Resources Comparison tables

Three planning comparisons.

Qualitative comparisons of delivery approach, electrical architecture, and procurement scope. Exact pricing, schedules, specifications, and approval paths require project documents.

These tables do not state project prices, fixed schedules, or commercial roles.

Table 1 of 3

Modular data center vs. conventional construction vs. wholesale colocation.

Three structurally different ways to plan AI compute capacity. The right answer depends on what is gating your project. Wholesale colocation can suit operational simplicity. Conventional construction can suit customization at one site. Modular can suit site flexibility and phased planning.

Dimension	Modular data center	Conventional construction	Wholesale colocation
Delivery model	Prefabricated assemblies coordinated with site work	Construction at the project site	Capacity leased from an operator
Capital model	Project equipment and site work	Project construction and equipment	Lease or service agreement
Customization	Configuration options within a defined system	Project specific design	Options within the operator's hall
Site interface	Utility, pad, transport, and commissioning interfaces	Utility, civil, building, and commissioning interfaces	Operator campus and service interfaces
Operations	Owner or contracted operator	Owner or contracted operator	Colocation operator
Selection basis	Site flexibility and phased planning	Customization at one site	Operational simplicity and available capacity

Compare each model against the same utility, permitting, site, operating, and commercial assumptions. Pricing and schedules require project documents.

Table 2 of 3

Air cooling vs. direct liquid cooling.

GPU requirements, site conditions, facility water, controls, and operating plans all affect cooling selection. Confirm the approved equipment envelope before choosing an approach.

Dimension	Air cooling	Direct liquid cooling
Heat removal medium	Facility air	Technical fluid at the IT equipment
Facility interface	Air handling and heat rejection equipment	Coolant distribution and facility water interface
IT interface	Air path through the rack or room	Cold plates, manifolds, and rack connections
Controls	Air and environmental controls	Fluid, leak detection, and environmental controls
Maintenance focus	Filters, fans, coils, and air path	Fluid chemistry, pumps, manifolds, and connections
Selection basis	Approved IT envelope and site conditions	Approved IT envelope, water interface, and site conditions

Compare the approaches only after the IT equipment envelope, site conditions, facility interfaces, controls, and operating responsibilities are stated.

Table 3 of 3

IEC 61439 assemblies vs. UL 891 switchboards.

These are distinct standards and approval paths. The required standard, listing, evaluation, and documentation depend on the project and jurisdiction. Confirm them with the authority having jurisdiction and qualified counsel before ordering equipment.

Dimension	IEC 61439-1/-2	UL 891
Standard family	IEC low voltage assembly standard	UL low voltage switchboard standard
Evaluation record	Design verification documentation	Listing or evaluation documentation
Project authority	Confirm project and jurisdiction requirements	Confirm project and jurisdiction requirements
Component standards	Confirm the controlled bill of materials	Confirm the controlled bill of materials
Procurement action	State the required standard and evidence in the specification	State the required standard and evidence in the specification

This table is general planning information, not a certification or acceptance statement for any assembly.

Compare against project constraints.

Send the request for information, the date you need it, and any approvals it has to carry. Project documents set the resulting scope, role, and schedule.

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