One of the biggest misconceptions about buying used or refurbished servers is that the products are essentially the same thing. That is an understandable assumption, but the reality is that the two designations mean two different things. A refurbished Sun Server is not the same as a used Sun Server. Keep reading to find out why.

Refurbished Servers

Generally speaking, refurbished servers and equipment will be superior compared to used equipment for several reasons:

• Like-new: Refurbished servers and other types of hardware tend to look just like new. They are typically cleaned and repainted when applicable, and flaws are repaired to give it a like-new appearance.
• Factory reset: Part of the refurbishing process involves restoring factory settings. Factory reset will allow a piece of equipment to function better, and for all intents and purposes it can be considered to be “new.”
• Tested: Refurbished servers and hardware are put through testing to ensure that they are functioning optimally and that it will perform its specific function reliably. Often, the testing is repeated multiple times throughout the refurbishing process.

Used Servers

Used servers are not typically on the same level as refurbished servers, and there are some issues you need to be aware of before a purchase:

• Physical condition: Unlike refurbished servers, used hardware isn’t usually cleaned up or restored to look like new. Depending on where you purchase a used server (think online purchases) it’s possible that you could end up with a dinged up, scratched piece of equipment. Nothing says used like a huge gash running along the side of the casing.
• Inherited problems: Refurbished equipment is typically restored to factory settings. With used hardware, you will likely inherit a piece of equipment that still has data and settings from its previous owner.
• Maybe it works: Used products are not usually tested beyond plugging it in and seeing if the lights are on. Maybe it will work when you set it up, and maybe it won’t. Used servers generally aren’t as rigorously tested as refurbished ones, which leaves a lot of uncertainty about how it will function.

When you compare the two side-by-side, it becomes obvious which option offers the most dependability. Shop ServerWorlds today for all of your refurbished server needs.