Welcome to our 2024 guide on selecting the best servers for developers. In today's fast-paced tech environment, having the right server is essential for running your business-critical applications smoothly. This article aims to provide you with valuable insights and shopping tips to help you make an informed decision when choosing a server that meets your development needs.
In the realm of technology, there is no one-size-fits-all solution, especially when it comes to servers tailored for developers. It's crucial to find a server that strikes a balance between performance, storage capacity, and versatility to support your coding endeavors effectively. From CPU performance to memory capacity and storage options, each aspect plays a vital role in ensuring that your server can handle the demands of your development projects efficiently.
Dell PowerEdge T40: Reliable Entry-Level Server for Developers
Dell PowerEdge T40 Tower Server - Intel Xeon E-2224G Quad-Core Processor... -- 2002.01(Amazon)
PowerEdge T40 Server, BTX Intel Xeon E-2224G 3.5GHz, 8GB 2666MT/s DDR4, ... -- 1500(Amazon)
PowerEdge T40 Tower Server - Intel Xeon E-2224G Quad-Core Processor up t... -- 2002.01(Amazon)
Server Tower Dell T40 Intel Xeon E-2224G 1 TB 8 GB DDR4 -- 1500(Amazon)
PowerEdge T40 BTX Tower Server Intel Quad-Core Xeon E-2224G up to 4.7GHz... -- 2105.67(Amazon)
Dell PowerEdge T40 BTX Tower Server Intel Quad-Core Xeon E-2224G up to 4... -- 2105.67(Amazon)
Why We Picked It
The Dell PowerEdge T40 tower server is an excellent choice for developers looking for a reliable, entry-level server. It offers a solid foundation for file consolidation, storage, and sharing with its Intel Xeon E-2224G Quad-Core processor, ample memory options, and robust storage capabilities. Its compact form factor and efficient performance make it ideal for development and testing environments, where space and power are often at a premium.
Who It's For
This server is best suited for small businesses, developers, and IT professionals who need a compact, yet powerful server for development, testing, or small-scale production environments. It's not intended for those requiring high-performance computing or large-scale production capabilities.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| ✅ Compact and efficient design suitable for small spaces | ❌ Not suitable for high-performance computing tasks |
| ✅ Intel Xeon E-2224G Quad-Core processor offers solid performance for development and testing | ❌ May not meet the demands of large-scale production environments |
| ✅ Flexible storage and memory options to suit various needs | ❌ Windows Server license not included, adding to the total cost for those needing it |
HPE ProLiant DL360 Gen10: Best Server for Robust Development Workloads
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... -- 3491.36(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 is a highly capable server that offers a blend of performance, expandability, and manageability. It is equipped with powerful Intel Xeon processors, substantial DDR4 memory, and fast SSD storage, making it suitable for a variety of development workloads, including virtualization. Its reliability and enterprise-level features ensure that it can handle demanding applications with ease.
Who It's For
This server is best suited for developers and IT professionals who require a robust and reliable server for virtualization, database applications, and running multiple applications simultaneously. It is also ideal for small businesses or enterprises looking for a server with redundancy and easy manageability through features like hot-swappable power supplies and HPE's Integrated Lights Out (iLO) management.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| ✅ Equipped with powerful dual Intel Xeon processors for high-performance computing | ❌ Higher initial cost compared to some other server options |
| ✅ Large memory capacity with 256GB DDR4 RAM for handling complex tasks and virtualization | ❌ May include advanced features not necessary for all development scenarios |
| ✅ Enterprise-grade SSD storage providing 7.68TB of fast and reliable storage | ❌ Hard drives and memory upgrades are not pre-installed, requiring additional setup |
Lenovo ThinkSystem ST50: Best Entry-Level Server for Small Businesses
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 is selected for its affordability and reliability as a first server for small businesses or remote offices. It offers a balance of performance, efficiency, and value, making it a practical choice for handling everyday computing tasks like file management, email, and web serving.
Who It's For
The ThinkSystem ST50 is best suited for small to medium-sized businesses, startups, or remote branches that require a compact and cost-effective server solution for basic applications. It's also a good fit for software developers looking for a stable platform for development and testing. However, it may not be ideal for larger organizations or rapidly growing businesses that need more scalability and higher performance.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| ✅ Affordable price point for small businesses | ❌ Limited scalability for future growth |
| ✅ Compact and quiet design suitable for office environments | ❌ May not meet the demands of larger teams or intensive applications |
| ✅ Supports essential server functions with efficient cooling | ❌ Some customer reviews indicate potential concerns with reliability |
Apple Mac Mini with Apple Silicon: Best Compact Desktop for Apple Developers
Apple Mac Mini - M2 - 8 GB - SSD 256 GB -- 599(B&H Photo-Video-Audio)
Why We Picked It
The Apple Mac Mini with Apple Silicon is a compact powerhouse, offering exceptional performance with its Apple-designed M2 chip. It's an ideal choice for developers who need a reliable and efficient machine for coding, compiling, and testing applications within the Apple ecosystem. Its small form factor and energy efficiency make it a great desktop option for those with limited space.
Who It's For
This Mac Mini is best suited for developers, especially those who create iOS/macOS applications. It's also a good fit for users looking for a compact desktop that delivers strong performance for everyday tasks and light content creation. However, it may not be the best choice for users who require extensive hardware expandability or those who need a machine with server-grade capabilities.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| ✅ Optimized performance for Apple software development | ❌ Limited hardware expandability |
| ✅ Compact and energy-efficient design | ❌ Not designed as a traditional server |
| ✅ Affordable entry point into the Mac ecosystem | ❌ Base model comes with only 8GB of RAM and 256GB SSD |
Supermicro SuperServer 5019A-FTN4: Best Compact Server for Scalable Solutions
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 a compact, high-efficiency 1U rackmount server that offers a balance of performance and power consumption, making it an excellent choice for developers and IT professionals looking for a scalable solution in data centers or lab environments. Its support for Intel Atom C3758 8-Core processor and up to 128GB ECC RDIMM DDR4 memory ensures reliable and efficient operation for network security, edge computing, and server virtualization tasks.
Who It's For
This server is best suited for IT professionals, system administrators, and developers who require a dense, low-power server solution for applications such as virtualization, network security, and edge computing. It's also a good fit for small to medium-sized businesses looking to invest in a scalable server infrastructure. However, it may not be the best choice for those without existing rack infrastructure, as additional investment would be needed.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| ✅ Energy-efficient Intel Atom 8-Core processor | ❌ May require additional investment in rack infrastructure |
| ✅ Supports up to 128GB ECC RDIMM DDR4 memory | ❌ RAM and storage drives sold separately, increasing total cost |
| ✅ Versatile with 4 1GbE LAN ports and dedicated IPMI LAN | ❌ Limited expansion options due to 1U form factor |
ASUS RS500A-E10-RS4: Versatile Server for Development Tasks
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 selected for its commendable blend of performance and scalability, which is essential for various development environments. Its compatibility with different sizes of DDR4 memory upgrade kits allows for tailored performance enhancements to meet specific workload demands.
Who It's For
This server is ideal for small to medium-sized businesses or development teams that require a reliable and expandable server solution without committing to the more established server brands. It's also suitable for organizations that prioritize cost-effectiveness and may not require extensive support networks.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| ✅ Good balance of performance and expandability | ❌ Lesser-known brand for servers compared to industry leaders |
| ✅ Compatible with a range of DDR4 memory upgrade kits | ❌ Potential concerns over support and service availability |
| ✅ Cost-effective solution for SMBs and development teams | ❌ Memory upgrade kits appearance may vary from the reference image |
Dell PowerEdge R740: High-Performance Computing Powerhouse
Dell PowerEdge R740 Server | 2X Gold 6140 = 36 Cores | 256GB RAM | 2X 50... -- 1701(Amazon)
Dell PowerEdge R740 Server 2X Gold 6150 2.70Ghz 36-Core 384GB 2X 960GB S... -- 1906.8(Amazon)
Dell PowerEdge R740xd Server 2X Gold 6144 3.50Ghz 16-Core 128GB H730P (R... -- 2364.45(Amazon)
Dell PowerEdge R740 8 x 2.5 Hot Plug 2X Gold 6136 Twelve Core 3Ghz 256GB... -- 1359.94(Amazon)
Why We Picked It
The Dell PowerEdge R740 is a powerhouse of a server, designed to handle the most demanding applications with ease. Its high-performance capabilities make it an ideal choice for developers working on AI, machine learning, and large databases. With configurations offering up to 36 cores, 384GB of RAM, and fast SSD storage, it's built to deliver exceptional performance and reliability. The availability of renewed models makes it somewhat more accessible, offering a balance between cost and cutting-edge technology.
Who It's For
This server is best suited for businesses, research institutions, and developers who require robust computing resources for complex, data-intensive tasks. It's particularly well-suited for applications in AI, machine learning, big data analytics, and other scenarios where processing power and memory are critical. However, it may not be the best fit for smaller projects or individual developers due to its high cost and potentially underutilized capacity.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| ✅ Equipped with up to 36 cores for unparalleled processing power | ❌ May be overkill for smaller projects or individual developers |
| ✅ High memory capacity (up to 384GB RAM) supports demanding applications and large datasets | ❌ High cost, even for renewed models, can be a barrier for some |
| ✅ Renewed models offer a more cost-effective way to access high-end server technology | ❌ Requires a significant investment in infrastructure and maintenance |
HPE ProLiant MicroServer Gen10 Plus: Affordable Compact Server for Small Scale Applications
HPE P16006-001 ProLiant MicroServer Gen10 Plus Intel Xeon E-2224 -- 1299(Amazon)
HPE ProLiant MicroServer Gen10 Plus v2 Ultra Micro Tower Server - 1 x In... -- 839(Amazon)
Hpe ProLiant MicroServer Gen10 Plus Server with one Intel Xeon E-2224 Pr... -- 146.99(A-Premium)
HPE ProLiant MicroServer Gen10 Plus Ultra Micro Tower Server - 1 x Intel... -- 1299(Amazon)
HPE ProLiant MicroServer Gen10 Plus v2 Ultra Micro Tower Server for Smal... -- 1876(Amazon)
HPE ProLiant MicroServer Gen10 Plus G5420 -- 776.5(Tecisoft)
Why We Picked It
The HPE ProLiant MicroServer Gen10 Plus stands out as an affordable, compact, yet powerful entry-level server tailored for small environments or developers needing an on-premises solution for testing or small-scale applications. It offers the latest Intel Xeon E and Pentium processors, ensuring compute performance, security, and remote management capabilities. With enhancements like 4x 1GbE onboard NICs and USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-A, it's versatile enough for a range of uses from a general-purpose server to NAS or even a virtualization server.
Who It's For
This server is best suited for small businesses, developers, or IT enthusiasts who require a reliable, on-premises server for testing, small-scale applications, or even as a NAS setup. Its compact size and affordability make it an excellent choice for those with limited space and budget. However, it may not be the best fit for those requiring high-performance computing for more intensive development tasks or larger scale applications.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| ✅ Affordable and compact design ideal for small spaces | ❌ May not meet the performance needs of more intensive tasks |
| ✅ Latest Intel Xeon E and Pentium processors for reliable performance | ❌ Limited scalability compared to larger servers |
| ✅ Built-in security and remote management capabilities | ❌ Maximum RAM support might be insufficient for some applications |
Fujitsu PRIMERGY TX1310 M3: Best Expandable Tower Server for Developers
Fujitsu Primergy TX1310 M3 Server 3.3 GHz 8 GB Tower Intel Xeon E3 V6 25... -- 1758.06(Zayntek)
4GB Memory for FUJITSU PRIMERGY TX1310 M3 LFF (D3521) DDR4 2400MHz ECC U... -- 69.99(Amazon)
Why We Picked It
The Fujitsu PRIMERGY TX1310 M3 is selected for its balance of performance and reliability, making it an ideal choice for developers looking for a robust server solution. Its expandability and the use of the Intel Xeon E3 V6 processor ensure that it can handle a variety of tasks with ease, while the ECC memory support provides additional data integrity, crucial for development environments.
Who It's For
This server is best suited for small to medium-sized businesses, startups, or individual developers who require a reliable and expandable server for their development needs. It's also a good fit for organizations that prioritize data integrity and system reliability without needing the extensive scalability offered by larger server systems.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| ✅ Good mix of performance and reliability with Intel Xeon E3 V6 | ❌ May not be as readily available as competing brands |
| ✅ Expandable with options for additional memory and storage | ❌ Support and parts availability could be a concern |
| ✅ ECC memory support enhances data integrity for development tasks | ❌ Initial cost may be higher compared to some alternatives |
Thanks for checking out the best servers for developers in 2024! If you have any questions or need further assistance, feel free to reach out. Happy coding!