Just like a personal computer, the lifespan and performance of a server computer can be increased with certain changes. Some upgrades can be done easily including RAM, Hard Drive, and Graphics Cards while upgrading other system components (including motherboard and processor) is a complex process. For example, upgrading a motherboard might require a RAM Upgrade as well.

 You can find compatible server components through our system configurator.

Some of our customers are uncertain about the condition of their servers and are interested in knowing if they should upgrade a server or buy a new one instead.

In this post, we are going to answer when you should buy a new server computer.

What Parts Can Be Upgraded in Server Computer?

A server is just like a personal computer. Where a personal computer is serving one user, a server is serving multiple users known as clients. So, all those upgrades that can be performed in a PC can also be performed in a server. Visit Our Custom PC Builder to upgrade your server system by finding compatible parts.

List of PC Components That Can Be Upgraded On A Server Computer:

• RAM Modules
• Motherboards
• CPU Processor
• Graphic Cards
• Hard Drives / Solid State Drives

When Should You Upgrade Server?

Let’s suppose that your server is only a couple of years old and simply needs more storage. Now, if the server is using a RAID storage, you will need to buy the hard drive of same model and replace the used hard drive. If it is not in a RAID form, the drives can be added manually using the storage controller.

Similarly, if the server is slow for a few applications, you can add upgraded RAM Modules. Just be sure that the RAM being added is within the prescribed limit of the installed processor. When the limit exceeds, you will have to change the server processor. While buying a budget-friendly server processor, make sure it is compatible and provides robust performance.

Also Read How to Find a Compatible RAM Upgrade for Your Computer System

How Often Should You Upgrade Server?

There is no hard and fast rule for performing server upgrades. A simple rule is to know the limitations of the computer server. When a server accessory reaches its limits that is the time to perform a computer upgrade. When that happens, the computer server will start to under-perform.

When Should You Buy A New Server?

Many do not buy a new server. Instead, they prefer upgrading the Server Parts and Accessories that are under performing as that saves cost. However, there are times when Upgrading Server Hardware is just not an option and buying a new server is a necessity.

For Example:

• When a major part of the server becomes corrupt or gets damaged.
• The server is already running at its maximum capacity and cannot be upgraded further.
• When the company wants to move to a better server generation.

Types of Computer Servers:

Server hardware is divided into multiple types with each one having its own pros and cons. Here we take a look at some of the most used types of servers.

Tower Servers:

Tower Servers are similar to desktop PCs in their design. You can easily add hard drives, RAM and graphic cards into a single tower server just as you do with a PC. These towers are further divided into multiple sizes (mini ATX, micro ATX and ATX) and are used in organizations where space is not a problem.

Rack Servers:

Rack Servers are stacked over one another vertically on a server rack, which means there is plenty of space for scaling hardware. But cooling gets difficult in such a setting.

Blade Servers:

Blade Servers are expensive than the earlier two but they solve many of their problems. Like a rack server, the blade format is that of a rack server but some of the components are removed from rack servers such as a power supply. This increases space in-between servers and provide sufficient cooling.

Make sure to check all options on your Server Upgrade Checklist before considering to buy a new one.

Replace Servers after 3 Years of Service:

According to International Data Corporation (IDC), the Server Replacement should be performed after three years of service.

The software changes dramatically in three years and the failure rate of a server significantly climbs from the fourth year onwards. Replacing old servers can lead to about 150 percent higher return on investment (ROI).

When Server Runs out of Warranty:

Most commercial servers are sold with a warranty of three years. Therefore, if the server is out of warranty, there is no value in adding more RAM or storage to the server. A good rule-of-thumb is to check if the model of the server is still under manufacturing. If it is, you will be able to get replacement parts without hassle. But if your server parts are not being manufactured, it is better to replace the server instead of getting an untested part for the server.

Final Words:

Each company has a different scenario of upgrading computer servers and no one-size fits all. In this regard, a complete evaluation will be needed on whether the server should be replaced or upgraded. But the best time to replace or to perform a Server Hardware Upgrade is when it is still running. Waiting for a crash to occur can cause panic and more down time than compared to a planned server refresh.

Not everyone can go about buying a new server, even if there is a business need. Knowing what is needed to run the server at peak performance will keep you far from an unexpected failure and also extend the life of your server.

Memory4less has been providing server upgrades for small and mid-sized businesses from the last two decades.

Do you want an upgrade for your computer server? Have a question about server performance? Are your server systems not performing as expected? Get in touch with us.