Chassis & barebones

A barebone is motherboard, backplane, fans and enclosure — no processor, memory, drives or controller. It makes sense when you already hold the parts, or want to build exactly the configuration you have in mind. If you want a ready-to-run used server instead, our complete-server listing is the simpler option.

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Prices are based on the global market average in euro.

Buying guide

SFF or LFF — this choice does not reverse

An SFF chassis takes 2.5-inch bays (typically 8 to 24) and is built for high IOPS and SSDs. An LFF chassis takes 3.5-inch bays (12 to 14) and is built for bulk capacity. Their backplanes differ, and converting one to the other means buying a different chassis in practice. Decide before ordering whether you want the server for speed or for volume.

What you need to bring it up

At minimum: a processor compatible with that generation, suitable ECC memory, a storage controller, drives in correct-generation caddies, and two power supplies. If you picked a processor above 135 W, add the high-performance heatsink and fan kit. Each generation page in this shop lists everything compatible with that generation in one place.

1U or 2U?

A 1U chassis such as a DL360 takes less rack space but carries real limits: fewer PCIe slots, fewer drive bays, smaller and louder fans, and a lower thermal ceiling. A 2U chassis such as a DL380 takes twice the space but makes nearly everything easier. Unless rack cost dominates your decision, 2U is the more practical choice.

Frequently asked questions

Should I buy a barebone or a complete server?

If you already hold the parts, or want a specific configuration that is not available ready-built, a barebone works out cheaper. If you want the server running the same day and delivered tested, a complete machine is less trouble — compatibility across every part is already proven and the whole unit carries one warranty.