Server sizing advice
Current CPU, memory and disk usage and virtualization plans reviewed, with a recommended model and configuration such as an HPE ProLiant DL380 or DL360 with the right RAID controller and power supplies.
Hardware & Licensing
Server and network hardware supply and upgrades
The first question before buying a server is what load it has to carry. We recommend specifications based on your software, user count and expected growth, source the hardware and handle installation. Prices are quoted once the specification is agreed, at current market rates.
Tools & technology
hardware-supply
- HPE ProLiant
- HPE iLO
- Dell PowerEdge
- Cisco Catalyst
- HPE Aruba
- MikroTik
- Synology
- APC
6work areas
4deliverables
4steps
What is Hardware Supply & Upgrades?
HP server supply and installation is a service that sizes a new or refurbished server and network hardware to your real workload, then sources, tests and installs it on site. It suits companies whose server has slowed down and who can't tell whether to add RAM or replace it, who hold several server quotes they can't compare, or need switches and access points for a new office. PikoSystem reviews CPU, memory and disk usage, recommends a model such as an HPE ProLiant DL380 or DL360, supplies matching RAM and SSDs for upgrades, and handles rack mounting, iLO and RAID setup and memory and disk tests before production. Prices are quoted at current rates once the specification is agreed. You receive a specification proposal, a quote with part numbers, a hardware health report and warranty details.
When you need Hardware Supply & Upgrades
- Our server has slowed down and we can't tell whether to add RAM or buy a new one.
- We have several server quotes and no way to compare them.
- Our server disks show SMART errors and we can't find compatible parts.
- We need switches, a router and access points for a new office.
What Hardware Supply & Upgrades includes
New or refurbished
New and refurbished HP servers compared on component age, seller warranty and spare parts availability, so you decide with the full picture.
Upgrading existing servers
RAM, HDDs and SSDs matched to your server model and generation, RAID controllers, and firmware checks before installation.
Network equipment
Cisco or HPE Aruba switches, MikroTik routers and access points selected on port count, PoE and VLAN requirements.
Installation
Rack mounting, power and network connections, firmware updates, iLO and RAID setup, and operating system or hypervisor installation.
Pre-delivery testing
Memory and disk tests and a review of the hardware log (IML) before the server goes into production.
What you get from Hardware Supply & Upgrades
- A specification proposal explaining each choice
- A clear quote with part numbers
- Installed hardware with documented iLO access and RAID configuration
- A hardware health test report and warranty details
Hardware Supply & Upgrades: a practical guide
Refurbished Gen9, Gen10 or Gen11: which HPE generation?
HPE ProLiant Gen9 servers run Xeon E5 v3 and v4 processors with DDR4 memory and iLO 4, and they still handle a file server or a few light virtual machines. Their drawbacks are higher power draw for the compute you get and limited vendor support for an aging generation. Gen10 brings Xeon Scalable processors, iLO 5 and better NVMe support, which makes it the more balanced option for VMware or Proxmox virtualization.
Gen11 uses DDR5 memory, PCIe 5.0 and iLO 6, but turns up less often on the refurbished market. Downloading HPE's official firmware bundle (SPP) requires an active warranty or support contract, so check the warranty status of the serial number before you buy.
What to prepare before asking for server buying advice
Real resource usage matters more than the specs of your current server. A few weeks of Performance Monitor data on Windows or sar output on Linux shows whether the bottleneck is CPU, memory or disk speed. A list of virtual machines and applications, plus how much your data grew over the past year, makes the storage estimate far more accurate.
Describe the installation site as well: free rack space in U, UPS capacity, power outlet type and cooling. If your network runs at 10 Gb or uses SFP+, the server network card has to match it.
Common mistakes when upgrading server RAM and disks
RDIMM and LRDIMM modules cannot be mixed in one server, and populating memory unevenly across processor channels reduces memory performance. In dual-socket servers, half of the DIMM slots and some PCIe slots only work once a second processor is installed.
For storage, consumer SSDs with low write endurance (DWPD) wear out quickly in a RAID array under database load. RAID 5 on large hard drives means long rebuilds, and a second disk failure during that window destroys the array.
Buying a Cisco switch: refurbished 2960 or Catalyst 9200?
Older models such as the original Catalyst 2960 and the 3750 have been out of support for years, and the 2960-X is no longer sold and nearing the end of its support period. Catalyst 9200 and 9300 switches require a subscription license at purchase, so the supply route for it has to be clear before you order.
On PoE switches, check the power budget. The combined draw of cameras, VoIP phones and access points must stay within the switch's PoE capacity.
How Hardware Supply & Upgrades works
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01
Assess needs
We review your software, users, current resource usage and installation site.
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02
Proposal and quote
You receive the recommended specification with reasoning and a quote at current prices.
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03
Source and test
Once you approve, we source the hardware and test it before delivery or installation.
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04
Install and hand over
We install and configure the equipment and hand over documentation, access details and warranty information.
Hardware Supply & Upgrades: frequently asked questions
Should we buy a refurbished or a new server?
A refurbished HP server costs less and is fine for many workloads, provided the parts are tested and the seller gives a real warranty. For critical services with a long lifespan, we recommend a new server, or at least new disks and power supplies. Our proposal lays out the benefits and risks of each option.
How much does an HP DL380 server cost?
It depends on the generation, number and type of CPUs, memory, disks, and whether it is new or refurbished, and prices move quickly. Once the specification is set, we send a quote at current prices with part numbers.
Will you install hardware we bought elsewhere?
Yes. We install, update firmware and configure equipment sourced elsewhere as well. Before installation we check compatibility and component health.
Do you repair HP servers, or only supply them?
Both. For HP and similar servers we start from the iLO logs and status LEDs to tell whether the fault is memory, a disk, the board or a power supply. If the part is replaceable we source a compatible one for that exact model, swap it and test the server under load. When a repair is not worth it, we compare the cost of repair and replacement side by side.
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Quote
Tell us what you need, we'll come back with a plan and a price
A few lines on where things stand and what you want is enough. An engineer calls you back, not a sales rep.
- 01We read your request and call if anything is unclear.
- 02If needed, we do a quick remote review or a site visit.
- 03You get a written proposal with scope, timeline and cost.