How to find a stable dedicated server for hosting
Dedicated servers are partially or fully leased to a single user, who installs software and customizes it for their needs. Here’s a list of some of the dedicated servers available, what to look out for, and what specs you’ll need.
- What kinds of dedicated servers are out there and what exactly they are for
- How to choose the right server for your requirements
- How to choose a server in the right location
- What else to consider before renting a server
- Checklist: How to choose a dedicated server
What kinds of dedicated servers are out there and what exactly they are for
There are three types of dedicated servers:
Standard dedicated servers are physical machines used by a single client. The client has full access to the server and can customize the hardware and software as needed. They can also choose the type of processor, the amount of RAM, the drive size, and the OS.
These are great for heavy traffic, large databases, and corporate applications.
Virtual dedicated servers (VDS). Several separate virtual servers are created on one physical server to be rented out. Each virtual server has its own resources: processor, RAM, and drive, which are not shared with others.
These are great for hosting web apps, software testing, and development. It is much easier to change the software configuration on a VDS than on a physical server.
Virtual private server (VPS). These are virtual machines on a physical server with resources shared between users. Everyone gets an isolated environment and can install their own software and manage their part of the server. A VPS is like a private apartment in a large building, using all the same resources as one’s "neighbors".
VPS servers are great for projects with low traffic.
Below we will describe how to choose a dedicated server.
How to choose the right server for your requirements
Specs determining the performance of the server:
Processor (CPU) — the processor power determines the speed of the server.
What to look for:
- The number of cores and threads affects the amount of tasks the server can perform at once.
- Clock frequency: the higher the frequency, the faster the server will process data.
The size of RAM (Random Access Memory) determines how much of a workload the server can stably handle at once.
How much RAM you need for certain tasks:
- at least 8 GB for small projects.
- 16–32 GB for medium-load projects.
- 64 GB and up for large applications and databases.
The hard disk size and type affect the speed of data access and data integrity.
- HDDs — best for large amounts of data.
- SSDs — provide high-speed data reading and writing, and a fast system response time.
Network connection speed determines the throughput.
- 1 Gbps is suitable for small projects.
- 10 Gbps is for high-load projects with large amounts of data.
The minimum specs for different projects:
How to choose a server in the right location
Servers can be located almost anywhere, from Moldova to France or the Netherlands. Let's take a look at some popular locations.
Serverius, Netherlands — a reliable data center with high security standards and high service quality. They have ISO 27001 and ISO 9001 information security certificates.
A server in the Netherlands is great when:
- your project focuses on Europe
- you need to store data in the EU according to the GDPR - the General Data Protection Regulation of the European Union
- the project has a heavy traffic
Evoque, USA — is a large data center network in the USA. They have SOC 2 and ISO 27001 cybersecurity certifications.
A data center in the USA is great for:
- projects aimed at American audiences
- the broad selection of applications
- hybrid cloud solutions
DC2 scale TIER III in France — is an eco-friendly data center that’s safe and secure.
A data center in France is suitable when:
- your project focuses on France and Southern Europe
- you need to store data in compliance with French law
UK Servers in the United Kingdom — is a data center with outstanding security. They have ISO 27001 and ISO 9001 cybersecurity certifications.
A data center in the UK is great for projects:
- focused on the UK
- where you need to comply with British law after Brexit
- where financial services companies require a high level of security
What else to consider before renting a server
Reviews. Check out reviews on independent sites, social networks, and forums such as Trustpilot or HostAdvice to find out about other users' experiences with a particular provider.
Quality of support. It’s best to check how quickly the provider's tech support responds to queries. Before purchasing, you can contact the support team and evaluate their quality of service.
Security policy. The provider should offer security monitoring mechanisms, regular audits of server security, and protection against DDoS attacks.
A service level agreement (SLA) is a guarantee of server availability. The figure should be 90% or higher. The higher the figure, the more stable the site or app will run.
Checklist: How to choose a dedicated server
Select the type of server:
- A standard dedicated server is great for high-load projects with heavy traffic, for example, large online stores.
- A VDS is great for projects needing a lot of customization. For example, for testing web apps.
- A VPS is best for projects with low traffic. For example, personal blogs.
Set your budget. Small sites demand from €7-10, medium sites from €15-20, and large sites from €25.
Choose a server location: your data center should be in a country with the right connection speed, laws, and project objectives. Popular countries for renting a dedicated server are the Netherlands, France, the USA, and the UK.
Evaluate the server specs and the future and current load, so that you don't have to "graduate" to another server when your traffic grows.
Minimum requirements for a dedicated server:
- Processor: 4 to 8 cores or more.
- RAM: at least 8 GB.
- Hard drive type: SSD for quick access, HDD for large amounts of data.
- Hard disk capacity: from 40 to 60 GB.
- Network ports: at least 1 Gbps, or for heavy traffic—10 Gbps.
Check the SLA: server availability should be at least 90% for websites and applications to work consistently.
Decide how you will manage your dedicated server. Try the ispmanager 6 control panel — you can manage services without touching the command line, check free disk space from the dashboard, and add domain names.
Check the security policy: the provider should conduct regular audits and offer protection against DDoS attacks.
