- Dell and HPE Lead the Transition to Adoption of Modular DC-MHS and 21-Inch Racks
- AI systems benefit from wider racks allowing for better airflow cooling and power capacity
- Cloud Providers Standardize 21-Inch Open Rack as Demand for AI Servers Grows
New research reveals 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 new format could account for more than 70% of rack shipments by 2030, as AI and cloud operators continue to expand their infrastructure.
This change is driven by server manufacturers and cloud service providers who have adopted the principles of the Open Compute Project.
Hyperscalers lead the charge
Dell and HPE are among those supporting the Modular Data Center Hardware System, or DC-MHS, based on the Open Rack architecture.
Omdia’s assessment of upcoming server designs shows that up to 90% of future Dell systems could migrate to this larger form factor.
This approach allows compute and storage modules to operate rack-wide rather than as separate units.
The growing use of AI is naturally another key reason for this transition. Systems designed for machine learning rely on dense wiring, liquid cooling, and higher power, all of which work more efficiently in a larger setting.
The 21-inch layout provides additional airflow and space for larger fans, improving cooling of heavier, hotter components.
This additional space also makes it easier for engineers to install high-capacity electrical 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 are already adopting the 21-inch format as their main standard.
Suppliers to these companies report continued investments and clear order pipelines for AI-related hardware.
Wiwynn, one of the largest manufacturers serving cloud providers, has reported strong demand for AI servers and is expanding its production capacity to meet longer-term orders.
Omdia expects rack shipments to grow faster than server shipments for the first time in a decade, with overall revenue reaching approximately $4.1 billion by 2030.
The combination of larger capacity racks and modular server designs is expected to redefine how future data centers are planned and scaled globally.
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