How to Evaluate the Quality of Refurbished Servers?

Refurbished servers are ideal for business owners looking to amplify their IT operations as they have a lower price than new servers. But how do you know that the servers are actually worth the investment in terms of performance and reliability? There is a number of criteria that need to be examined in order to evaluate refurbished servers’ quality. Here is an overview of how to thoroughly evaluate refurbished servers before making a purchase in order to achieve the best performance while maintaining as much durability as possible. 

However, prior to discussing evaluation procedures, let’s take a moment to define refurbished servers. These include servers that have been purchased and returned to the manufacturer or reseller, either due to malfunction, a more up-to-date version of the same server, or simply because the original buyer changed their whole structure and did not need that server anymore. As for refurbished servers, after servicing such equipment, sellers test it so that it fully operates and sells it in the market again. 

The distinction between refurbished servers versus used servers always seems to be a problem for potential clients. Even though used servers are sold in “as-is” condition, it is common to see a claim on refurbished servers stating that they have been reconditioned and brought up to certain performance standards. This is where the focus need to be placed on how refurbished servers are tested and restored.

Certification and Testing

To start with, the first point of call if a buyer has an interest in examining a server would be to request for certification and the testing reports. There is no point of buying a refurbished server without its certification from repairers since most repairers would be confused as to why you would need such a server after a considerable number of repairs. Reputable refurbishers will certify their servers after a rigorous inspection process, which includes extensive testing.

As long as the assessment concerns the certifications of the server, ensure that it has gone through the following procedures.  In the case of the provision of hardware diagnostics self – service remotely, it enables the technicians to diagnose the hardware resources installed on the server through the following means: 

Hardware Diagnostics: These examinations evaluate all internal systems which include CPUs, memory, storage drives, and power supplies.

Stress Testing: There is a practice of running the servers on full throttle for long periods and identifying how servers operate under harsh conditions such as high temperature, high load as well as stress over time.

Component-level Checks: It is also important to verify that each critical component such as the motherboard, processors, cooldown systems, and other such elements work normally. 

Statistically, a refurbisher who carries out such a test is less likely to reproduce the same defects. Do not buy from vendors who do not prove that the server has undergone full scale testing and certification. The more precise the descriptions of the test procedures are, the more secured you are in the servers you buy in terms of the servers operation as well as its durability.

Warranty and Return Policy

The warranty offered and the return policy of the seller is one of the critical factors that differentiate quality refurbished servers from the low quality ones.  A good warranty does not only instill assurance to the seller but serves as a great blanket to protect the buyer.

The most trustworthy refurbishers will extend a warranty of 90 days to 1 year but extended warranty purchase options are also available. In case of a fault with the server during this time, the seller is responsible to either replace the broken part or the whole server unit. Others provide service contracts, which could also be customized to the requirements of the customer, which would address any concerns about maintenance and/or repair of the product. 

Don’t forget to look at their return policies as well. With a more relaxed return policy, you are able to purchase the server in your business environment without the fear of feeling boxed in. You should check to see that the return period is sufficiently long enough for an evaluation of the server based in the actual environments.

Component Quality and Upgrades

It is essential to consider the refurbishment of components and individual parts when developing a purchase strategy for refurbished servers. Some parts such as hard drives and RAM have a higher susceptibility to destruction and hence may require exchanges on time for durability purpose.

Inquire whether any of the parts have been upgraded in any way. Most reputable sellers would replace worn out core parts such as storage drives and power supplies with new ones. The server's overall dependability and service life are enhanced as a result of this.

The above pertains to the aims of the assessment as provided in the picture where try to establish some cause for the statement it provides or brings out the question or it seeks to explain a claim. Key components to evaluate include: 

Processors (CPUs): Confirm that the CPU on the server meets your workload requirements as It is meant to be. Try to find out whether the CPU has been upgraded or is the original part.
 
Memory (RAM): Determine the volume and type of memory the server provides. Some refurbishers may upgrade the RAM in order to sell the server as a better package, so make sure to check if the original configuration has been changed.
 
Storage: Just like hard drives, SSDs are also wear components and can fail over time. So, check how many drives were put into the server, whether they are new, used, or refurbished, and are they up to the task.
 
Power Supplies: Look for any visible signs of wear and tear as well as voltage readings from the power supply unit (PSU). An inoperative PSU may result in unscheduled outages, so this component should be adequately tested or replaced where necessary.

Sourcing from Reputable Sellers

Refurbishing has its own set of issues and its a important stage in the quality of a refurbished server that a user should acquire the server from a trusted supplier. Providers that are trustworthy will offer the complete history and pedigree of the server that includes previous owners, its repair or upgrade and testing history.

Instead, search for refurbishers with an industry specialization in server hardware. Searching through customer ratings and reviews can be helpful as well. A seller who doesn’t get good ratings on the product and the services offered is not ideal in this case. 
 
If there are reviews, look at the customizability of their products as well. Purchasing options allow upgrading some flexible components for some refurbishers like RAM or storage. This makes purchasing refurbished servers even more compelling as businesses can easily customize the server to their needs.

Compatibility with Your Infrastructure

One major consideration when buying refurbished servers is their compatibility with the existing IT infrastructure. There is little doubt that refurbished servers would work efficiently but they have to be integrated to your network. 
 
Operating systems supported: This refers to the software systems that are crucial for running the business and determining whether the refurbished server can offer such support. 
 
Networking capabilities: It would be important to ensure servers come with the ideal ports, NICs, and other connection options which are essential for the particular network environment.

Rack or tower form factor: You might find that a server is required to be built into a certain form factor depending on your existing configuration. Always check whether the refurbished server can be fitted into a data center or server room which you currently use and work from.

Environmental and Financial Impact

Other pertinent factors have to be included in the equation especially when informing clients about refurbished servers and these include the impact on the environment and finances. There is little stress on the environment by going for refurbished because it results in better management of electronic wastes. When one opts to use the old equipment instead of newly manufactured ones, the impact on the environment due to the need to produce new servers is controlled. 

Looking at it from an economical viewpoint, there are huge benefits in going for the refurbished servers. The potential savings that you expect to gain in going for refurbished devices could be in the range of 40-75 % when compared with buying new hardware. These advantages make businesses wanting to upgrade their infrastructure easier without straining their budgets. 

The choice to buy refurbished servers will help businesses channel resources to other devices within their network such as development and deployment of software, data storage, and cyber-attacks, among others.

The Importance of Documentation

Before you install a refurbished server, make sure it includes some form of documentation. Such documentation includes user manuals, assurances and installation guides. Although introducing a refurbished server into a system is really straight-forward, it does help one to have detailed documentation to ease introduction and operational expectations of the server.