System and Network

Administration
Course Code: DI-323

Topic: Server Hardware Costing

Lecture: 04

Muhammad Abu Zar Tamimi

Server Hardware Costing

When estimating the costs for server hardware in system and network administration,
several factors need to be considered. These include the type and specifications of the
servers, the intended use cases, and the expected workload. There are following
components of server hardware costing.

1. Types of Servers

 Rack Servers: Standardized sizes (1U, 2U, etc.), commonly used in data
centers.

 Blade Servers: High-density servers that save space and are managed
centrally.
  Tower Servers: Resemble traditional PCs, typically used for smaller offices or
branch locations.

 Micro-servers: Small, low-power servers for lightweight tasks.

2. Components and Specifications

 CPU: The number of cores and clock speed; consider server-grade processors
like Intel Xeon or AMD EPYC.
 Memory (RAM): Size and speed; servers typically require ECC (Error-Correcting
Code) memory.
 Storage:

 HDDs vs. SSDs: SSDs are faster but more expensive.

 Capacity: Based on the data storage needs.
 RAID Configuration: For redundancy and performance.
  Networking:

 NICs (Network Interface Cards): Speed (1GbE, 10GbE, 40GbE).

 Additional ports or specialized cards for increased throughput or
redundancy.

 Power Supplies: Redundant power supplies for reliability.

 Cooling Systems: Efficient cooling mechanisms to prevent overheating.
 Additional Hardware:

 RAID Controllers: For advanced storage configurations.

 TPMs (Trusted Platform Modules): For security.
 GPUs: If performing computationally intensive tasks like AI or machine
learning.

3. Peripheral Costs

 Racks and Enclosures: For housing the servers.

 Cables and Switches: For network connectivity.
 KVM Switches: For managing multiple servers.
 UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply): For power backup.

4. Software Costs

 Operating Systems: Windows Server, Linux distributions, etc.

 Virtualization Software: VMware, Hyper-V, etc.
 Management Tools: For monitoring and managing the hardware.
 Licensing: For operating systems, virtualization, and any additional software.

5. Maintenance and Support

 Warranties: Manufacturer warranties and extended warranties.

 Support Contracts: For hardware maintenance and troubleshooting.
 Replacement Parts: Spare parts for critical components.
6. Other Considerations

 Scalability: Future-proofing for growth in workload and data.

 Redundancy: Ensuring high availability and disaster recovery plans.
 Compliance: Meeting industry standards and regulations.

Cost Examples

Here are some hypothetical cost examples for different types of server setups:

1. Small Office Server:

 Tower Server: $1,500 - $3,000

 Intel Xeon E processor, 32GB RAM, 2TB RAID 1 HDDs, 1GbE NIC
 Basic Windows Server OS License: $500 - $1,000
 Total: $2,000 - $4,000

2. Medium Enterprise Rack Server:

 Rack Server (2U): $5,000 - $10,000

 Dual Intel Xeon Scalable processors, 128GB RAM, 4TB RAID 5 SSDs,
10GbE NICs
 Virtualization Software (VMware): $2,000 - $4,000
 Total: $7,000 - $14,000

3. Large Data Center Blade Server:

 Blade Enclosure: $10,000 - $20,000

 Blade Servers (each): $3,000 - $5,000
 High-end AMD EPYC processors, 256GB RAM, 8TB RAID 6 SSDs,
40GbE NICs
 Advanced Management Tools: $5,000 - $10,000
 Total for a 10-blade setup: $60,000 - $100,000
Factors in Server Hardware Costing

1. Purpose and Workload Requirements

 Purpose: What will the server be used for? (e.g., web server, database
server, file storage, virtualization, etc.)
 Workload: Expected load and performance requirements (e.g., CPU load,
memory usage, I/O operations, etc.)

2. Hardware Specifications

 CPU: Number of cores, clock speed, brand (Intel vs. AMD).

 RAM: Total memory capacity, speed, and type (e.g., DDR4, DDR5).
 Storage: Type (HDD, SSD, NVMe), capacity, redundancy (RAID
configurations).
 Network Interface Cards (NICs): Number of ports, speed (1GbE, 10GbE,
etc.).
 Power Supply Units (PSUs): Redundancy (single vs. dual PSU),
efficiency rating.
 Motherboard: Compatibility, number of slots for expansion.
 Cooling System: Air cooling vs. liquid cooling, number of fans, efficiency.

3. Redundancy and Reliability

 High Availability (HA): Use of redundant components to prevent

downtime.
 Failover Systems: Backup systems for critical applications.
 UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply): Ensuring power continuity.

4. Scalability

 Future Expansion: Ability to upgrade CPU, RAM, storage, etc.

 Modularity: Ease of adding additional components.
 5. Support and Maintenance

 Warranty: Duration and coverage (e.g., on-site support, next-business-

day service).
 Maintenance Contracts: Cost and level of support provided.
 Vendor Support: Reputation and quality of vendor support.

6. Environmental Considerations

 Energy Efficiency: Power consumption and cooling requirements.

 Physical Space: Space available in the data center or server room.

7. Initial and Operational Costs

 Initial Purchase Cost: Cost of the hardware components.

 Operating Costs: Energy consumption, cooling, maintenance, and
support.

Cost Breakdown of Server Components

1. Processors (CPUs)

 Cost varies by the number of cores, speed, and brand.

 Example: Intel Xeon processors can range from $500 to several thousand
dollars each.

2. Memory (RAM)

 Cost depends on the size, speed, and type.

 Example: 32GB DDR4 RAM might cost around $200-$300.

3. Storage

 HDDs: Cheaper, more capacity, slower performance.

 SSDs: More expensive, faster, less capacity.
  Example: A 1TB SSD might cost around $100-$150, while a 10TB HDD
might cost around $300-$500.

4. Network Interface Cards (NICs)

 Cost depends on the speed and number of ports.

 Example: A 10GbE NIC might cost around $200-$400.

5. Power Supply Units (PSUs)

 Cost depends on the wattage and efficiency.

 Example: A 750W PSU might cost around $100-$200.

6. Cooling Systems

 Varies widely based on the type and efficiency.

 Example: A basic air cooling system might cost $50-$100, while a high-
end liquid cooling system could cost $200-$400.

7. Chassis and Motherboard

 Cost depends on form factor and expandability.

 Example: A server-grade motherboard might cost $300-$500, while a
chassis might range from $100 to several hundred dollars depending on
the type.

8. Redundancy and High Availability Features

 Additional cost for redundant components (e.g., dual PSUs, RAID

controllers).
Example Cost Estimate for a Mid-Range Rack Server

 CPU: 2 x Intel Xeon Silver 4214 (12 cores each) ------------------- $2000
 RAM: 128GB DDR4 -------------------------------------------------------- $800
 Storage: 4 x 1TB SSD ---------------------------------------------------- $600
 NIC: 2 x 10GbE NICs ------------------------------------------------------ $800
 PSU: Dual 750W ------------------------------------------------------------ $300
 Chassis and Motherboard: --------------------------------------------- $1000
 Cooling System: ----------------------------------------------------------- $200
 Miscellaneous: ---------------------------------------- $300 (cables, mounting kits, etc.)

Total Estimated Cost: ------------------------------------------------------------ $6000