The size of a data center depends on the size of the organization and its resources. To determine the right size and density for a data center, consider the available technology and facilities budget.

With the continued development of server consolidation technologies such as virtualization and more advanced processors, many organizations have moved away from measuring the size of data centers by physical space and instead measure size by density. Density determines the power consumption of a data center. The size and density of a data center can be determined by understanding its compute space and peak kilowatt load, which can be divided into four categories of data center density: low, medium, high, and very high.

Although the same square footage can now accommodate an increasing number of servers and storage arrays, the physical size of the data center must still be considered. Area is a factor in layout discussions and has a large impact on density issues. Use it to estimate the capacity and utilization of a given data center room.

What size data center is right for you?

Different types of organizations and different industries require different data center sizes and densities. Various factors, from server configuration to network architecture, and the age of hardware, can affect the size needs of a data center. For example, if you are still using quite a bit of older technology, then consider a smaller data center with a more traditional network and server architecture.

When you expand your data center, you can increase density by consolidating servers and introducing newer processing technologies. This way, you can gain additional computing power while maintaining the same physical footprint.

Why does data center size matter?

Large data centers are not more efficient than small ones, and vice versa. Regardless of the size of the data center, efficiency should be a priority when designing.

Large data centers do have some advantages over small ones, including room for expansion and certain tools. In large data centers, data center infrastructure management (DCIM) tools can be implemented to monitor and manage the facility. DCIM means including additional equipment and software in the data center, which means an increased workload for staff. This makes DCIM more suitable for large data centers that have the resources to implement it and can get a return on the investment.

For smaller data centers, introducing virtualization can improve efficiency. Virtualization can reduce space, power, and cooling requirements, and simplify workload migration, data protection, and other server tasks.

UPS unit size

The size of a data center determines its power usage. You can size an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) by measuring a few metrics. AC power is more efficient than DC power for power companies, but AC has reactance, which reduces the amount of power available.

To calculate the power required for your data center, use this formula: Watts = Volts x Amps x Power Factor, where power factor is the ratio of available power to total supplied power. Once you determine your power requirements, plan to run your UPS at about 80% of its power capacity. For example, if you plan to have an 80kW load, you should use a 112.5kW system with a power factor of 0.9. This provides some wiggle room if you occasionally need more power, and also allows you to install duplicate power systems.

Setting Up Server Racks Correctly

The correct server rack setup depends on the size of your data center. To avoid server rack issues, consider the size of the rack and how much space you have. Most racks can accommodate servers up to 19 inches wide, but you must also consider the height and depth of the server rack when planning your space. Some server racks have room for power cables and network cabling, but some do not.
Rack dimensions can vary between vendors, so make sure you know the exact width, height, and depth of your server racks and understand how to fit them into your floor plan. Even slightly oversized racks can impact airflow and containment, especially in a data center with a tight layout and specific configuration.