Equinix Metal (formerly Packet)

Name: Equinix Metal (formerly Packet)
Brand: Equinix Metal (formerly Packet)

Bare metal servers on demand with instant provisioning

hostingCloud Compute bare-metalinfrastructure-as-codeglobal-datacenters

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Our Verdict

Best for

Enterprises needing high-performance hardware

Skip if

Small workloads on tight budgets

What is Equinix Metal (formerly Packet)?

Equinix Metal provides automated, on‑demand bare metal infrastructure that can be deployed in seconds across global data centers. It combines the performance of dedicated hardware with the flexibility of cloud APIs, allowing developers to run any workload without virtualization overhead. The platform integrates with major cloud providers and orchestration tools, offering programmable networking, IPMI access, and a pay‑as‑you‑go pricing model. It is ideal for latency‑sensitive applications, high‑performance computing, and workloads that require full control over the hardware stack.

SpecificationsAI-estimated

free tier❌ No

uptime sla99.99%

datacenter regionsUS, Canada, EU, APAC

Key Features of Equinix Metal (formerly Packet)

Deploy physical servers in seconds via a RESTful API or Terraform provider.

Choose from over 30 data center locations across North America, Europe, and Asia‑Pacific.

Access out‑of‑band management (IPMI/KVM) for complete hardware control.

Integrate with major cloud providers for hybrid workloads using private interconnects.

Configure custom networking, VLANs, and BGP routing through the Equinix Fabric.

Scale compute horizontally with automated provisioning and de‑provisioning scripts.

Utilize built‑in monitoring and alerting via Prometheus exporters and webhooks.

Pay only for the time the hardware is active, with per‑hour billing granularity.

Use Cases for Equinix Metal (formerly Packet)

High‑Performance Computing

Run GPU‑intensive simulations or scientific workloads on dedicated hardware.

Edge Applications

Deploy low‑latency services close to end‑users in multiple regions.

Hybrid Cloud Architecture

Connect on‑premise infrastructure to public clouds via private interconnects.

Compliance‑Heavy Environments

Maintain full control over hardware for regulated data processing.

Pros & Cons of Equinix Metal (formerly Packet)

Pros

True bare metal performance without hypervisor overhead
Global data center footprint for low latency
Extensive API and IaC support
Pay‑as‑you‑go pricing with per‑hour billing

Cons

Higher cost compared to shared cloud VMs for small workloads
Limited managed services; requires more ops expertise
No free tier for long‑term testing

Frequently Asked Questions

How is Equinix Metal billed?

Billing is usage‑based, calculated per hour for each server, with optional monthly commitments for discounts.

Can I use my own OS images?

Yes, you can upload custom ISO images or use pre‑built OS templates via the API.

Is there support for GPU servers?

GPU‑enabled bare metal instances are available in select regions for AI and ML workloads.

How does networking work between regions?

Equinix Fabric provides programmable, low‑latency private connections and BGP routing between sites.

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