What is a server setup?
A server setup is a computer that runs services for other devices on a network. These services can include file sharing, database hosting, application hosting, remote access, and local network control. The server needs a processor with enough cores to handle several tasks at once, enough memory to keep active data in RAM, and fast storage to read and write data without delay.
Key specifications for a server
When choosing hardware for a server setup, check these specifications first:
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Cores: More cores let the server run more services in parallel. The Thinvent range includes processors with 6, 10 and 12 cores.
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Main memory: RAM holds the data that services use while they run. The range includes 8 GB, 16 GB and 32 GB configurations.
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SSD storage: Fast SSD storage reduces the time needed to load files and databases. The range includes 256 GB, 512 GB and 1 TB SSDs.
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Network connectivity: Dual LAN ports let a server connect to two networks or split traffic. Dual Band WiFi is available on several models.
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Operating system: Windows 11 Pro suits Windows-based services. Ubuntu Linux suits most Linux server software and command-line administration.
Comparison of Thinvent options for server use
| Model | Processor | Cores | Max Frequency | RAM | SSD | LAN | OS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Industrial PC IPC5 | Intel Core i5-1240P | 12 | 4.4 GHz | 16 GB or 32 GB | 512 GB or 1 TB | Single or Dual | Windows 11 IoT Value / Windows 11 Pro |
| Industrial PC IPC5 | Intel Core i7-1255U | 10 | 4.7 GHz | 16 GB or 32 GB | 512 GB or 1 TB | Dual LAN | Windows 11 Pro / Ubuntu Linux |
| Industrial PC IPC3 | Intel Core i3-1215U | 6 | 4.4 GHz | 8 GB | 256 GB | Single | Ubuntu Linux |
| Aero Mini PC | Intel Core i3-1215U | 6 | 4.4 GHz | 8 GB | 256 GB | Single | Windows 11 Pro |
| Aero Mini PC | Intel Core 5 120U | 10 | 5.0 GHz | 16 GB | 512 GB | Single | Windows 11 Pro |
| Treo Mini PC | AMD Ryzen 5 7430U | 6 | 4.3 GHz | 16 GB | 512 GB | Single | Windows 11 Pro |
| Treo Mini PC | Intel N5095A | 4 | 2.9 GHz | 4 GB | 128 GB | Single | Ubuntu Linux |
Use cases
A small office can run file sharing and print services on an Industrial PC IPC5 with 16 GB RAM and 512 GB SSD. A lab or production line can run data logging and remote monitoring on an IPC3 with Ubuntu Linux. A department that hosts a database or several applications can use an IPC5 with 32 GB RAM, 1 TB SSD and Dual LAN, which separates internal and external traffic. Light services and a basic home or branch server can run on a Treo Mini PC.
Thinvent products for server setups
Thinvent has Industrial PC IPC5, Industrial PC IPC3, Aero Mini PC and Treo Mini PC models for server setups. The range covers Intel Core i3, i5 and i7 processors, Intel Core 5 120U, Intel N5095A and AMD Ryzen 5 7430U, with 4 GB to 32 GB of RAM and 128 GB to 1 TB of SSD storage. The Thinvent range does not include an ARM-based model for server use; the Micro 5R Thin Client is designed for client tasks and has 2 GB of RAM and 16 GB eMMC storage.
