When searching for the best data center servers, key factors include performance, scalability, and manageability. The Enterprise Proliant DL380p G8 stands out for its robust enterprise features and proven reliability, making it ideal for large-scale deployments. The ASUS ESC8000A-E13 makes sense for high-performance AI workloads thanks to its dual AMD EPYC processors and GPU support, but it comes with a higher price tag. Meanwhile, the Mastering Windows Server 2022 offers comprehensive management tools suited for organizations prioritizing Windows environments. Continue reading to see a detailed breakdown of these options and more, helping you identify the best fit for your data center needs.
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Key Takeaways
- Performance and scalability vary significantly across the lineup, with high-end models supporting demanding workloads like AI and virtualization.
- Build quality and manageability features are decisive factors for enterprise environments, favoring brands like HP and ASUS.
- Price often correlates with features; premium models offer advanced capabilities but may be unnecessary for smaller setups.
- Compatibility with existing infrastructure, such as rack sizes and network requirements, influences the best choice for each data center.
- Tradeoffs between raw power, manageability, and cost shape the final decision, making clarity on primary needs essential.
| Mastering Windows Server 2019: The Complete Guide for System Administrators |  | Best Overall for In-Depth Server Management | Audience: IT professionals and system administrators | Coverage: Installation, management, deployment | Format: Printed book | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Cat6 Ethernet Cable 10Gbps 35 ft, UTP, Bare Copper, Snagless RJ45, Black |  | Best Value for High-Speed, Reliable Connections | Speed: 10Gbps | Bandwidth: 550MHz | Length: 35 ft | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| StarTech 1U Vertical Cable D-Ring Hook for 19in and 10in Racks |  | Best for Organized, Efficient Rack Cabling | Material: Steel | Mounting Height: 1U | Compatibility: 19-inch and 10-inch racks | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Mastering Windows Server 2022: Comprehensive Administration of Your Windows Server Environment |  | Best for Advanced Windows Server Management | Audience: IT professionals and system administrators | Coverage: Installation, configuration, management | Format: Printed book | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Enterprise Proliant DL380p G8 Server | 2x 3.30GHz, 16 Cores | 192GB RAM | P420i RAID | 8x 1TB SAS (Renewed) |  | Best for Enterprise-Level Storage and Computing | Processor: 2x 3.30GHz, 16 Cores | Memory: 192GB | Storage: 8x 1TB SAS | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| ASUS ESC8000A-E13 4U AI GPU Server Barebones with Dual AMD EPYC Processors and Support for Eight GPUs |  | Best for AI and Deep Learning Workloads | Design Type: Barebone | Hardware Interface: SAS | Item Weight: 90 pounds | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
More Details on Our Top Picks
Mastering Windows Server 2019: The Complete Guide for System Administrators
This comprehensive guide stands out for its detailed coverage of Windows Server 2019, making it ideal for IT professionals seeking a thorough understanding. Unlike the more technical Mastering Windows Server 2022, this book offers practical deployment strategies tailored for administrators managing legacy and current environments. Its in-depth instructions help streamline complex configurations, but it may overwhelm beginners without prior experience. The lack of online resources could be a drawback for those wanting quick, supplementary support. Overall, this pick is perfect for seasoned sysadmins who need a definitive resource to optimize their Windows Server 2019 deployments, though less suited for newcomers or those seeking quick reference guides.
Pros:- Extensive coverage of Windows Server 2019 features
- Practical deployment strategies for real-world use
- Ideal for IT professionals seeking in-depth knowledge
Cons:- Too technical for users with limited server experience
- No accompanying online support or resources
Best for: Experienced system administrators managing Windows Server 2019 environments who need detailed, practical guidance.
Not ideal for: Beginners or IT staff new to Windows Server, as its technical depth may be intimidating and the lack of online resources limits quick learning.
- Audience:IT professionals and system administrators
- Coverage:Installation, management, deployment
- Format:Printed book
- Focus:Windows Server 2019
- Level:Advanced
- Additional features:Best practices and deployment strategies
Our verdict“This guide is best suited for experienced system administrators needing comprehensive Windows Server 2019 expertise.”
Cat6 Ethernet Cable 10Gbps 35 ft, UTP, Bare Copper, Snagless RJ45, Black
This Cat6 Ethernet cable excels in delivering ultra-fast 10Gbps speeds with a robust 550MHz bandwidth, making it suitable for demanding data centers and high-performance networks. When compared to bulkier or weatherproof options, this model’s flexibility and bare copper conductor ensure superior signal integrity, especially critical for server connectivity. Its 35-foot length suits most data center rack setups but might fall short for larger deployments without multiple runs. It supports PoE, adding versatility for powering devices, but its indoor-only design limits outdoor use. This pick offers strong value for data centers prioritizing speed and reliability over outdoor durability or extended length.
Pros:- Supports 10Gbps data transfer speeds
- Made of pure bare copper for consistent signal quality
- Flexible, snagless design for easy routing
- Supports PoE for device powering
Cons:- Not weatherproof, limiting outdoor use
- Limited to a 35-foot length, may require multiple runs
Best for: Network engineers and data center operators needing reliable, high-speed cabling in indoor environments.
Not ideal for: Outdoor or weather-exposed setups, or installations requiring longer cable runs beyond 35 feet.
- Speed:10Gbps
- Bandwidth:550MHz
- Length:35 ft
- Cable Type:UTP Cat6
- Conductor:Bare Copper
- Design:Snagless RJ45
- Color:Black
- Support:PoE/PoE++
Our verdict“This cable makes the most sense for indoor high-speed networks where reliability and flexibility are priorities.”
StarTech 1U Vertical Cable D-Ring Hook for 19in and 10in Racks
This vertical D-ring hook from StarTech provides a simple yet effective solution to manage cables within standard server racks. Its durable steel construction ensures longevity, especially compared to plastic alternatives. It supports both 10-inch and 19-inch rack standards, making it versatile for various setups. By reducing cable strain and promoting passive airflow, it helps prevent overheating—an issue that can arise in densely packed racks like the ASUS ESC8000A-E13. However, being sold individually, deploying multiple units can increase costs, and its vertical-only mounting limits placement options. For data centers that prioritize organized cabling and airflow, this D-ring is a practical choice, though large-scale setups may need multiple units.
Pros:- Durable steel construction for long-term use
- Supports both 10-inch and 19-inch racks
- Enhances airflow and reduces heat buildup
- Flexible opening for easy cable insertion
Cons:- Sold individually, requiring multiple for large setups
- Limited to vertical mounting only
Best for: Data center technicians and rack administrators seeking to improve cable management and airflow in standard server racks.
Not ideal for: Large, complex setups requiring extensive cable management solutions or horizontal mounting options.
- Material:Steel
- Mounting Height:1U
- Compatibility:19-inch and 10-inch racks
- Standards:EIA RS-310-D
Our verdict“This cable management accessory is ideal for improving airflow and organization in standard rack environments, with scalability limited by its individual sale model.”
Mastering Windows Server 2022: Comprehensive Administration of Your Windows Server Environment
This book offers an extensive guide to managing Windows Server 2022, making it more suitable for IT professionals already familiar with previous versions. Compared to the Windows Server 2019 guide, it covers newer features and best practices, helping administrators stay current with evolving technology. Its detailed content is valuable for those seeking mastery but may be overwhelming for beginners or casual users. The absence of pricing or customer ratings limits quick assessment, and the technical depth could be a barrier for less experienced staff. For enterprise environments where advanced server management is necessary, this resource is an invaluable tool, but it isn’t ideal for those just starting out.
Pros:- Thorough coverage of Windows Server 2022 features
- Includes practical management and configuration tips
- Suitable for professionals seeking mastery over server environments
Cons:- Content is highly technical, less accessible for novices
- No pricing or customer ratings available for quick evaluation
Best for: Experienced IT professionals and system administrators managing Windows Server 2022 environments who need a detailed, authoritative resource.
Not ideal for: Beginners or users seeking quick, simplified guidance on Windows Server management.
- Audience:IT professionals and system administrators
- Coverage:Installation, configuration, management
- Format:Printed book
- Focus:Windows Server 2022
- Level:Advanced
- Additional features:Best practices and management strategies
Our verdict“This book is best for experienced IT staff who want to deepen their understanding of Windows Server 2022, not for beginners or casual users.”
Enterprise Proliant DL380p G8 Server | 2x 3.30GHz, 16 Cores | 192GB RAM | P420i RAID | 8x 1TB SAS (Renewed)
This renewed Proliant DL380p G8 stands out for its high-performance hardware, including dual 3.30GHz processors and 192GB RAM, making it suitable for demanding enterprise workloads. Compared with the ASUS ESC8000A-E13, which targets AI and GPU-intensive tasks, this server offers reliable CPU and storage capacity for data-intensive tasks and virtualization. Its 8 SAS drives and P420i RAID provide solid data protection and extensive storage, though the renewed condition introduces some uncertainty around warranty and longevity. Its size and power consumption are larger considerations for data centers with limited space or energy constraints. This server delivers enterprise-grade features at a lower cost, but the renewal status warrants caution for mission-critical applications.
Pros:- High-performance dual processors and ample RAM
- Extensive storage capacity with 8 SAS drives
- Reliable P420i RAID for data security
- Cost-effective as a renewed product
Cons:- Renewed condition may impact warranty and durability
- Large and heavy, requiring adequate space and setup considerations
- Potentially higher power consumption
Best for: Data centers and IT teams needing a reliable, high-capacity server for enterprise applications, virtualization, or storage.
Not ideal for: Small or energy-sensitive environments that require low power consumption and physical compactness.
- Processor:2x 3.30GHz, 16 Cores
- Memory:192GB
- Storage:8x 1TB SAS
- RAID Controller:P420i
- Condition:Renewed
- Form Factor:2U
- Power Consumption:High
Our verdict“This enterprise server is well-suited for demanding workloads in environments prioritizing performance and capacity, with some risk due to its renewed status.”
ASUS ESC8000A-E13 4U AI GPU Server Barebones with Dual AMD EPYC Processors and Support for Eight GPUs
The ASUS ESC8000A-E13 stands out for its exceptional capacity to handle demanding AI, machine learning, and deep training tasks. Its support for dual AMD EPYC 9005/9004 processors delivers substantial computational power, making it a clear choice over more general-purpose servers like the Proliant DL380p G8, which is more suited for traditional enterprise workloads. The ability to support up to eight high-performance GPUs makes it ideal for intensive AI projects, though this comes with the tradeoff of increased power consumption and heft—weighing 90 pounds, it requires specialized handling. Its advanced cooling system, with redundancy and liquid cooling options, ensures reliable operation during long training runs, but this adds complexity and cost. The flexible storage options, supporting NVMe, SAS, and SATA, provide scalability for large datasets. Compared with more modest servers, this setup is overkill for small-scale tasks but excels in high-demand environments that need raw processing and GPU acceleration.
Pros:- Supports dual AMD EPYC processors for massive computational throughput
- Supports up to eight GPUs, ideal for AI and deep learning workloads
- Advanced cooling with redundant hot-swap fans and liquid cooling options
- Flexible storage with NVMe, SAS, and SATA support
Cons:- Heavy at 90 pounds, requiring specialized installation and handling
- High power consumption increases operational costs
- Designed primarily for enterprise use, making it overbuilt for small-scale projects
Best for: Data scientists and AI research teams needing maximum GPU and CPU power for training complex models.
Not ideal for: Small businesses or startups with limited budgets and minimal GPU requirements, as the high cost and complexity are unnecessary.
- Design Type:Barebone
- Hardware Interface:SAS
- Item Weight:90 pounds
- Hard Disk Interface:Serial ATA
- Memory RAM Type:DDR5
- Graphics Card Interface:PCI Express
- Processor Count:2
Our verdict“This server is best suited for large-scale AI and deep learning environments where maximum processing power and GPU support justify the complexity and cost.”
How We Picked
Our evaluation focused on key criteria that matter most for data center deployments: performance benchmarks, scalability options, manageability features, build quality, and overall value. We prioritized products with proven reliability in enterprise settings and those supporting the latest hardware standards. Products were ranked based on a balance of these factors, with a premium placed on versatility and future-proofing, ensuring they meet evolving data center demands. Our selection also considers ease of installation and ongoing maintenance, which are critical for large-scale operations.Factors to Consider When Choosing Best Data Center Servers
Choosing the right data center server involves understanding several critical factors that can impact performance, scalability, and total cost of ownership. While high specs are attractive, they must align with your actual workload requirements. An improperly matched server can lead to wasted resources or insufficient capacity. Here are the main factors to consider beyond just raw hardware specs, helping you avoid common pitfalls and make smarter investments.Performance and Scalability Needs
Assess your current workload and future growth plans. Servers with higher core counts and faster processors support more virtual machines and intensive applications, but come at a higher cost. A mismatch here can result in underutilized hardware or performance bottlenecks. Consider whether your environment demands high CPU performance, large memory capacity, or specialized accelerators like GPUs, and choose accordingly.
Manageability and Support
Opt for servers with robust management tools and vendor support. Features like remote management, automated health monitoring, and easy firmware updates can significantly reduce downtime and maintenance costs. Avoid models that lack comprehensive support options, especially if your team has limited in-house expertise, as troubleshooting delays can be costly.
Build Quality and Reliability
In a data center, hardware failure isn’t an option. Look for servers with enterprise-grade components, redundant power supplies, and high-quality cooling solutions. Cheaper or consumer-grade hardware might seem attractive initially but can lead to increased downtime and replacement costs over time. Reliability should be a primary consideration for mission-critical applications.
Compatibility and Infrastructure
Ensure the server fits your existing rack infrastructure and network architecture. Consider physical size (U size), power requirements, and supported network interfaces. Overlooking these details can lead to costly adjustments or incompatibilities that delay deployment or increase costs.
Total Cost of Ownership and Future-Proofing
Factor in not just the initial purchase price but also ongoing maintenance, energy consumption, and scalability costs. Investing in slightly higher-priced hardware with better energy efficiency and upgrade paths can save money long-term. Avoid overbuying for current needs, but also steer clear of underpowered options that will require premature upgrades.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I determine the right CPU performance for my data center?
Choosing the right CPU performance depends on your workload type and expected growth. For virtualized environments or high-performance computing, prioritize multi-core, high-frequency processors. For storage or network-focused tasks, CPU performance may be less critical than memory bandwidth or I/O capabilities. It’s essential to match CPU specs with the specific demands of your applications to avoid bottlenecks or overspending on unnecessary power.
Should I prioritize energy efficiency over raw performance?
Energy efficiency can significantly impact the operating costs of a data center, especially at scale. While raw performance is vital for intensive workloads, energy-efficient servers reduce ongoing electricity and cooling expenses. Balancing both factors is key—select hardware that delivers sufficient performance while minimizing power consumption, ultimately boosting your total cost of ownership.
What role does expandability play in selecting a server?
Expandability ensures your server can adapt to future growth without requiring complete replacement. Look for models with ample RAM slots, PCIe expansion options, and storage bays. This flexibility allows you to upgrade components as needs evolve, extending the server’s useful life and protecting your investment against changing workload requirements.
Is it better to buy a pre-configured server or a barebones system?
Pre-configured servers offer a straightforward, ready-to-deploy option with tested configurations, which can reduce setup time and initial troubleshooting. Barebones systems provide customization and potentially lower initial costs but require more technical expertise and time to assemble and configure. Your choice depends on your team’s skill level, timeline, and need for tailored hardware setups.
How important is vendor support and warranty coverage?
Vendor support and warranty coverage are vital for minimizing downtime and ensuring quick resolution of hardware issues. Enterprise-grade servers often come with comprehensive support packages that include on-site repairs and firmware updates, which are critical in a data center environment. Investing in reliable vendor support can be more cost-effective than dealing with prolonged outages or hardware failures.
Conclusion
The best overall choice for most organizations remains the Enterprise Proliant DL380p G8 due to its proven reliability and extensive feature set. For those prioritizing value without sacrificing performance, mid-tier models or upgraded configurations of enterprise-grade servers are ideal. The ASUS ESC8000A-E13 suits high-end AI and GPU-intensive tasks, but its higher cost makes it better suited for specific workloads. Beginners or small-scale setups should consider simpler, more manageable options with solid support. Larger, more demanding data centers benefit from scalable, enterprise-grade hardware designed for long-term growth and reliability.
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