If you have worked on a computer connected to a network, whether it be from your workplace or from school, then you must have been dealing with what is called a 'server'. What exactly is a 'server'?. Essentially, it is a hub for which information is transmitted through a network that allows several computers to share information without physically being connected to one another. The 2U rackmount computer is specifically designed to act as a server, therefore elevating its efficiency compared to a regular desktop that will be used for this purpose. These computers will not have the reliability issues that a regular PC may have. They are designed to work continuously. Imagine if your server was operating on a desktop PC and had to shut down every few hours or so. That would just be disastrous. These machines are also pretty straightforward. They only contain equipment that is essential to its nature of being a server, therefore, making them very streamlined and smaller than a regular desktop PC.
Ajax Systems, Inc, a company located in Walnut, CA carries these rackmount computers. They are equipped with Core 2 Duo system & front access I/O layout with 3 x PCI full-size expansion slots. The 17" short depth rack chassis provides 1 DVD, 2 x 3.5" drive bays, 300W P/S. The great thing about this device is that the input and output devices are situated in the front, therefore, providing accessibility for expansion purposes. These computers have a standard rack arrangement that measures 19 inches in width. Variations come with the height. The size of the U's or rack units determine your needs for hardware expansion. A 1U, at 1.75 inches would be your most smallest and it can go up to more than 8U's depending on your needs. These racks can be used to house professional audio and video equipment which can include amplifiers, effects units, interfaces and even small scale audio mixers, but predominantly, they are widely used as servers. It allows for heavy hardware configurations without taking up a lot of floor space.
Besides its straightforward reliability, ability to work continuously, and its streamlined design, the 2U rackmount computer will also allow you more room for scaling up. Those that require larger networks will need a greater amount of computing power, and these 2U's can be stacked, combined, and connected to provide a more powerful server. Lastly, these computers will give you more bang for your buck because you don't have to pay for non essential components that regular desktop PC's come with.
Source: ezinearticles.com