Are you the manager of an IT company and take all the decisions related to the suitable technology to be used by the company? One of the key decisions as part of the technology and equipment selection would be selecting a server that fits your business needs and assures excellent performance.
If you are concerned about the price, then choosing a refurbished server can be a great choice. This assures the desired performance and comes within your budget.
What is a refurbished server?
A refurbished server is a used server that is sold to a supplier or manufacturer. The manufacturer will check for the damaged components and install them with the original components to bring the server back to its factory condition. These are cost-effective and are an ideal option for small companies to own a server with top-notch features and the best components.
However, before choosing a refurbished server, there are many factors you must check to ensure that it meets your needs.
Determine the Budget
Buying a new server can cost a whopping amount. Companies depend on servers to maintain their IT infrastructure. The IT department would need equipment that needs money to buy and for its maintenance. Therefore, determine the budget when buying a refurbished server. This cuts down unnecessary expenses and helps you find the server of your choice with ease. You can also invest the amount saved from buying refurbished servers in other tools and components.
Choose Brand
Choosing the right server brand is crucial. There are many server manufacturers in the market. Their branded refurbished server offers a longer life span with durable and sturdy components. It is also convenient for you to get the technical support of branded refurbished servers in case of any hardware failure.
Check Server Performance
Servers can have a huge impact on IT operations performed in the company. Therefore, server performance is a must to consider when choosing a refurbished server. The performance depends on the drives, memory, and processors equipped inside the server. The new and refurbished ones come with the same configurations. Ensure to check whether it is in a good shape so that you can use this for the next 5 to 10 years without any issues.
Check the Hardware and Software
When buying a refurbished server, you have to check the hardware thoroughly for any signs of damage. You can also check the outdated hardware, since finding the right technician to perform maintenance of outdated components is challenging. Plug the cables and double-check if the server is powered on. Ensure that there are no annoying noises you hear while running the server.
The second thing to test is the software. Buy the server with compatible software without which you may have to spend double what you thought of saving. The software of the refurbished server must match the system you have in place. It is good to perform different types of tests such as stress tests, memory benchmarks, and CPU stress tests, and make sure that the server clears all these tests before buying. You also try to configure the server for any network to see if it is throwing any error messages. It is good to allow the server to run for 24 hours and then reboot to see the working.
Warranty
The most important point to consider without a miss is the warranty on the refurbished server. Many times, these servers come with a limited warranty and this will not cover the repair or replacement of critical components. You have to go through the warranty terms before investing in a refurbished server.
Maintenance
Another critical factor to check is maintenance. If you are buying the used server, the components may need to be changed. Ensure that the components used in the server are available easily in the market and at a low cost. You also should know the parts that may have to be replaced beforehand.
Supplier’s Reputation in Market
When buying a refurb server from a supplier, you should evaluate their reputation to ensure that they are selling only quality products to you. It is always good to check the reviews and good to buy from suppliers who assure you of warranty even on the refurbished servers.
Conclusion
You can buy a reliable refurbished server provided you buy it from a trustworthy supplier. You also have to check all the above-mentioned factors before buying a server so that your investment in the server is worth every penny spent.