If you want to own the machine, the goal is often to find enterprise-grade equipment that has been decommissioned by corporations.
If you don't want to manage hardware, renting a "slice" of a server is often the cheapest way to host websites or databases.
“A lot of us are in the enviable state of being gainfully employed and having enough disposable that we can buy cheap server stuff off eBay.” www.truenas.com · 5 years ago
: Consumer hardware is built for peak performance, while enterprise hardware is designed for reliability and redundancy (e.g., ECC RAM, dual power supplies).
offer certified used hardware often including models like the series or HP ProLiant systems. Alternative Hardware : Mini PCs : Many enthusiasts use repurposed corporate mini PCs (like Dell OptiPlex
: Known for a generous "Always Free" tier with significant ARM-based compute power.
: Sites like eBay are the primary marketplace for used servers. You can find "used server kits" for a fraction of their original cost.