Upgrading Servers - Two Choices

[Rifleman000]

I need to upgrade to a new server, and have narrowed it down to the two following servers:

Intel Dual Xeon 3.2 GHz
2 GB RAM
(2) 73GB SCSI Hard Drives
$399

or

Intel Dual Xeon 2.4 GHz
2 GB RAM
(2) 73GB SCSI Hard Drives
$299

Basically the only difference is the speed of the processor, so is having a 3.2 GHz instead of a 2.4 GHz worth the extra $100 a month?

[encryption]

depends on how much of it you're going to use..... can u give us some forum stats ?

[Rifleman000]

3,000 posts a day
6,000 uniques a day
100,000 page views a day
250 on at most times, up to 600 at peak

Need to upgarde so badly because these numbers are increasing very rapidly, so I dont want to get a server that would work "just for now".

[encryption]

In my opinion, in the world of hosting your own forum, you will eventually have to upgrade to a bigger / better hardware setup. It's only a matter of time.

So based strictly on the available information I would say go for the more 3.2 ghz one.

While the 2.4 ghz server will be able to handle your load fairly easily, if you are getting close to 600 at peak times, I'd say drop the extra $100 for the 3.2 ghz just to be sure. Moreover, in doing so, you will also push any future hardware upgrades even further ahead if you go with a powerful box to begin with.

[Rifleman000]

Ok,

About what kind of performance increase would that give my server?

[sross]

Intel Dual Xeon 3.2 GHz
2 GB RAM
(2) 73GB SCSI Hard Drives
$399

that sounds a bit high, is that for fully managed? I have a pretty similar spec (new dell blade) and I'm paying 250 fully managed..

[deatheyes]

about bandwith ???
Unlimit ... ?

[encryption]

Ok,

About what kind of performance increase would that give my server?

a very noticeable one

[Rifleman000]

The plan is unmanaged, 2000GB for the 2.4 ghz, 2500GB for the 3.2.

What host do you use, this is from EV1servers.

[KingSpade]

I'd shop around a bit more, in most cases, you'd be able to find a managed solution with a $400/month budget. You need to ask yourself, as well, do you really need 2.5TB's of bandwidth?

I seem active forums blow through 200-400GB's and those are ones with higher attachment activity.

[Joshs]

The cache on the 2.4 versus the 3.2 may make a noticeable difference as well -- I am going on the assumption that the 3.2 has the new higher cache versus older 2.4 processors. I'd say go for the beefier server and shop around. Take a look at The Planet. If you are willing to try a new company, check out Softlayer.