- Dell and HPE switch to modular DC-MHS and 21-inch rack
- AI systems benefit from wider racks that allow for better airflow cooling and power capacity
- Cloud providers are standardizing on 21-inch Open Rack as demand for AI servers increases
New research has claimed that data center operators are starting to move away from traditional 19-inch EIA-310 racks in favor of wider 21-inch Open Rack designs.
A report from Omdia says the newer format could account for more than 70% of rack shipments by 2030 as AI and cloud operators continue to expand their infrastructure.
The change is driven by server manufacturers and cloud service providers that have adopted the Open Compute Project principles.
Hyperscalers lead the way
Dell and HPE are among those supporting the modular Data Center Modular Hardware System, or DC-MHS, which is based on Open Rack architecture.
Omdia’s assessment of future server designs shows that up to 90% of Dell’s future systems could move to this wider format.
The approach lets compute and storage modules operate at rack scale rather than as separate units.
The growing use of artificial intelligence is of course another important reason for the transition. Systems built for machine learning depend on dense cabling, liquid cooling, and higher power supplies, all of which work more efficiently in a wider framework.
The 21-inch layout provides additional airflow and space for larger fans, improving cooling across heavier and hotter components.
This extra space also makes it easier for engineers to install high-capacity power distribution and maintain internal wiring layouts without restricting airflow.
The design also leaves room for future improvements as processors evolve and server density continues to increase.
Hyperscalers such as Microsoft, Amazon, Google, Meta, Huawei and Oracle already use the 21-inch format as their primary standard.
Suppliers to these companies report steady investment and clear order pipelines for AI-related hardware.
Wiwynn, one of the largest manufacturers serving cloud providers, has reported strong AI server demand and is expanding its production capacity to meet long-term orders.
Omdia expects rack shipments to grow faster than server shipments for the first time in a decade, with total revenue rising to about $4.1 billion by 2030.
The combination of higher capacity racks and modular server designs is expected to redefine how future data centers are planned and scaled globally.
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