Servers

=**Servers**=

**What do they do?**
Provide the shared resources that network users (need), such as file storage, databases, e-mail, Web services, etc.

**Components of a Server**
**Motherboard**: the main electronic circuit board to which all the other components of your computer are connected (Diagram of a Pentium 4 motherboard is at right. Click on it to link to the website for a closer look)

**Processor (CPU):** the “brain” of the computer
- 2 basic mounting styles
 * slot**

**socket**

Varying types of processors and processor cores exist. The most common are dual-core (two processor cores) and quad-core (four core) chips. The number of procesing cores has directly affects performance. Additionally, the clock speed of a processor directly relates to how quickly the basic clock that of the processor operates. A variety of manufacturers make an array of processors. Each different companies' processor works a bit differently.

Below is a table of Intel processors


 * = **Processor** ||= **Clock Speed** ||= **Processor Cores** ||
 * = Itanium 2 ||= 1.60 GHz ||= 1-2 ||
 * = Xeon ||= 1.83-2.36 GHz ||= 1-4 ||
 * = Pentium D ||= 2.66-3.66 GHz ||= 2 ||
 * = Pentium 4 ||= 2.4-3.6 GHz ||= 1 ||

Memory
-Most servers can handle at least 12 GB, some up to 32 GB

**Hard Drives**
- Most basic computers are equiped with IDE drivers (sometimes also called ATA) - For a server, a SCSI hardrive along with a SCSI controller card will warrant the best results

Network connection
- One of the most important parts of any server - May need a network adapter card (Network Interface Card)

**Video**
- Generic/basic is fine for most servers

**Power supply**
- Servers require a larger supply (300 watts usually)

Server Form Factors
- The size, shape and packaging of a hardware device
 * Servers come in 3 form factors**

- Contains a motherboard, 5 or more hard drives - Has built-in power supplies - Can include hot-swappable components (parts that can be replaced without shutting the computer down)
 * Tower case**



- Designed to save space in a confined area
 * Rack mount**

- A server on a single card that can be mounted next to other blade servers in a blade chassis - Fits into a standard 19-inch equipment rack. - Typically blade chassis holds six or more servers - Provides KVM switching
 * Blade servers**