I'm curious why servers don't typically come with built-in uninterruptible power supplies (UPS). It seems like having a UPS could help prevent downtime during power interruptions. If a server could keep running for just 20 minutes during a power cut, it might save a lot of hassle—no need to reboot and sift through logs to figure out what went wrong. I know external UPS units are an option, but they can be quite expensive for a reliable system. What are the reasons servers don't integrate UPS technology?
5 Answers
There are multiple factors, like heat and space constraints. Batteries generate heat and take up space that servers can’t afford. Plus, it makes maintenance easier to just have one centralized UPS rather than replacing batteries in each individual server.
Servers are already hefty, and adding built-in UPS batteries would just make them heavier. There are many rack-mounted UPS options available, so it’s usually better to just go with an external unit instead.
Mainly cost and maintenance issues. Installing a battery in every server would add significantly to the overall price, and servicing those batteries could be a nightmare for larger setups.
Also, consider the load. Adding UPS batteries would increase weight significantly, possibly requiring a rework of server racks to support them. It ends up being more practical to maintain dedicated UPS units instead.
Mixing a UPS into a server generally leads to compromises on both devices. You’d end up with a heavy server that kind of works as a UPS but not as well as a dedicated unit. It's often better to keep them separate.
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