The Components of a Server and What They Do

Many companies and businesses use servers to connect multiple devices within a network. These servers are complex machines that have many capabilities due to the parts that they consist of. Each component of a server plays a role in its functionality, and to understand how this device works, we need to understand the properties of each part.

The Motherboard

Every server has a motherboard responsible for holding a server’s many components together via a circuit board. The motherboard connects all the components in the server to each other. It creates a system of parts that allow the server to create a stable connection, store memory, and transfer data to devices connected to the server. This type of motherboard is similar to a computer’s motherboard, but there is no need for components that involve peripherals for video and audio.

Central Processing Unit (CPU)

The CPU is the brain of a computational device, and a server relies on this component to process data that the server will distribute to target locations. Numerous commands are stored in the CPU that activate when a user performs a certain action or runs an executable. Multiple codes stay in the CPU as it will gain more data to add to these commands and layers of data, and without it, the server wouldn’t be able to perform the majority of tasks within a network.

Random Access Memory (RAM)

The server’s RAM is an essential component of the memorization of data. RAM is the primary memory source within a computerized system and works closely with the CPU to store data for later use. RAM will normally hold instructions and information for software that the CPU will reference. This interaction happens incredibly fast as a person performs tasks on their computer, as they have a connection to the server and the internet.

If a server breaks down, the stored data will need a backup device to keep it. These devices are necessary for a server room and will prevent a heavy loss of important information for companies.

Graphics Processing Unit (GPU)

The GPU is a component of a server that assists the CPU in separating tasks. The GPU handles tasks involving computations, calculations, and producing data that the system inputs. The data the GPU produces has visuals that people may reference and see, which may require too much processing power from the CPU while it continues to process other data inputs by the server. Sharing the workload with GPU helps the CPU perform better with greater efficiency.

The server has numerous components that play important roles within its function. Understanding these parts will help you know how the server works and help you understand how to utilize it.