TechRadar portal has made its own TOP of interesting server models for small and medium businesses, some of which are little known. I propose to distract from the fashionable clouds and plunge into the motley list of the good old classics.

1. Dell PowerEdge T20 [Barebone]

A real example of an inexpensive Barebone server.

Processor : Intel Pentium G3220 | Video : Intel HD Graphics | ** RAM : 4 GB | Data storage : without disks | ** Interfaces : up to 12 x USB ports (4 x USB 3.0), 2 x DisplayPort, VGA, serial I / O port, 2 x PS / 2, Gigabit Ethernet | Dimensions (W x D x H): 17.5 x 43.5 x 36 cm

Pros :

• Cheap.

  
  
• Compact mini-tower housing and easy access to entrails.

Cons :

• The G3220 processor is more suitable for the desktop.

  
  
• There are no disks or operating system.

The server does not have to be huge or too expensive. A vivid example is the PowerEdge T20, which is not even equipped with a hard disk, but it is a fairly budget option. Most recently, it could be bought for less than $ 125.

Its Haswell-based Pentium processor can operate at 3 GHz and supports up to 32 GB of RAM. Of the opportunities for the upgrade, 4 SATA ports are noteworthy (you can get storage capacity up to 32 TB, there is a RAID), 4 I / O slots and 10 USB ports.

2. Dell PowerEdge T20 [Xeon]

Powerful Xeon-based server with more features.

Processor : Intel Xeon E3-1225 v3 | ** Video : Intel HD Graphics P4600 | ** RAM : 32 GB | Data storage : 1 TB hard disk | ** Interfaces : up to 12 x USB ports (4 x USB 3.0), 2 x DisplayPort, VGA, serial I / O port, 2 x PS / 2, Gigabit Ethernet | Dimensions ** (W x D x H): 17.5 x 43.5 x 36 cm

Pros :

• Fast 4-core Xeon processor.

  
  
• You can install 6 discs.

Cons :

• One network port.

  
  
• Hot swap is not available for discs.

The Xeon-based PowerEdge T20 is a real needle in an assortment haystack. The machine is designed for small offices and home users. It successfully combines enormous potential, compactness and noiselessness.

Compared to its Barebon modification, the “big brother” has a more powerful Xeon E3-1225 v3 processor, 32 GB of memory is installed and a 1 TB hard disk is on board. There is still no operating system, but administrators will probably be happy with this.

3. Lenovo ThinkServer TS140

Silent machine with serious potential.

Processor : Intel Xeon E3-1226 v3 | ** Video : Intel HD Graphics P4600 | ** RAM : 4 GB | Data storage : 2 1 TB hard drives | ** Interfaces : 9 x USB 2.0, serial I / O port, video adapter port, 2 x DisplayPort, audio port, Gigabit Ethernet | Dimensions ** (W x D x H): 17.5 x 42.5 x 43 cm

Pros :

• The most affordable model ThinkServer.

  
  
• Silent.

Cons :

• Hot swap is not available for discs.

The TS140 is the most affordable enterprise-class 4U server, a clear competitor to the Dell T20. It supports RAID 0,1,10, 5 and is completed with 2 disks on 1 TB. In addition, the TS140 supports up to four 3.5-inch hard drives with a total capacity of up to 32 TB. The Intel Xeon E3-1226 V3 processor is perfect for small and medium-sized companies.

Curiously, Lenovo says the noise level of this machine is 26 dB, which is quieter than the reading room.

4. Supermicro SuperWorkstation 5039A-IL

On the verge between a workstation and a server.

Processor : Intel Xeon E3-1200 v5 | Video : Intel HD Graphics P530 | RAM : 64 GB | Data storage : without disks | Interfaces : 6 x USB 3.0, 8 x USB 2.0, 2 x USB 3.1, 7.1 audio port, HDMI, DVI-D, DisplayPort, 2 x Gigabit Ethernet | Dimensions (W x D x H): 19 x 52.5 x 42.5 cm

Pros :

• Large space for maneuvers on the upgrade.

  
  
• Supports up to eight hard drives.

Cons :

• Large and heavy body.

  
  
• Looks more like a workstation.

The line between the workstation and the server is sometimes quite thin, as is the case with the 5039A-IL from Supermicro. This server is part of the SuperWorkstation line, but also performs well as a server, thanks to its extensive expansion options. A good option for companies that need a little more than just a file server.

The hulk weighing 18.1 kg is technically well equipped. The model is available with Skylake-based processors (Xeon or Core i3 / 5/7) and offers up to 64 GB of DDR4 ECC memory. It comes with DVI / DisplayPort / VGA / HDMI and supports up to 8 (!) Hard drives, which further expands the range of applications.

5. Fujitsu Primergy TX1310 M1

Traditional reliability and uncompromising guarantee from Fujitsu.

Processor: Intel Xeon E3-1226 v3 | Video: ** Intel HD Graphics P4600 | RAM **: 16 GB | Data storage: 2 1 TB hard drives | Interfaces: ** 5 x USB 3.0, 2 x Gigabit Ethernet | Dimensions (W x D x H): ** 17.5 x 42 x 39.5 cm

Pros :

• Good warranty (up to a complete server replacement and refund).

  
  
• There is an optical drive.

Cons :

• Missing RAID 5.

  
  
• Not the most popular and well-known brand.

When choosing a server, you are unlikely to immediately think about Fujitsu, although this Japanese company is one of the few who produce hardware at both the SMB level and supercomputers. The TX1310 model has very good characteristics and there is a branded guarantee of reliability . If the server fails within a year from the date of purchase, Fujitsu will not only repair or replace it, but also pay its full value! What is it like?

Like other servers of this level, the TX1310 is very quiet and suitable for 24/7 operation. On the part of the storage system, the machine supports RAID 0/1/10, but the popular RAID 5 does not know how. A distinctive feature compared to many competitors is the presence of an optical disk and two Gigabit Ethernet ports.

6. HP Proliant Microserver Gen8

Compact, but not as quiet as the rest.

Processor : Intel Celeron G1610T | ** Video : Matrox G200 | ** RAM : 4 GB | Data storage : without disks | ** Interfaces : 4 x USB 2.0, 2 x USB 3.0, VGA, 2 x Gigabit Ethernet | Dimensions ** (W x D x H): 23 x 24.5 x 23 cm

Pros :

• Excellent build quality and thoughtful design.

  
  
• Compact.

Cons :

• Hot swap is not available for discs.

  
  
• Could be quieter.

The manufacturer who doesn’t need a presentation brought Proliant Microserver Gen8 into the leaders of the segment due to the successful combination of opportunities and advantageous offers. Compactness and design also attracted the attention of professional users who buy these systems instead of classic NAS storage.

Despite its modest size (less than 13 liters) and weight 7 kg, the server has Intel Xeon E3, supports up to 16 GB of memory, a Matrox G200 video adapter, 7 USB ports, and even a hardware management module. But it was not done without a fly in the ointment - the storage system does not support RAID 5.

7. Lenovo ThinkServer TS440

Advanced server with 8 pockets for disks.

Processor : Xeon E3-1276 v3 | ** Video : Intel HD Graphics P4600 | ** RAM : 8 GB | Data storage : without disks | ** Interfaces : 6 x USB 3.0, 2 x USB 2.0, serial I / O port, video adapter port, Gigabit Ethernet | Dimensions ** (W x D x H): 19.5 x 59.5 x 43 cm

Pros :

• Build quality.

  
  
• 3 year warranty.

Cons :

• Dear.

  
  
• Massive.

If you are looking for something more powerful, then pay attention to the TS440. It is much more expensive than its competitors, but also belongs to a completely different class. With a volume of 50 liters and a weight of 25 kg, this server belongs to the 5U format and supports Intel Xeon E3 with Turbo Boost technology. To all this, add a warranty period of 3 years.

Key features include DVD and the ability to install up to 8 hard drives. There is a door with a lock and support for hot-swappable disks, you can use ECC memory, there is a COM port on board.

8. HP Proliant ML350 Gen9

Multifunctional powerful server

Processor : Intel Xeon E5-2603 v3 | ** Video : Matrox G200 | ** RAM : 8 GB | Data storage : without disks | ** Interfaces : 4 x Gigabit Ethernet | Dimensions ** (W x D x H): no data

Pros :

• A 6-core Xeon processor is available.

  
  
• Three year NBD warranty (next business day).

Cons :

• High price.

HP ML350 Gen9 falls into the same category as the TS440. The server has a Matrox G200 video card, 4 Gigabit Ethernet ports and a 12 Gb / s SAS interface with the ability to install only 2.5-inch drives.

The main difference from competitors is the support of two Intel Xeon E5-2603 v3 processors (a total of 12 cores) and the ability to install up to 3 TB of memory as soon as the 128GB LRDIMM modules come out. Of the nice bonuses, you can note the door for the compartment with disks and a pair of 500W fail-safe power supplies with hot-swappable.

9. Scan 3XS SER-T25

Beast with two Xeon processors.

Processor : Dual Intel Xeon E5-2603 v4 | ** Video : Nvidia GT 610 | ** RAM : 64 GB | Data storage : 1 TB hard disk | ** Interfaces : 2 x Gigabit Ethernet | Dimensions ** (W x D x H): 23.2 x 56 x 55.9 cm

Pros :

• Compact and quiet.

  
  
• Very powerful.

Cons :

• Not the cheapest, but with the best price-performance ratio.

  
  
• There is nothing more to complain about.

A powerful server can be inexpensive — a slogan under which Scan offers 3XS for small and medium businesses.

A curious nuance: the British manufacturer allows you to track each stage of the machine assembly in real time (servers are collected only on request), which includes 24-hour testing and quality control on 88 items. The guarantee for each server is 3 years, and they provide a USB flash drive with a set of diagnostic utilities.

On the technical side, there is also something to look at: Broadwell-based Intel Xeon E5-2603 v4 processors, 64 GB of RAM (DDR4 ECC), 2 Gigabit Ethernet ports, a 1000 W power supply and support for 8 hard drives. The housing is manufactured by Corsair and has a noise absorbing coating.

10. Asus TS500

Medium server for any tasks.

Processor : Intel Xeon E5-2600 v3 | ** Video : no data | ** RAM : as ordered | Data storage : without disks | ** Interfaces : 8 x USB ports, VGA, PS / 2, 3 x Gigabit Ethernet | Dimensions ** (W x D x H): 22 x 54.5 x 45.5 cm

Pros :

• Ideal for workstations.

  
  
• Powerful enough and multifunctional.

Cons :

• Not everyone needs such a set of features.

  
  
• Sticker Asus will surprise many.

The Taiwanese company is the largest manufacturer of components and is known in the category of consumer components, but not as a server brand. The TS500-E8-PS4 is a top-sized 5U Tower case and is perfect for a universal server or a powerful workstation.

The car has 6 slots for expansion cards, three 5.25 "bays and four 3.5" hot-swappable SATA / SAS HDD slots. Optionally, you can add 4 more pockets for the disks.

There is also an IPMI 2.0 controller for remote administration, 10 SATA ports, a PS / 2 port and three Gigabit Ethernet ports.