How much does a typical home server cost?
Have you tried to use peer-to-peer networking on four or more PCs?
If you found your network vulnerable to viruses, attacks, and lost data, then you’re not alone. Peer-to-peer networking is fine for a few home computers. But if you link more than three devices or you’re running a small business, then you might need to take a more significant step to protect your PCs.
A home server manages, stores, shares, and handles your data 24/7/365. They offer better reliability, a central backup solution, higher levels of security and simpler sharing.
How much does a typical home server cost? Keep reading to learn what costs you need to consider when building a home server.
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How Much Does a Typical Home Server Cost?
Expect to spend at least $1,000 or more on your home server unless you re-build or salvage a server from elsewhere.
The $1,000 you spend will cover the hardware alone. It’s crucial to choose durable equipment because your server runs every hour of the day.
Running a machine over this time frame strains the components available at a consumer level. By investing in a good quality server, you prolong the life of your network and save money because you don’t need to find replacement parts.
Other Home Server Costs
Hardware isn’t your only cost consideration. You’ll also see your home energy use rise as you power and cool your server all day.
The total cost of your server depends on your cost per kilowatt of energy. Check with your energy provider to see how much you pay before considering hardware. Remember that your hardware also plays a role.
Consider buying a measurement device, like a Kill-a-Watt, to measure the actual power consumption of your server. Multiply the number of watts by the days in your billing period by the cost per kW to see how much your server costs:
- kW x 30 days x $0.00 per kW = energy costs
Energy efficient hardware systems minimize added costs, but they tend to require more upfront investment.
Don’t forget to consider the costs of maintaining your server. IT maintenance plans may run monthly or annually and are necessary to prevent downtime in the event of a server issue.
Consider Renting a Server
A server is a recurring investment, and for some businesses, renting or leasing a server makes more sense than managing your own.
By giving up some control of your servers, you eliminate the upfront costs and mitigate repair spending. Your service might also upgrade your server’s hardware every five years, which benefits you at no additional cost.
Is Running Your Own Server Worth It?
How much does a typical home server cost? Expect to spend at least $1,000 upfront and then see increased monthly energy and maintenance bills over time.
These costs may seem high, but if you run a home network and need reliability and security, they often pay for themselves.
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