Friday, 22 May 2015 00:00

Selecting HDD for a server

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b2ap3_thumbnail_iStock_000023280587XSmall.jpgSelecting HDD for a server

As practice of interaction with clients shows, when people are considering increasing server performance, majority thinks of replacing processor, expanding memory or increasing goodput of input/output systems. Unfortunately, in this selection process drives are not viewed as a main performance factor, or are selected based on whatever's left over principle.

In this article we will tell you what predetermines the selection of drive for server and what type will suit the most for each separate case.

Used in server drives determine how good server can 'serve' the existing applications or network. The requirements to it include not only the speed and performance, but the reliability, low delays, low energy consumption and on top of all they should easily adapt to different client’s applications.

Hard disk drive’s function in a sever

It is not a secret that the function of a hard disk drive in a server is different from the function of disks used in desktop PC, laptops or other computers and is predominantly determined by server's task that in its turn is being integrated in some network. Accordingly, hard disks in servers should bear high loads and serve more users than standard PCs. A request to transfer data to a user or to a device can be made at any point of time and should be processed within minimum delays as it is possible. It means that a hard drive in server should be functional and active at any point of time and at the same time an ordinary desktop PC may be put in a standby mode when real time access is not required. And it is not only one hard disk drive: servers never consist of one drive (be it HDD or SSD), it consists of at least two drives, part of RAID array to ensure higher performance and reliability.

Typical fields of application of servers and its requirements

Three main factors that influence the selection of hard disk drives are as follows:

  • application installed in the system,
  • stored on it data,
  • significance of applications and data for company


From the technical point of view, the first and foremost role should be played by drive’s performance that has three main elements:

  • Speed. The dicisive, in this sense, is a parameter of quantity of IOPS (input/output operations per second), that a hard drive can process, as well as the number of source data (useful information without headers) that are transferred within a certain period of time.
  • Delays, i.e. time between data request and a moment when data reaches users.
  • Reliability – continuity of life of data carrier may be the decisive factor if data should be stored during a long period of time.


For continuation see part II.

Last modified on Friday, 22 May 2015 14:29
Data Recovery Expert

Viktor S., Ph.D. (Electrical/Computer Engineering), was hired by DataRecoup, the international data recovery corporation, in 2012. Promoted to Engineering Senior Manager in 2010 and then to his current position, as C.I.O. of DataRecoup, in 2014. Responsible for the management of critical, high-priority RAID data recovery cases and the application of his expert, comprehensive knowledge in database data retrieval. He is also responsible for planning and implementing SEO/SEM and other internet-based marketing strategies. Currently, Viktor S., Ph.D., is focusing on the further development and expansion of DataRecoup’s major internet marketing campaign for their already successful proprietary software application “Data Recovery for Windows” (an application which he developed).

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