Comparison · Modular vs traditional
Container data centre or a new server room?
A modular container data centre is running in 12 to 14 weeks. A conventional server room usually takes 12 to 24 months. Here is how the two compare.
Comparison
Side by side
| Container data centre | New server room | |
|---|---|---|
| Time to operation | 12 to 14 weeks from order | Typically 12 to 24 months |
| Permits | Slab and connections only, no building permit for a data hall | Building or refurbishment permits |
| Contractors | One contract and one point of responsibility | Builder, electrical, mechanical, fire and IT contractors |
| Cost predictability | Scope priced per project before order | Changes and overruns during construction |
| Testing | Load tested in the factory before delivery | Only tested once construction is complete |
| Relocation | Disconnect, lift and move to a new slab | Fixed to the building |
| Scalability | UPS in 30 kW steps, or add a second unit | Limited by the room, power and cooling |
| Rack density | 10 to 20 kW per cabinet, more with rear door cooling | Older rooms often 3 to 5 kW per rack |
Honest answer
When each option makes sense
Choose a container when
Time matters, there is no suitable room, the data must stay on site, the site may move, or you need a second site for recovery.
A server room can still fit when
You already have a suitable room with spare power and cooling, the load is small, and the building will stay in use for many years.
Colocation or cloud fit when
The data and applications can leave your site, and network dependency is acceptable for your operation.
FAQ
Container vs server room: questions
Not answered here? Ask us directly. We reply within a few hours.
Request a budget priceIs a container data centre cheaper than a server room?
It depends on the site. With no building work and a short time on site, the total is often competitive. The bigger difference is predictability: the scope is priced before order and tested before delivery.
Does a container need a building permit?
Usually only the slab and the connections need approval, not a building for a data hall. Local rules vary by country and site.
Can it replace our existing server room?
Yes. The reference unit replaced an organisation's primary IT facility, and the full migration took one weekend.
Budget price
Request a budget price
Three figures are enough to start: IT load, site and date. We reply within a few hours, with a budget price within 48 hours.