Shared host says my sig images is causing CPU spikes

[tnedator]

I am on an inexpensive shared host at the moment with a forum that has had a max online users of 58, but typically is between 15-30 logged in at a time. I have 500-800 new posts a day.

The host says that the fact that I allow images in the signatures causes a load on the server. Other than avatars, all images are hosted elsewhere (such as imageshack), and placed in the sigs with IMG tags. I know when I do a view source on a given thread, it shows the image being loaded from where the host where the image is located, like: <img src="http://img261.imageshack.us/img261/5833/moonbloodgoodbx9.jpg" border="0" alt="" />

So, does allowing images (hosted elsewhere) in signatures via the IMG tags actually create server load and server bandwidth load? Or, are the sig images all resolved at the client?

This has become an issue, because twice in the last three days I have received errors like:

Database error in vBulletin :

mysql_connect() [<a href='function.mysql-connect'>function.mysql-connect</a>]: Can't connect to local MySQL server through socket '/var/lib/mysql/mysql.sock' (2)
/home/tnedator/public_html/forums/includes/class_core.php on line 274

MySQL Error :
Error Number :
Date : Saturday, October 13th 2007 @ 02:32:05 PM
Script : http://broncosforums.com/forums/
Referrer : http://broncosforums.com/forums/
IP Address :
Username :
Classname : vB_Database

When questioning them, it was because the server load become high enough that they temporarily (about a minute) stopped MySQL.

I am leaning towards just moving to a ServInt VPS solution. If I do, based on what I posted above, should the 256mb Ram guaranteed (burstable to 2048) be sufficient, or should I go with the 512mb package?

Other suggestions?

Thanks

[Steve Machol]

The IMG question was answered in your other post.

Honestly though if you are getting 500-800 posts a day you almost certainly have outgrown an 'inexpensive' shared hosting plan. For VPS, go with as much RAM as you can afford.

[tnedator]

The IMG question was answered in your other post.

Honestly though if you are getting 500-800 posts a day you almost certainly have outgrown an 'inexpensive' shared hosting plan. For VPS, go with as much RAM as you can afford.

Ok, thanks.

Anyone have experience with RapidVPS, I am not seeing many reviews. Based on reading through all these threads a few weeks ago, it seemed like:

Hostican
ServInt
RapidVPS

Would be the best options, but there wasn't much feedback on rapidVPS.

ServINT looked like the had the best "managed solutions" included with their packages, which is important to me, because I know very little about linux, and don't want to be attempting to update MySQL, Apache, etc., and will possibly need help with some other management of the server.

I need to keep it under $100, but something in the $60 range would work much better for me.

Suggestions would be really appreciated.

[sapper6fd]

jaguarpc.com has some excelent deals on VPS's right now. Their a very reputable company with excelent support. I currently have a VPS with them.

Look here for their current deal (http://www.webhostingtalk.com/showthread.php?t=638906&highlight=jagpc)

[eUKhost.com]

I need to keep it under $100, but something in the $60 range would work much better for me.



You can get a fully managed VPS with the budget you have. Hope you find the best:)

[jeffinj]

Jaguarpc.com looks good. There are lots of other vps providers. Don't do for really cheap ones. Look for companies that are established, so you don't get a headache if something goes wrong.

[tnedator]

Jaguarpc.com looks good. There are lots of other vps providers. Don't do for really cheap ones. Look for companies that are established, so you don't get a headache if something goes wrong.

I wound up going with zone.net. They have an 1152MB (SLM) guaranteed RAM package (no burst) that run on dual quad-core boxes and with a coupon on webhostingtalk.com it was $80 a month. Jaguar was a little cheaper for their 768mb guaranteed, 2048 burst, but based on everythng I have read, more guaranteed RAM is the way to go. This is overkill for my vBulletin forum (based on current usage), but will allow me to consolidate some other sites and eliminate several cheap shared hosting accounts and help offset the cost of the VPS package.

[Hossie]

I am leaning towards just moving to a ServInt VPS solution. If I do, based on what I posted above, should the 256mb Ram guaranteed (burstable to 2048) be sufficient, or should I go with the 512mb package?

I have Postfix/Postgrey/policyd-weight/courier-imap, lamp and some other tools running (on a vps), it uses 120-130mb. You save 20-30mb by disabling InnoDB.

[yogesh]

Check out VPS plans from Knownhost as well

[ComputerVitals]

I have a vps with knownhost.
Very happy with them.
Check them out.
http://knownhost.com/services/vps.html

[James-A]

There are still many good vps hosting providers available, a quick search in google would definitely help you.

[Curtis H.]

I wound up going with zone.net.Give us an update down the road as to how they performed. ;)

[tnedator]

Give us an update down the road as to how they performed. ;)

I will definately do that, and appreciate the advice I received here and on .org.

I have been moving my other sites over to the VPS over the last few days to both get a feel for living in a VPS environment, and also to see what type of load those sites put on the VPS, before moving the forum over.

[alemcherry]

zone.net looks impressive. Very good prices and lots of options to choose from. Would wait for your review :)