What is a Bare Metal Server?

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A bare metal server is a physical, single-tenant server that is exclusively allocated to one customer. Unlike cloud or virtual servers that share resources with multiple users, bare metal servers deliver dedicated access to all hardware components, offering superior performance, reliability, and control.

Why Use a Bare Metal Server?

One of the most compelling reasons to use a bare metal server is performance. Since there is no virtualization layer involved, all of the server’s processing power, memory, and storage are reserved solely for your applications. This makes it ideal for resource-intensive tasks such as big data processing, high-traffic websites, gaming infrastructure, or mission-critical enterprise systems.

Security is another major advantage. Because you are the only user of the hardware, the risk of data breaches or vulnerabilities caused by shared environments is virtually eliminated. This is especially important for businesses operating in regulated industries like finance, healthcare, or government, where data privacy and compliance are top priorities.

Additionally, bare metal servers provide complete customization. You have full control over the operating system, software stack, and server configurations. This flexibility allows you to fine-tune your environment according to your specific technical or business needs.

Another key benefit is predictable performance. Unlike virtual servers, where performance can fluctuate depending on the usage patterns of other tenants, bare metal servers deliver consistent, stable operation. There is no competition for CPU, memory, or bandwidth—what you pay for is entirely yours to use.

When is a Bare Metal Server the Right Choice?

Bare metal servers are best suited for situations where high performance, enhanced security, and full customization are required. They are often used for:

  1. Hosting large databases or ERP systems
  2. Running intensive applications such as machine learning, video rendering, or gaming
  3. Meeting strict compliance standards (e.g., PCI-DSS, HIPAA)
  4. Deploying workloads that require low latency and high throughput
  5. Businesses that want complete control over their server infrastructure

Final Thoughts

In summary, a bare metal server provides dedicated hardware with no shared resources, making it a powerful solution for organizations with demanding workloads and specific security or compliance requirements. While it may require a higher investment and setup time compared to virtual solutions, the benefits in performance, control, and stability are significant—especially for mission-critical applications.

Picture of The VPLS Team
The VPLS Team
VPLS is a global leader in Internet infrastructure, providing enterprise-class data center, network, and bare metal solutions that enable exceptional digital experiences. VPLS' global footprint includes interconnected data centers and Points of Presence across strategically located metros in North America, Europe, and Asia regions. Through organic growth and strategic acquisition, the company continues to expand its presence to power enterprise workloads at the edge. Evocative is dedicated to helping drive digital businesses forward, now and in the decades to come.

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