Understanding Server Architecture: Types, Components, and the X86 vs ARM Debate

1. What is a server?

A server (English “Server”) is a high‑performance computer that provides various services over a network, handling about 80 % of data and information. Compared with ordinary PCs, servers require higher stability, security, and performance, leading to different CPUs, chipsets, memory, disks, and networking hardware.

Vendors design servers for specific scenarios such as file exchange, data storage and query, and application execution.

2. Server composition

2.1 Logical architecture

The logical architecture resembles that of a regular computer but emphasizes higher processing capability, stability, reliability, security, scalability, and manageability. The CPU and memory are the most critical components.

2.2 Hardware

Key hardware includes processors, memory, chipsets, I/O (RAID cards, NICs, HBAs), disks, and chassis (power supplies, fans). In a typical server, CPU and chipset account for ~50 % of cost, memory ~15 %, external storage ~10 %, and the remaining components ~25 %.

2.3 Firmware and OS

Firmware consists of BIOS/UEFI, BMC, and CMOS. The operating system can be 32‑bit or 64‑bit; 64‑bit versions handle more memory and applications.

3. Server classifications

3.1 By form factor

Tower servers – stand‑alone chassis, low density, often single‑processor.

Rack servers – 19‑inch width, height measured in “U”, common in data centers.

Blade servers – multiple server blades share a chassis and power/network backplane.

Cabinet (or chassis) servers – integrated compute, network, and storage with redundant power and cooling.

3.2 By instruction‑set architecture

CISC (X86) servers – Intel/AMD processors, dominant market share.

RISC servers – based on Power, SPARC, or ARM (e.g., Huawei Kunpeng).

EPIC servers – Intel Itanium and similar.

3.3 By processor count

Servers are classified as single‑socket, dual‑socket, quad‑socket, etc.; dual‑socket is currently the mainstream.

4. X86 vs ARM

X86 servers dominate the market, offering strong performance and a mature ecosystem. ARM servers provide lower power consumption, higher core density, and are gaining traction in edge computing and AI workloads. Both architectures are expected to coexist, with X86 leading in traditional data centers and ARM expanding in specialized and energy‑efficient scenarios.