In the digital age, businesses and industries rely on robust computing solutions to manage critical operations. Among these solutions, rackmount computers stand out for their versatility, scalability, and ability to fit neatly into standard server racks. Whether you are operating a broadcast network, managing a server farm, or overseeing industrial control systems, rackmount computers offer the performance and reliability needed for mission-critical tasks.
At Steatite, we specialise in designing and manufacturing 1U, 2U, and 4U rackmount computers, providing a range of customisable solutions for different industries. Here’s a guide to help you understand the benefits of rack mount computers and how to choose the right one for your needs.
Key industries and use cases for rackmount computers
Rackmount computers are essential in various industries, particularly where space efficiency, performance, and reliability are crucial. Below are some key sectors and applications where rack-mount systems excel:
In the broadcasting industry, where high-definition video editing, streaming, and content delivery are priorities, rackmount computers are indispensable. High-performance processors and GPUs allow for real-time encoding and streaming of video content across multiple platforms. Broadcast studios also rely on powerful rack mount computers to handle resource-intensive video editing software and to store large amounts of media data.
Data centres and servers
Rackmount computers are ideal for server farms and data centres, offering scalable solutions for businesses requiring cloud services, hosting, or storage. 1U and 2U systems are common for web servers due to their compact size, allowing data centres to maximise rack space.
For database management, high memory capacity and processing power allow rack mount computers to efficiently handle complex queries and large datasets.
Industrial control and automation
In industrial environments, where durability and reliability are key, rackmount computers are used to monitor and control manufacturing processes, equipment, and safety systems. Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems require high-performance, durable computing to monitor real-time data and manage complex automation tasks.
Rack computers are also enhancing factory automation and simplifying the adoption of connected systems. With robust I/O options and connectivity, the computers integrate with sensors, machines, and controllers to ensure smooth, efficient production lines.
AI computing
Rackmount computers are also playing a pivotal role in the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) applications, where immense processing power and parallel computing capabilities are essential. AI workloads, such as deep learning, machine learning, and neural network training, demand high-performance hardware configurations with powerful CPUs and GPUs. Rackmount systems can be equipped with multiple GPUs and large amounts of memory to efficiently handle these complex algorithms. Whether used in data centres for AI research, real-time AI analytics in industrial environments, or autonomous systems in defence, rackmount computers offer the flexibility, scalability, and raw computing power needed to support the growing demands of AI-driven solutions.
Military and defence
Rackmount computers are also heavily used in military applications, where ruggedisation, reliability, and processing power are vital for tactical operations. High-performance computing is essential for managing data in real time during missions. These computers also offer the stability and reliability needed to handle large volumes of surveillance data or operate radar systems in challenging environments.
Selecting the best rackmount computer
When choosing a rackmount PC for your specific application, several factors should guide your decision. Depending on your industry or operational needs, consider the following elements.
The size of your rackmount computer (measured in “U” or rack units) will depend on your available space and performance needs.
1U models are ideal for environments where space is at a premium, such as data centres. They offer basic processing power in a compact design.
2U systems provide more room for additional components such as larger hard drives or advanced cooling systems, making them suitable for more demanding applications.
4U systems can house more extensive hardware configurations, including high-end GPU cards, offering maximum power and expandability for high-performance tasks like video rendering or complex industrial control.
Processing power (CPU)
The choice of CPU (Central Processing Unit) is crucial based on the type of tasks your system will perform. For light tasks such as simple web hosting or low-level automation, a multi-core Intel i-series (or AMD equivalent) processor may be sufficient.
For more intensive applications like video rendering, database management, or advanced AI computing, consider higher-end CPUs with many cores and threads to handle heavy workloads efficiently, e.g. Intel Xeon.
Memory (RAM)
Memory is vital for ensuring smooth operations, especially in multi-tasking or data-heavy environments. For basic applications like small-scale automation or low-traffic servers, 8GB to 16GB of RAM is often sufficient.
For data centres, imaging tasks, or industrial control systems requiring real-time processing, consider systems with 32GB to 128GB of RAM or more to handle large datasets and complex processes without lag.
Storage options (HDD/SSD)
Storage requirements vary based on the data generated and stored. Hard Disk Drives (HDD) are a cost-effective solution for applications that require massive storage capacity, but do not necessarily need high-speed read/write performance, shock/vibration robustness, or small form-factor.
Solid State Drives (SSD), on the other hand, offer faster data access, shock/vibration resilience, and a range of small form-factors, making them ideal for high-performance environments like media production or real-time analytics in industrial operations.
Networking and connectivity
Depending on your industry, networking needs will vary, but robust connectivity is essential for most applications. Ensure your rack mount computer has sufficient network interfaces (1G, 10G, or even 40G Ethernet) to handle the required data throughput.
Look for I/O expansion options, including USB, Thunderbolt, and PCIe slots, to ensure compatibility with specialised equipment or future upgrades.
Cooling and power supply
Rack mount PCs can generate significant heat, especially in performance-driven tasks, so cooling systems are essential. Systems with advanced cooling solutions such as liquid cooling or high-performance fans are necessary for CPUs and GPUs running intensive applications.
Also, ensure the power supply meets the operational demands of your system. Redundant power supplies are often recommended for mission-critical applications like servers or broadcast equipment to ensure continuous operation.
Why choose Steatite’s rackmount solutions?
Our rackmount PCs offer exceptional performance and are available with a range of CPUs to best suit your application. Each system is built in-house in the UK and can be customised to match your exact specifications. We only select high quality industrial components for our rackmount computers, ensuring continuous 24/7 operation in demanding environments, and availability for up to 15 years.
Additionally, our in-house engineering team can design a rackmount chassis to meet your technical and branding needs. Notably, our rack-mount PCs stand out for offering the most expansion slots in the smallest size, marking a significant advantage in expansion capabilities.
Whether you need a high-performance solution for data centres or rugged hardware for industrial control systems, we provide:
- Customisable configurations to meet your specific processing, memory, and storage requirements.
- Rugged, durable designs suitable for industrial, military, and field operations.
- Scalable solutions that allow for future upgrades and expansions.
If you’re ready to take the next step in optimising your operations, explore our range of rackmount computers and find the solution that fits your industry and application, or contact our team to guide you through the selection process.
