Essential Questions to Ask Before Buying a Refurbished Server

The sale and purchase of refurbished servers is an early 70’s practice, but it has become the most popular trade in today’s business realm. The main reason is that a brand-new server always costs a lot, which is not viable for startups or individuals like students or local users. Secondly, refurbished servers give optimal performance at low prices. 

But when it comes to purchasing refurbished servers, it is essential to learn what to look for in refurbished hardware. Moreover, you need to check their conditions, durability, and reliability so that you can get true value for money. In this blog, we will provide a complete guide for buying refurbished servers. So, let's get started!

Understanding The Basics

What Are Refurbished Servers?

Refurbished servers are reconditioned servers that have been previously used or repaired after experiencing some damage in the past. These types of servers are returned to the manufacturers and resold at a lower price than brand-new servers. Generally, these servers are sourced from businesses that have upgraded their IT infrastructure with new IT equipment. 

The refurbishment process involves rigorous testing, the replacement of damaged parts, and cleaning. Many users think that refurbished computer parts are of low quality, but they are not. These types of computer goods can be used for personal use, small office setups, and other simple computer operations. Moreover, they provide a cost-effective solution for enterprises that cannot afford costly servers.

Why Are Refurbished Servers A Great Option?

Refurbished servers are the most cost-saving options, especially for businesses looking to save money while maintaining their computing power. These servers are pre-owned equipment that has been in use, tested, reconditioned, or certified to meet the quality standards of brand-new servers.

Choosing second-hand or refurbished servers can help businesses save up to 50% or more on the cost of a new server. This can be a great advantage for small or midsize businesses who may not have the budget to purchase new servers. 

Refurbished servers are environment-friendly options, which means businesses can reduce their carbon footprints as much as possible. Moreover, these computer hardware come with warranty and ongoing technical support, giving users peace of mind that they will have full-time support in case of issues or faults. 

Apart from this, refurbished servers have a comparatively faster deployment time than new servers. It means users do not need to wait for weeks for the arrival and scaling up their operations. This easy installation feature makes refurbished servers an ideal solution for fulfilling urgent computing needs.

 What Are The Types Of Refurbished Servers?

Refurbished servers can be an excellent choice for users seeking reliable computing power on a tight budget. No matter if the user is an individual running a mini-office or a small enterprise, refurbished or slightly used servers can ensure optimal performance and an immersive computing experience. However, different types of refurbished servers are available on the market, each with its own benefits and drawbacks depending on computing needs. Let’s explore a few of them and see how they can help users fulfill their business needs.

  • Tower Server

A tower server is a standalone unit that looks just like a desktop PC. It is easy to install and maintain, but it occupies more space and is not compatible with complex computing environments. These servers can be used for small business setups and remote workspaces where simple but reliable server solutions are required.

  • Rack Mount Server

A rack mount server is designed to fit into standard 19-inch racks that can hold multiple servers in a vertical setting. It has a more compact  architecture and efficient performance than tower servers, but it requires more cooling and a more powerful infrastructure. These types of servers are best for medium and large enterprise settings that require scalable and flexible solutions for managing their business operations.

  • Blade Server

A blade server is a thin module design, or, you can say, a type of rack server.  They are more compact than other servers. It has a chassis that provides power, cooling, and networking facilities. These servers are the most space-saving and energy-efficient type of server, but they also have higher upfront costs and complexity. They are ideal for large businesses that need high-performance server solutions.

  • Cloud server

Cloud or virtual servers are hosted by a third-party provider and accessed remotely via internet connection. Since these servers are not physical hardware they do not need any maintenance. They are highly scalable, so businesses can add or remove storage capacity and computing power as they need. Most importantly, cloud servers are cost-effective, as users only have to pay for the resources. Hence, investing in these servers not only helps users save money but also provides advanced security against cyber threats and data breaches.

  • Storage Server

Storage servers are specialized servers responsible for accessing and managing big data. These servers are generally used by businesses and organizations that deal with large files or require fast access to complex data. Such types of servers typically have large storage capacities, optimizing data transfers and retrievals. Beside providing lots of benefits, storage servers must be handled and maintained carefully to ensure optimal performance.

Technical Consideration

  • Age And Condition Of The Server?

The thing you must check for in the refurbished servers, is their age and condition. No matter if you are buying an HP, Dell, or IBM server, you need to know the history of the refurbished server, where it was used, how long it has been running, and for what purpose. You must check what type of workload it can handle. This information will give a better understanding of the servers and how well they were maintained. Additionally, knowing the age and condition of the servers can help you identify potential risks and issues that may arise in the future.

  • What Kind Of Warranty And Support Included?

In today’s marketplace, hundreds and thousands of retailers are working as IT hardware businesses and pretending to have top-notch computer parts and products. Therefore, it becomes difficult for buyers to trust which IT hardware shop has good quality and authentic products. In this case, you must ask for the warranty and support of the product. 

A warranty is another important factor to consider when it comes to buying IT hardware products, especially refurbished ones. It is important because if the product does not show up, does not work, or causes arrangement errors, you can claim the warranty or consult with the technical support engineer. A firm warranty, along with the technical staff, are great signs of an organization that is gratified to stand behind its by-products.

  • What Are The Scalability And Future Expansions It Offers?

When it comes to buying a refurbished server, it's important to note if it is future-proofing your business operations or not. Considering future growth and scalability needs is another important aspect to avoid the need for costly upgrades or replacements down the line. What you should do is take your time to evaluate your traffic needs and choose a server that can handle both current and future demands, ensuring seamless performance for your business operations.

  • Which One's Maintenance is Easy?

It’s worth investing if you go for a server that ensures easy maintenance. However, finding such a type of server is a hard nut to crack, but with consistency and patience, you can find one that meets your computing needs. What you can do is consult with an IT expert and computing service providers like HP, IBM, and Dell. These brands have experienced IT engineers who have strong knowledge of brand-new, refurbished, and slightly repaired computer parts. Therefore, consulting with these brands will ensure ongoing support and maintenance for a long time.

  • How Cost Effective This Server Really Is?

Refurbished servers are typically less expensive than new servers, as they are often sourced from high-quality equipment. Still, these servers offer optimal performance and reliability, which are relatively compatible with new servers, but at a low cost.  Additionally, refurbished servers have already been manufactured and assembled, so their installation and lead times are faster than those of new ones. Hence, considering the cost-effectiveness of refurbished servers is another good way to make the right choice for your needs. 

  • Is It Compatible With Existing Infrastructure?

When it comes to buying any computing equipment, compatibility is what hits your mind first. Checking to see whether the part number you are buying is compatible with the existing infrastructure can help you get the right equipment for your computer. Similarly, testing the configuration, performance, form factor, and all the technical aspects of refurbished servers is equally important. It will not only speed up the buying process but also assist businesses in making an informed decision. 

Evaluation Of The Server:

  • Taken Note Of The Specifications?

If you are in the market for a refurbished server, it is important to carefully examine its technical specifications. Technical specifications, including processor speed, memory, and storage capacity, are critical aspects that you should look into. Understanding these key details will help you ensure that the refurbished server can meet the requirements of your business. It is because the processor speed determines how quickly the server can process requests. The memory capacity dictates how much data the server can handle simultaneously. Whereas, the storage capacity will determine how much data can be stored on the server. Therefore, it's essential to verify these factors so that a refurbished server can accommodate any specific software or hardware that your business needs. 

  • How Much Traffic Can The Server Handle?

Servers are meant to handle all the internet traffic coming from users or clients. They are responsible for providing service to other computers, managing and processing data requests. When purchasing a refurbished server, you must consider the type and amount of traffic that it can handle. Every server has a different level of ability to handle workloads, while different computer applications have varying levels of read and write intensity. 

For instance, file servers and customer relationship management (CRM) systems are generally write-intensive. On the other hand, huge databases and web servers are read-intensive. Therefore, understanding the volume and type of access will help you determine how robust your server needs to be. While you will get to know how much traffic per workload it can handle. As a result, you will find a better option that ensures optimal performance and reduces the risk of downtime. 

  • What Kind Of Software Is Included?

One thing you must know before purchasing a refurbished server is what kind of software comes with it. Some sellers may provide the necessary software, such as the operating system or critical applications; others may not. Before making a purchase, it's crucial to understand what software is included to avoid any surprises or additional expenses down the line. Knowing this will enable you to plan accordingly and avoid any delays in setting up your server. Try to conduct in depth research on the details of the software package that comes with the refurbished server and choose a seller who provides the software you need to get your system up and running. Doing this will help ensure a smooth and hassle-free computing experience.

  • How is this refurbished server performing?

Servers have a great impact on the IT functions of your enterprise and are significant for the processing of your systems. You can wisely select a refurbished server after a thorough study or consulting with an IT expert. You can conduct a market survey, looking for different servers and testing their performance. If you want a server for local or personal use, then opting for a refurbished server is a good idea. But if you are looking for a server for your office setup, then you must go for a new one. However, you can buy a refurbished server, but it will require in depth research and complete knowledge. 

  • Inspect if there are any potential issues or defects? 

Performing a thorough inspection of the refurbished server is also a crucial step in the evaluation process. This step requires buyers to carefully examine the server's physical condition, peripheral and internal components like the processor, memory, storage, power supply, and fans. On the other hand, verifying that the server is properly cleaned, tested, and repaired by a reputable vendor is also an important factor. Vendors can provide detailed information about the working condition of the server. Moreover, they can offer warranties and technical support, ensuring that the server is all set for use.  

Finding Reliable Refurbished Server Vendors

  • Is the vendor trusted or not?

It can be hard to know who to trust, as so many sellers are selling brand-new and refurbished servers online. Therefore, it's important to find a reliable manufacturer or vendor who can offer a wide inventory, a solid warranty, and quality assurance for IT products. It's worth seeking out a vendor that has a complete understanding of the products they sell, rather than just being a middleman between you and another dealer. In this case, what you can do is search for a reputable vendor with a proven track record of quality and customer satisfaction who backs up their work with a guarantee. They have extensive technical labs where products are tested and inspected before being put up for sale. 

  • What are the Reviews and testimonials from people regarding them?

When buying a refurbished server, it is important to read the reviews and testimonials from other customers. This helps users get a better idea of the quality of the product and the level of customer service they can expect from the seller. Some of the key points you must notice are as follows:

  1. How satisfied were the customers with the servers. Did they come across any problems?
  2. How well did the server perform? 
  3. How was the customer service from the seller? 
  4. How responsive were they to customers' questions and concerns?

  • Do they possess any certifications and accreditations?

Before choosing a vendor, you must check whether it is reputable or has the necessary certifications and accreditations. Certifications will indicate how the vendor has met the industry standard in the past and has been verified by independent organizations. Certifications and accreditations provide additional assurance that makes you feel more confident in your purchase. Additionally, the risk of potential issues with refurbished servers will be reduced. 

Final thoughts

All in all, buying refurbished servers can be a great way to save money and reduce the environmental impact. However, it’s wise to consider a few key questions before making a purchase. You must check the quality, warranty, specs, software, price and reputation of the seller. Considering these factors will help you make the best decision for your business.