# Dedicated servers at HyperDC: what you get and first checks > What a HyperDC dedicated server includes, how to use remote management where your plan has it, and how to check disks, RAID and network after delivery. Difficulty: Intermediate\ Tested on: Ubuntu 24.04 LTS, Ubuntu 26.04 LTS, Debian 12, Debian 13 A dedicated server is a physical machine that serves you alone: every core, all memory, the full disk and network throughput. This guide explains what is included, how remote management works where your plan has it, and which checks to run when the server is delivered. Compare configurations on the [dedicated servers](/dedicated-server-hosting) page. ## What you get - **The whole machine** with full root (Linux) or Administrator (Windows) access. - **A choice of systems:** Ubuntu, Debian, AlmaLinux, Rocky Linux, FreeBSD, Windows Server or a hypervisor such as Proxmox VE or XCP-ng, plus rescue and diagnostic images. - **IPv4 addresses**, and an "Additional IPv4 Addresses" option in the order form on most servers. - **IPv6:** a /64 block on servers in the United States and South Korea; ask for other locations. See [IPv6 setup](/guides/ipv6-setup). - **DDoS protection** on many configurations, as listed in the server's features. - **Locations** in the United States, Canada, Germany, Turkey and South Korea, listed per configuration. Need virtual machines with dedicated resources but not a whole machine? Look at [nested dedicated servers](/nested-dedicated-server-hosting) and [VDS](/guides/vds-nested-virtualization). ## Remote management (where your plan includes it) Some dedicated servers come with a remote management interface (IPMI or iKVM). It gives you the server's screen and keyboard over the network, power control and virtual media to install an operating system from an ISO image, even when the operating system does not run. If your plan includes it, the access details come with the service: - Keep it **off the open internet**: allow access only from your own IP addresses or through a VPN. - **Change the default password** at first login and do not reuse it elsewhere. - Use it for installation and emergencies, not for daily work. If your server has no remote management interface, open a ticket when you need an operating system reinstalled or a console in an emergency. ## Day-one hardware checks Log in and confirm that the hardware matches your order: ```bash nproc free -h lsblk -o NAME,SIZE,TYPE,MODEL,ROTA ip -brief address ``` `ROTA 0` means a solid-state disk. **Verify:** CPU count, memory, disks and IP addresses match the configuration you ordered. ### Software RAID If the server uses Linux software RAID, check its state: ```bash cat /proc/mdstat sudo mdadm --detail /dev/md0 ``` **Verify:** `[UU]` in `/proc/mdstat` (or `State : clean` in `mdadm`) means all mirrors are in sync. `[U_]` means a disk is missing or failed. ### Disk health ```bash sudo apt install smartmontools sudo smartctl -H /dev/sda sudo smartctl -a /dev/nvme0 ``` `PASSED` in the health check is the minimum. Watch reallocated or pending sectors on hard disks and the percentage used on NVMe drives. Set up `smartd` to warn you by email when values change. ## Running your own hypervisor A dedicated server can run Proxmox VE, XCP-ng or the Hyper-V role directly on the hardware, without nested overhead. Plan the network first: how your virtual machines get public addresses (additional IPv4 addresses, your IPv6 block or NAT behind the host) decides the setup. See [ports and port forwarding](/guides/ports-and-port-forwarding) for NAT. ## Upgrades and hardware problems - **More memory or storage:** open a ticket; most configurations are upgradable. - **A failed disk:** open a ticket with the output of `smartctl` and `/proc/mdstat`, and the serial number of the disk (`lsblk -o NAME,SERIAL`). Make sure your backups are current before a disk is replaced. - **Bigger platform:** a different processor or chassis means moving to another server. ## Troubleshooting **The server does not come back after a reboot.** Use the remote management console if your plan includes one; otherwise open a ticket. See [server unreachable](/guides/server-unreachable). **One RAID member is missing.** Do not reboot repeatedly. Back up, note `mdadm --detail` and open a ticket. **Fewer disks or less memory than ordered.** Open a ticket with the output of the checks above. ## Next steps - Secure the operating system: [secure a new Linux server](/guides/secure-a-new-linux-server). - Back up off the server: [backup strategy](/guides/backup-strategy-3-2-1). - Housing your own hardware instead? See [co-location](/co-location). ## Frequently asked questions ### How long does setup take? It depends on the configuration and location. When a server lists a delivery time, expect that; otherwise we prepare it after the invoice is paid and email the login details when it is ready. If you have a deadline, contact us before ordering. ### Which operating systems can I install? The systems listed for the server, such as Ubuntu, Debian, AlmaLinux, Rocky Linux, FreeBSD, Windows Server, and hypervisors like Proxmox VE or XCP-ng. The order form also holds rescue and diagnostic images. ### Do dedicated servers include IPv6? Servers in the United States and South Korea include a /64 IPv6 block next to their IPv4 addresses. For other locations, ask us about IPv6 before you order. ### Can I add memory or disks later? Most configurations are listed as upgradable: open a support ticket to ask for more memory or storage. Changes that need a different processor or platform usually mean moving to another server. ### Is DDoS protection included? Many configurations include it; it is named in the features of each server. If protection matters for your project, choose a server that lists it, or ask us which options fit. --- Source: \ Updated: 2026-10-09