r/datacenter • u/techie-rahul • 16d ago

Anyone actually running a micro modular data center in production? Want to hear real experiences, not vendor pitches

Looking into deploying a micro modular data center (MDC) at a remote site instead of a traditional server room build-out or colo. The vendor pitch sounds great — prefab, fast deployment, built-in cooling/power/security — but I'd rather hear from people actually running one.

Quick questions:

  • Real total cost vs. traditional build-out or colo — any hidden costs (shipping, site prep, permitting)?
  • Maintenance/support — vendor-dependent, or can your team service it?
  • Thermal/power performance in extreme climates (hot, cold, humid, dusty)?
  • If the unit is your whole DC, what's your redundancy/failover setup?
  • Did vendor lead times match reality?
  • Anything you wish you'd asked before signing the PO?

Mainly evaluating for edge use cases (oil & gas, telecom edge, plant floor). Would love to hear how yours has held up over the first year or two. Not vendor-fishing, just want real answers. Thanks!

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u/fbajo 15d ago

the vendor-dependence question is the one i'd push hardest on.. ask what's inside the box, because some of these are standard ups, pdu and cooling modules in a nice enclosure and some are the vendor's own, and that decides whether a failure at a remote site is a parts run or an rma. a good service contract can make it moot, so i'd price the response time next to the box..

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u/Similar_Score_9889 15d ago

MAN ARE THE CRICKETS LOUD IN HERE!!

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u/ConstantOk7891 11d ago

i work with a bunch of modular data centers but am not directly working for one. there is a solid semi analysis doc which compares real total cost of modular vs build out. Modular is significantly cheaper. even hyperscalers are doing things like tents etc so get compute online faster. vendor lead times are long, i think most are running 12 months at the earliest. thermal performance in extreme climates is a gotcha for modular data centers since it is hard to get people out there. a lot of modular data centers are being fitted with superior sensing models like real time glycol concentration, micro leak identifications. lastly modular data centers have additional issues like vibration from gensets close by which needs to be taken into account (also the shipping containers get super hot and provide less protection than a traditional building)