Writer: Andrew Wandola
Editor: Lillian Castro
Reviewer: Jordan Sprogis
Bare metal is the term we use to describe a server with just the hardware and no software installed. Without software, a server is just a bare piece of metal, hence the origin of the name.
To further understand bare metal hosting, let’s compare it to its counterpart: virtual machines. Virtual machines use hypervisor technology to create several servers inside one physical machine. This is how VPS hosting works.
In bare metal servers, all the machine’s resources, such as CPU, memory, and storage, are dedicated to your application. In virtualized servers, these resources are divided amongst different users.
Throughout this article, we’ll discuss bare metal and virtualization in different contexts to broaden your understanding of this topic.
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How Bare Metal Works
Most people use bare metal servers when they need more control and better performance. Renting or purchasing a bare metal server from a web hosting provider allows you to select and install your own operating system and other software.
Here’s how that’s possible.
Direct Hardware Access
With bare metal servers, you interact directly with the hardware.
In other words, there’s no middleman software (like a hypervisor) getting in the way of this interaction.
Because there is no hypervisor layer, bare metal servers are a great option for resource-intensive tasks.
Your software communicates directly with the physical parts of the server, like the CPU and memory.
Basically, without the middleman in that chain of communication, everything runs smoother and faster.
Performance Benefits
A bare metal server gives you complete access and control over the machine’s resources.
Because you’re not sharing those resources with other users, bare metal servers are inherently more performant.
In contrast, with virtualization, you may experience a phenomenon called noisy neighbor syndrome.
This happens when other users on the server take up more than their fair share of resources, which decreases your performance.
Bare metal servers eliminate the headache of noisy neighbor syndrome by eliminating neighbors altogether.
Customization and Control
Renting a bare metal server is like renting an unfurnished home.
It’s up to you to decide how to decorate it (AKA decide which operating system and software to install). This setup offers more customization and control than a VPS or shared server.
These customizations include but are not limited to the operating system, security settings, and specific software configurations.
Since you’re responsible for configuring your server environment, you won’t have to worry about limitations that are common in traditional servers with pre-installed software.
For example, renting a shared Linux server will not permit you to install a Windows operating system.
Types of Bare Metal Solutions
When looking for the right bare metal solution, you have several options. Each type brings something unique to the table, so what’s best for you will depend on your needs and how you plan to use it. Let’s look at some examples.
On-Premises Bare Metal Servers
As the name implies, these are the traditional in-house servers that you set up and manage yourself. The biggest benefit of going this route is that you’ll have full control over the physical hardware.
Secondly, the hardware stays within your own facilities, and you can access it anytime you wish. It’s like having your own personal computer in your home office but on a much larger scale.
Bare Metal Cloud
Bare metal cloud servers offer the benefits of bare metal, such as high performance and control. However, you don’t maintain the physical hardware yourself.
Think of it like renting a super-powerful computer, but instead of having it in your physical office, you only access it over the internet.
This option cuts your overhead costs since you don’t have the computer with you in physical form. Amazon, Oracle, and IBM are good examples of popular bare metal cloud providers.
Key Features and Benefits
Bare metal servers, regardless of the type, have many features and benefits. Here’s an overview of what to expect.
Performance and Efficiency
Virtualization acts as a middleman between the computer’s hardware and software. This slows down processes since information must pass through an extra layer before arriving at its intended destination.
It’s like having a translator in a conversation; whatever you say to the other party must first go through the translator.
Because of the performance and efficiency boost, bare metal servers are popular in environments that require a lot of computing power.
In addition, bare metal servers give you the resources of an entire machine, compared to shared and VPS hosting, which splits it amongst dozens (or sometimes hundreds) of other users.
Security
Unlike shared and virtual private servers, which share hardware, a bare metal server is isolated from other machines. Because of this, it’s usually much more secure.
You don’t have to worry about security mishaps caused by other users on your hardware; those other users don’t exist!
However, it’s important to note that it’s up to you to secure your server with the proper configurations, like firewalls and DDoS protection. Additionally, the risk of unauthorized access is minimal in a bare metal server environment.
Remember when we identified customization as one of the many benefits of bare metal servers? Because you have full control over the server environment, you can customize its security settings to ensure that no one can access it without permission.
Scalability
Because you control your computer’s hardware, you can easily scale your resources up or down based on your current demands.
For example, you’ll need more hardware resources when running a resource-intensive application. You can then scale down your resources when you no longer need to run that application.
Take AWS, which has a Resource Optimization Recommendations tool to identify optimal configurations. You may also be able to implement auto-scaling policies based on predefined rules.
This flexibility ensures you always have the right amount of power for whatever tasks or processes you want the server to run.
Flexibility
Bare metal servers allow you to select the hardware components that best suit your needs.
It’s similar to customizing a car; you decide how much horsepower (processing power) you want, how much trunk space (storage) you need, and how much fuel efficiency (RAM) suits your driving style.
For instance, you need a lot of memory to run large applications. In that case, you’ll need a server with more RAM. Similarly, choose a server with a larger storage capacity if you need to store a ton of data.
When dealing with applications that need fast processing, a server with a powerful CPU should be at the top of your priority list.
Bare metal servers, in general, can handle many different types of computing needs. And it doesn’t matter if you decide to go with an on-premises setup or a cloud-based option; these benefits apply in both scenarios.
Use Cases
So far, we’ve seen that these servers are versatile and can be used in a variety of scenarios that require high performance, security, and control. Let’s explore some common use cases to give you some perspective.
High-Performance Computing (HPC)
Tasks such as scientific simulations and financial modeling need servers with high-performance computing (HPC).
That’s a prime example where bare metal servers can step in to provide the raw power needed to handle these complex calculations quickly.
This power explains why these servers are mostly preferred in research labs, universities, and financial institutions.
Big Data and Analytics
Bare metal servers can process and analyze large volumes of data. For example, some retail companies use bare metal servers to analyze customer purchasing data and identify trends. They can use this information to make business decisions.
In healthcare, these servers can also help process vast amounts of patient data to track electronic health records and process insurance claims. Due to the secure nature of bare metal hardware, it’s also popular for HIPAA compliance.
Gaming
Online gaming wouldn’t be as fun or interactive without low latency and high-performance servers. That’s where bare metal servers come in to provide the dedicated server resources needed to support online gaming.
For instance, when playing a popular online game like Fortnite or Minecraft, you need servers that provide a lag-free experience. This is especially necessary during peak usage times.
Anything less than that could make it nearly impossible for you and other gamers on your network to even start the game, let alone enjoy it.
Enterprise Applications
Enterprise applications like customer relationship management (CRM) systems and enterprise resource planning (ERP) software need dedicated hardware resources for stability and reliability.
Keep in mind that most of these applications are client-focused. So, if there are constant server-related problems, consumers won’t trust that particular website or application.
Some of these enterprise systems manage everything from supply chain operations to financial transactions. In the banking industry, for instance, a weak server could mean a series of failed transactions or even costly errors from a legal standpoint.
Setting Up and Managing Bare Metal Servers
The process of setting up and managing bare metal servers may seem difficult on paper, but breaking it down makes it more manageable. Here’s what to do:
Initial Setup
First, you’ll need to choose the right hardware configuration. This is where you decide how much CPU power, memory, and storage space you need.
Once you’ve identified your hardware specifications, the next step is to install an operating system. Windows and Linux are the most popular, but you can use any other OS that aligns with your goals.
Bear in mind that you’re basically setting up a new computer from scratch but on a larger scale.
Ongoing Management
Even after configuring the server, you still need to monitor it to ensure its proper operation. Server monitoring should focus on CPU, memory, and disk space usage.
Don’t forget to conduct regular maintenance. This includes but is not limited to updating software, checking for hardware issues, and cleaning out files you no longer need.
Security is another big part of managing a bare metal server. To protect it from threats, consider implementing firewalls, antivirus programs, and regular security patches.
Challenges and Considerations
We’ve seen that bare metal servers have many advantages. Now, let’s look at the other side of the coin: the challenges and considerations.
Cost
Bare metal servers usually require a higher initial investment compared to virtualized environments. That’s because you’re buying or renting an entire physical machine. With that said, this investment can pay off in performance benefits over time.
Resource Allocation
One of the biggest headaches of being in charge of server resources is that it’s also up to you to manage them properly.
For example, you’re responsible for making sure that the server’s CPU, memory, and storage are being used effectively to avoid wasting resources. This might mean playing with a few settings here and there or adding more resources as your needs grow.
Expertise Required
Because you’ll be setting up and maintaining bare metal servers from scratch, you need specialized knowledge. This isn’t one of those plug-and-play types of web hosting.
Rather, you should understand a thing or two about the hosting environment and how to get the ball rolling. And if you’re not familiar with server hardware and software, you need to hire experts or invest time in learning.
Supercharge Performance With Bare Metal Servers
Bare metal servers are popular in environments that require high performance, strong security, and customization options.
But because you need to set everything up to work properly, you must weigh the initial costs, resource management needs, and expertise required. That way, you’ll be able to decide whether a bare metal server is the best option for you.
Don’t feel discouraged by the complex setup process; it’s only difficult if you’re a total beginner. Most hosts have tutorials to help you set up your ideal environment.
If you know a thing or two about servers and web hosting in general, you shouldn’t have a problem learning how to set up your bare metal server. In the worst case, you can always hire someone to do it as you focus on tasks you’re more comfortable with.
