The 10 Largest Server Farms Ever Built

Key Points

• The Citadel located in Nevada is the largest server farm on the globe covering 7.2 million square feet. Its reliance on renewable energy sources sets it apart from several of its competitors.
• Switch SuperNAP is the third largest. It covers 3.5 million square feet and caters to tech giants such as Amazon, Google, and Microsoft.
• Utah Data Center covers 1.5 million square feet and caters to government agencies such as the NSA.

Have you ever wondered how big the largest server farms ever built are and what kind of technology powers them? Did you know that a single server farm can use enough electricity to power a small town?

The massive amount of energy needed to keep these data centers running has drawn attention to the environmental impact of the technology industry.

But, why do we need server farms in the first place? Our dependence on technology means that virtually every action we take, from sending an email to streaming a movie, requires enormous amounts of computer storage and processing power, which server farms provide.

So, the next time you stream your favorite show or upload a photo to social media, remember all the work those invisible server farms do behind the scenes.

Curious to learn more about the largest server farms ever built? Read on!

What Are Server Farms?

Server farms are also known as server clusters and they house rows upon rows of servers — computers designed for storage and processing tasks — along with critical cooling systems to prevent overheating. Server farms are used for a wide variety of purposes, including hosting websites and providing clous computing services. They also usually have their own backup power systems and environmental controls so that they can fully maintain the servers. While the environmental cost of these facilities is concerning, it’s unlikely that our reliance on technology will decrease anytime soon, making server farms a necessary part of our digital world.

10. Next Generation Data Europe — 750,000 sq. ft.

Located in London, Next Generation Data Europe is one of the largest server farms ever built in the world. With 750,000 square feet of space and over 19,000 server cabinets, it can house massive information for significant companies and organizations. This includes everything from cloud storage to server farms for large-scale computing power.

This isn’t just any ordinary data center — it’s one of the largest and most advanced European facilities with state-of-the-art security measures and sustainable energy practices. Following Generation Data has pioneered natural cooling systems, reducing their carbon footprint significantly.

NGD Europe boasts top-of-the-line security measures and flood defenses to ensure the safety and reliability of their client’s data. In short, NGD Europe offers a safe and efficient space for companies looking to store and access their information on a large scale.

9. QTS Metro Data Center — 990,000 sq. ft.

This server in Atlanta, Georgia, is an impressive 990,000 square feet of storage space for server farms and other technology businesses. It offers a variety of customizable options for colocation services, including private cages, cabinets, and dedicated suites.

Additionally, clients have access to high-capacity network connectivity and around-the-clock security and support. QTS Metro Data Center provides spacious and reliable solutions for companies seeking data storage and infrastructure management.

8. Tulip Data Center — 1 million sq. ft.

The Tulip Data Center, located in India and designed with the help of IBM, spans 1 million square feet in size. This massive facility houses server farms that allow for efficient data storage and processing.

The center incorporates sustainable technologies like natural cooling systems and renewable energy sources, making it environmentally friendly and cost-effective. In addition to its ample physical space, the center has a whopping 8.5 petabytes of storage capacity, which is equivalent to over 8 million gigabytes.

The Tulip Data Center’s capabilities make it a valuable asset for organizations that require reliable, large-scale data management solutions. Its cutting-edge design sets a new standard for data centers around the world.

7. Lakeside Technology Center — 1.1 million sq. ft.

This data center in Chicago, Illinois, boasts 1.1 million square feet of space dedicated to server farms and technological infrastructure. Companies like CenturyLink, Facebook, and IBM all utilize this massive data center for their computing needs.

In a world where online connectivity is crucial for businesses, Lakeside Technology Center serves as a vital component in keeping those operations running smoothly. Its size alone is a testament to the growing demand for efficient technology storage and management.

6. Microsoft Data Center — 1.2 million sq. ft.

In West Des Moines, Iowa, Microsoft Data Center is a massive facility covering 1.2 million square feet of commercial space. Once completed, the total data center space owned by Microsoft will reach 6.3 million square feet. Like many data centers, this facility consists of large server farms with enormous storage and processing power for Microsoft’s services and products.

Along with its high-tech equipment, the data center also uses efficient cooling systems and renewable energy sources to minimize its environmental impact.

The data center uses advanced technology and design to maximize efficiency and reduce environmental impact, including an innovative cooling system that uses outside air instead of traditional refrigerants.

It recently achieved ‘Gold’ status through the Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED) rating system. The West Des Moines Data Center demonstrates Microsoft’s commitment to providing reliable, sustainable technology for its customers.

5. Utah Data Center — 1.5 million sq. ft

This data center sprawls over 1.5 million square feet of space and is designed to handle 12 exabytes of data. It serves as a hub for server farms, where information is collected and stored by various government agencies, including the NSA.

Although much of its operations remain secretive, it’s known that the data center processes massive quantities of electronic communications, ranging from emails to phone calls, for surveillance and intelligence analysis purposes. The enormous size of the plant allows for sophisticated systems and backup generators to keep the facility running continuously.

4. DFT Data Center — 1.6 million sq. ft

This is a massive 1.6 million square feet facility and the largest server farm ever built in the world. That’s approximately 36 football fields!

This enormous facility houses numerous server farms, each with tens of thousands of servers, all working to manage data storage and transmission for some of the biggest companies in the world.

But, size isn’t everything. The data center is also equipped with cutting-edge security measures, including biometric access controls and 24/7 surveillance to ensure the safety of its clients’ sensitive information.

With its vast size and advanced technology, the DFT Data Center plays a vital role in keeping our digital world online and running smoothly.

Whether we’re browsing the internet, streaming our favorite TV shows, or completing important work projects, some of that data is being processed by this massive server farm in Ashburn, Virginia.

3. Switch SuperNAP — 3.5 million sq. ft.

This farm in Las Vegas, Nevada, is one of the world’s most extensive data center facilities. Spanning a massive 3.5 million square feet, the facility hosts server farms for some of the biggest companies on the internet, including Amazon, Google, and Microsoft.

What sets it apart from other data centers is its incredible power capacity — with 430 megawatts at its disposal, it can handle more than ten times the amount of energy an average data center uses!

This excess power allows for growth and expansion within the facility and provides backup power to other data centers in an emergency. In addition to immense power capabilities, the SuperNAP utilizes innovative IT systems and advanced security measures to ensure maximum efficiency and safety for its clients’ valuable data and equipment.

2. Range International Information Group — 6.3 million sq. ft.

This company specializes in server farms, and it’s one the largest server farms ever built, providing businesses with nationwide storage and management solutions. This high-tech industry is rapidly growing, with private and public investment pouring into the sector. China’s overall cloud computing market is predicted to reach $64 billion by 2020.

As a leader in their field, Range International has played a crucial role in driving this growth and boosting the Chinese economy. And, with their massive floor space, it seems they have plenty of room for future expansion. This cutting-edge company is one to watch.

1. The Citadel — 7.2 million sq. ft.

This farm, located in Tahoe Reno, Nevada, is set to take the title of the largest server farm ever built, boasting an impressive 7.2 million square feet of space.

But, the size isn’t the only thing that sets the Citadel apart. The data center will also be powered exclusively by renewable energy sources. Located near the Tesla Gigafactory, the Citadel’s sustainability focus fits well within the industrial park’s push for green technology.

This forward-thinking endeavor not only benefits the environment but also helps to reduce operating costs and improve reliability for clients.

Summary of The Largest Server Farms Ever Built

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