(Dihuni)
8GB Memory for Supermicro SuperServer 5019A-FTN4 (A2SDi-8C-HLN4F) DDR4 2... -- 89.99(Amazon)
Why We Picked It
The Supermicro SuperServer 5019A-FTN4 is selected for its compact 1U rackmount design, which is ideal for space-constrained environments. It's equipped with an Intel Atom C3758 8-core processor, providing a balance of performance and power efficiency for various applications. The server's versatility is further enhanced by its support for network and security functions, making it a suitable choice for edge computing, virtualization, and network security appliances.
Who It's For
This server is best suited for small to medium-sized businesses or IT professionals looking for a compact, low-power solution for network security, virtualization, or edge computing tasks. It's also a good fit for those who require a server with multiple LAN ports and a dedicated IPMI for remote management. However, it may not be the best choice for organizations with high storage capacity needs, unless external storage solutions are considered.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| ✅ Compact 1U rackmount design suitable for space-limited setups | ❌ Limited internal storage capacity with 2x 3.5" or 4x 2.5" drive bays |
| ✅ Energy-efficient Intel Atom 8-core processor for various applications | ❌ RAM and storage sold separately, which could increase total cost |
| ✅ Multiple networking options with 4 1GbE LAN and dedicated IPMI LAN | ❌ Unknown system RAM type and operating system, requiring additional setup |
Asus RS500A-E10-RS4: Best Value Server for SMBs
8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR4 2400MHz RDIMM Registered Memory RAM Upgrade Kit Compa... -- 25.99(Amazon)
128GB (2 x 64GB) DDR4 2400MHz RDIMM Registered Memory RAM Upgrade Kit Co... -- 265.31(Amazon)
16GB (4 x 4GB) DDR4 2400MHz RDIMM Registered Memory RAM Upgrade Kit Comp... -- 42.99(Amazon)
Why We Picked It
The Asus RS500A-E10-RS4 server is a robust and versatile machine that offers excellent performance and expandability for businesses looking to invest in a reliable server solution. With its competitive pricing, it provides a cost-effective option for a wide range of business applications, from virtualization to high-performance computing.
Who It's For
This server is ideal for small to medium-sized businesses that require a powerful server without breaking the bank. It's also suitable for IT professionals looking for a server that can handle multiple tasks and expand as their business grows. However, companies that prefer sticking to more established names in the server market might hesitate due to brand recognition.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| ✅ Good performance for various business needs | ❌ Brand not as recognized in the server market |
| ✅ Expandability options for future growth | ❌ Memory upgrades are renewed, not new |
| ✅ Competitive pricing for budget-conscious buyers | ❌ Actual speed depends on processor and DIMM channels |
Dell EMC PowerEdge R740xd: High-Performance Scalable Server
Dell/EMC PowerEdge R740xd Server 24B SFF, 2X Intel Xeon Gold 6248 up to ... -- 5867(Amazon)
PowerEdge Dell R740XD Server | 2X Silver 4116 = 24 Cores | 256GB RAM | 1... -- 2288.3(Amazon)
Dell PowerEdge R740xd Server -- 726(xByte Technologies)
Dell EMC PowerEdge R740xd Server 24B SFF, 2X Intel Xeon Gold 6152 up to ... -- 2830(Amazon)
Dell EMC PowerEdge R740xd Server Bundle with 2X Silver 4110 2.1GHz 8C 32... -- 4999(Amazon)
EMC PowerEdge R540, R740, R740xd Server Standard Security Front Bezel - ... -- 59(Amazon)
Why We Picked It
The Dell EMC PowerEdge R740xd is a robust and high-performance server that offers exceptional scalability and versatility. It is designed to handle demanding workloads with ease, thanks to its powerful Intel Xeon Gold processors and substantial memory capacity. This makes it an ideal choice for businesses that require a reliable and efficient server to manage their complex applications and data-intensive processes.
Who It's For
The PowerEdge R740xd is best suited for medium to large businesses that need to run virtualization, high-performance computing, and data-heavy applications. It is also a good fit for organizations looking to invest in a server that can grow with their needs, as it offers a wide range of configuration options and upgrade paths. However, it may not be the most cost-effective solution for small businesses or those with limited IT budgets due to its higher initial investment and potential upgrade costs.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| ✅ Equipped with powerful Intel Xeon Gold processors for high-speed performance | ❌ High initial cost and potentially expensive upgrades |
| ✅ Supports up to 768GB DDR4 memory, providing ample capacity for memory-intensive tasks | ❌ May be overpowered for small businesses or simple applications |
| ✅ Features flexible storage options and high-speed networking capabilities | ❌ Does not include an operating system, which could be an additional expense |
Thanks for checking out the best servers for businesses in 2024! If you need more help or recommendations, feel free to reach out. Happy shopping!