October 21 2026 by Mark Suste

At the turn of the century, the growth of small-form factor computing equipment and blade server systems required data centers to support higher power demands. These systems also drove a need for enhanced cooling to ensure an adequate environment. In the twenty-teens, the use of graphical processing units (GPUs), then known as video cards, to perform other functions than displaying beautiful on-screen, extreme frame-rate video, increased demand for high compute power. Then, the Bitcoin age emerged. Since a datacenter rack to support Bitcoin mining needed more cooling and power than a standard footprint, datacenters sold out quickly – even with plenty of floor space to spare. In the twenty-twenties, non-fungible tokens (NFTs) rode the same high-powered GPUs with the need to create one-of-a-kind artworks in a pure digital format. Now in 2026, we are witnessing a new age, as the emergence of artificial intelligence (AI) is driving a new demand for higher power datacenter assets.

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Worldwide, the datacenter growth and power demand is exceeding the turnaround time to open new facilities. Especially in major metropolitan markets, Cogent has facilities with readily available power and space to support today’s technology need. To help customers with high power requirements, Cogent is now offering a High Power Density (HPD) rack option at twenty Cogent Data Center facilities.

In North America, HPD racks provide 208V single phase power options up to 80A per circuit and 208V three phase options up to 60A per circuit. 400V options are also available up to 32A in Europe. To support this amount of power to a single 42U rack, Cogent has enhanced air cooling with a cold aisle containment solution utilizing specialized perforated tiles via a raised floor in combination with baffles/air dams to support the specific use cabinets. In facilities where raised floor is not available, Cogent is using an overhead ducting solution to ensure adequate cooling.

A typical HPD setup includes two or three racks, 208V/60A power, and Cogent IP Transit bandwidth. For additional security, some customers may want a private cage. Extraordinary requests have also been received for HPD solutions with interest in becoming a facility anchor tenant.

By adopting a HPD data center solution, you will use fewer racks and fewer cross connects, which may result in some cost savings by limiting the amount of infrastructure you have to interconnect inside the data center facility, and simplifying your overall design. This will also reduce ongoing operational and initial infrastructure installation costs.

Besides the high compute of AI, any specialized networking or computing equipment including storage arrays, virtual servers, condensed equipment, and latest technology routers could benefit from HPD setups. Cogent can help you design the best solution to meet your needs.

Power is going to be required for all technical advancements today, and in the future. As we advance and continue to develop the next generation technologies, high power demands will continue to place pressure on the capability of data centers to deliver the power needed to support those technologies. The age of AI is here. Cogent now has the power availability to support your growing needs. Learn more about Cogent Data Centers. 

About the Author:
Mark Suste has 29 years in technical workplace roles including datacenter management, Internet, business connectivity, solution engineering, and systems support. Since 2009, Mark has held positions with Cogent in Field Engineering, Sales Engineering, and presently in Marketing delivering strategic guidance as Assistant Director of Product and ICB.