Introduction to Pizza Box Servers
A pizza box server is a type of computer server that is enclosed in a 1U pizza box-style case.
Pizza boxes are popular because they are cheaper and smaller than full-size server hardware alternatives, and they use less power.
They are also easier to move around than larger 2U- 4U servers. (BTW, an RU is a rack unit which is also known as a U)
Depending on the size of your data center racks/cabinets, they can be stacked 30 – 40 servers per rack as long as you have enough power and network switch ports.
This type of high density setup provides greater computing power than the traditional tower or rack servers and is ideal for supporting virtual machines.
What is a pizza box server?
A pizza box server is a type of server that is designed to be small and compact.
They get their name from their shape because they are rectangular in shape, similar to a pizza box.
We will also refer to pizza box servers as pizza boxes…
What you’ll learn in this guide:
– What is a pizza box server?
– Advantages of a pizza box serverĀ
– Disadvantages of a pizza box serverĀ
– Alternatives to pizza box servers
– Are pizza boxes ok for ESXi?
– Is a pizza box server worth it?
Before we continue, please watch this video.
Video Training – Dell 1U Pizza Box
Advantages of Pizza Box Servers
The advantages include:
– They are cheaper than traditional rack-mounted servers.
– They use less power than 2U-4U servers which can greatly reduce the overall cost of powering a large data center.
– They are easier to maintain because they are easier to handle with less staff than larger servers
– They are smaller and more compact. This is important in data centers where space is at a premium.
– They generate less heat, which can help you avoid higher costs in data centers with small cooling systems.
– They are quieter unless you have too many all stacked together in a single cabinet.
– They can be used in a variety of environments, including small businesses, home offices, and large enterprise data centers. And for a variety of uses such as databases, bare metal setups, and for virtual infrastructure with VMware ESXi or your preferred hypervisor software.
As you can see, pizza box servers offer a number of advantages over other types of servers.
Disadvantages of Pizza Box Servers
There are a few disadvantages to using a pizza box server:
– They are not as powerful as larger rack-mounted servers. For example, they have fewer CPU sockets and memory slots.
– They can be more difficult to upgrade than traditional servers. For example, they have fewer slots for disk drives and adapter cards.
– They do not have as many features as traditional servers. For example, they may not have the ability to hot-swap components.
Pizza boxes have a number of disadvantages when compared to full-size 2U-4U rack-mounted servers, but they also offer a number of advantages that make them a good choice for virtualization.
Alternatives to Pizza Box Server Hardware
If you are not sure if a pizza box server is the right option for your organization, here are a few server alternatives to consider:
– Full-size rack-mounted servers: Full-size servers are more powerful than pizza box servers, but they are also more expensive and take up more space.
– Blade servers: Blade servers are similar to traditional rack-mounted servers, but they are smaller and can be more costly.
– White box servers: Whitebox server hardware is unbranded equipment that can be customized to your specific needs.
– Mini servers: Mini servers are smaller than pizza box servers, but they offer similar features and power.
– Tower servers: Tower servers are more powerful than pizza box servers, but they are also larger, more expensive, and don’t stack.
– NUC servers: NUC servers are small, low-power servers that are designed for home and small office use.
The best server solution for your organization will depend on your specific needs and budget.
Each type of server listed has its own advantages and disadvantages, so it is important to consider all the factors before making any purchases.
Are pizza boxes ok for ESXi?
Yes, pizza boxes are a great option for hosting companies or private clouds that use VMware ESXi or another type of hypervisor because they are easy to swap out and replace when a server fails.
Is a pizza box server worth it?
In conclusion, a pizza box server is a low-cost, low-power alternative to traditional rack-mounted servers.
They are not as powerful or scalable as traditional servers but they can be used in a variety of environments and are easier to maintain and upgrade.
However, if you’re looking for a cheaper, easier to maintain and upgrade server that is compact and uses less power, then “Yes” a pizza box may be the better choice for you.
On the other hand, if you are looking for a more powerful and scalable server that can be used in an environment with large workloads, then “No” because a 2U-4U server may be the better option for your business.
Thanks for reading – What is a Pizza Box Server?
If you have questions or comments please leave them below.
