Help finding new host...

[mcqwert]

I've been with Dreamhost for nearly a month now and I'm looking for a new host. My board has picked up lately and will likely continue to grow - fairly large. I've run into problems with using too much of the server load - Averaging around 8-12, and peaking very high (around 30).

Ideally I'd like a host capable of supporting around 150 members online at one time, with occasional spikes.

I'm not looking to do it myself as I haven't a clue how to run/manage a sever. I've been looking into the mediatemple grid server but I've read mixed reviews. Also, I'm unsure of it's ability to support my needs (with their limit of 1000 GPU's).

I would also like to have full control panel features, etc.

Can anyone give me some advice/examples?

[Jedito]

Unfortunately (for your pocket), you need a dedicated server.

[Sun Sims]

Yup, you'll need a dedicated server.

I've been a happy customer of pair Networks (http://www.pair.com/) for about 10 years, using both shared and dedicated servers. Their dedicated servers start at $250/month.

Zero complaints here; lots of praise for their customer support, reliability, and speed.

I keep looking around for alternatives, but pair Networks's no-nonsense approach to business appeals to me. No hype, no frippery, no special package deals that come back to bite you. It has also been very easy to upgrade as things grew.


Right now I'm trying to get a vBulletin installation going on one of their shared servers with a pair "high volume" account. No problems with the web host so far, but it's a new site and I'm new to vBulletin so there may be adventures to come.