The process of selecting an enterprise dedicated server hosting plan typically consists of comparing technical specifications. Users compare parameters such as processor core count, RAM, storage type, and bandwidth limits to choose the highest possible system configuration within budget. While this method helps, it often includes selecting a server that is incompatible with your required infrastructure.
Rather than just comparing specifications, the best approach is to evaluate your requirements based on your specific server workload and performance needs. Different application workloads place different demands on the server. Therefore, understanding how your specific application workload will perform helps you select the appropriate size and configuration for the cPanel dedicated server with the full root access plan you choose.
In this blog, we explore how choosing a dedicated server based on workload requirements can be the most cost-effective approach.
Identify workload type
The first step in choosing a dedicated server is to identify its purpose and how it will work, as not all applications work the same way.
For instance, there are websites with heavy database query-intensive searches (such as e-commerce and booking sites), while some websites are content-based (such as media sites and blog sites). Therefore, the ideal dedicated server choice should be based on your website workloads.
With deep understanding of your server workload (processor-intensive, memory-intensive, storage capacity-driven, or traffic-driven), you can easily determine the needed server configuration. Similarly, if you’re unclear about the server type, you’ll purchase a dedicated server on a guess rather than a plan.
CPU requirements
The processor is responsible for carrying out server-side functions. Applications that need to generate dynamic content, perform complicated calculations, or provide real-time processing require greater CPU performance. For instance, heavily trafficked websites with multiple database queries perform better with higher core counts and greater processing speed.
Conversely, static or infrequently dynamic websites typically don’t need a lot of CPU power. If you overestimate the amount of CPU, you not only waste money but also experience delayed website response times, especially during peak traffic periods.
In short, the processing power of your application is critical in deciding which CPU configuration is best for you.
Data allocation
RAM is an important factor in how efficiently a server can manage multiple concurrent operations. Applications that require caching, session management, or large database operations need high availability of memory.
If there isn’t enough memory, latency will increase, or apps will start crashing. Thus, for workloads where there’s consistent traffic or concurrent requests, you should increase memory allocation. On the contrary, low traffic or few concurrent users can operate well with a moderate amount of RAM.
Thus, balancing memory allocation provides for a smoother operating environment during high-activity times.
Storage type
While choosing a dedicated server, storage is typically not taken into account, but it directly impacts performance.
Hard disk drives are relatively inexpensive and have large capacities, but their read/write speeds are slower than those of SSDs (solid state drives). SSDs enhance speed dramatically, making them a good choice for database-driven applications.
Thus, for workloads that require constant access to data (i.e., e-commerce sites, content management systems, etc.), providers like MilesWeb offer NVMe SSDs that are much faster storage solutions.
When deciding between storage options, users should carefully consider whether their workloads place more emphasis on the volume or performance of storage.
Bandwidth requirements
Services that have a lot of users require more bandwidth than a standard business website.
Thus, take into account both the average traffic levels of your website and any occurrence of high traffic. Both these factors can cause restricted bandwidth.
With a workload-based approach, you can seamlessly evaluate the current level of regular traffic, along with predicting the expected typical traffic, including any seasonal fluctuations.
Scalability planning
Dedicated servers are mainly selected as an enterprise-grade infrastructure solution with a long service expectancy, but workloads can change over time (e.g., traffic increases, applications become more complex, and new services are added). A scalable server plan allows CPU, RAM, and storage upgrades without completely migrating to a different system.
Thus, while selecting your provider, evaluate the scalability scope of the infrastructure to continue growing your business without any disruption in service.
Management level
Dedicated servers are provisioned as either managed or unmanaged hosting solutions, and the choice depends on your business’s internal technical capabilities.
Managed servers offer operational support for maintenance, upgrades, monitoring, and managing security (reducing the operational burden on your company, but at a higher cost). Unmanaged servers provide more control but require technical expertise for the ongoing management of the server. With the workload complexity, you can make informed decisions.
Generally, applications that are more complex will benefit from managed environments since they’re more secure and stable.
Final Thoughts
When considering a dedicated server, do not just look at the hardware. You should use an application-based approach to define the right solution for your company. By evaluating the requirements of a CPU server, storage, memory, network bandwidth, scalability, and management, companies can choose the appropriate hardware solution for their business.
Using an application-based approach eliminates inefficient use of resources, optimizes the performance of the server, and aligns the server’s resources with usage in the real world rather than estimated usage used as a guide to purchase the server.
