What server specs should I get?

Discussion in 'Forum Management' started by rm5b, Oct 30, 2007.

  1. #1
    Hi,


    I run an IPB based forum, I get about 60K pageviews per day, with usually 200-350 online users within 15 minutes.

    Would a P4 3.6Ghz HT with 2GB of ram, would that be sufficient?
     
    rm5b, Oct 30, 2007 IP
  2. BamaStangGuy

    BamaStangGuy Notable Member

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    #2
    That wouldn't leave much room for growth I don't think. I'd at least get a Core2Duo if you are going with a single CPU.
     
    BamaStangGuy, Oct 30, 2007 IP
  3. rm5b

    rm5b Member

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    #3
    Would a Intel Core 2 Duo E6320 + 2GB of ram be enough?
    Thanks for replying btw. :)
     
    rm5b, Oct 30, 2007 IP
  4. BamaStangGuy

    BamaStangGuy Notable Member

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    #4
    What are your current server specs and current load with that server?
     
    BamaStangGuy, Oct 30, 2007 IP
  5. rm5b

    rm5b Member

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    #5
    Load is below 0.10, ram usage is nearly reaching 2gb (This is on a C2D E6420 with 4GB of ram)
     
    rm5b, Oct 30, 2007 IP
  6. BamaStangGuy

    BamaStangGuy Notable Member

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    #6
    So you are wanting to downgrade? If you aren't having problems with the E6420 then a E6320 shouldn't be too bad. The biggest thing I see would be the reduction of ram. 2GB would be pushing it but you may can get away with it. You could always add more though. I wouldn't go with anything other than a C2D for a site that large. Especially if it was still growing.
     
    BamaStangGuy, Oct 30, 2007 IP
  7. rm5b

    rm5b Member

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    #7
    Ah I get you, just I wasn't sure if I was optimizing the server hardware to it's full potential. Other thing is the cost, its burning a mega hole in my pocket. Currently just struggling to get enough cash to keep the server alive.

    I'll see about downgrading.

    Also, if I were to host another forum, same size, would you think both of them could be kept on a E6320 + 4GB, fine? (I can upgrade with more ram if needed)
     
    rm5b, Oct 30, 2007 IP
  8. ForgottenCreature

    ForgottenCreature Notable Member

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    #8
    Why would you downgrade though? Does your forum have any advertisements to help support the site?
     
    ForgottenCreature, Oct 30, 2007 IP
  9. BamaStangGuy

    BamaStangGuy Notable Member

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    #9
    I think they would handle it yes considering your current specs and load.
     
    BamaStangGuy, Oct 30, 2007 IP
  10. rm5b

    rm5b Member

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    #10
    There are, but the payout rates are pretty low, something like $2-3/day.
    I usually just calculate the costs excluding the ads

    Awesome, just need to get it re-optimized


    Thank you for your replies and help so far BamaStangGuy and ForgottenCreature. :)
     
    rm5b, Oct 30, 2007 IP
  11. BamaStangGuy

    BamaStangGuy Notable Member

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    #11
    On a site that big you should be able to make some decent cash. What advertising networks are you using?
     
    BamaStangGuy, Oct 30, 2007 IP
  12. rm5b

    rm5b Member

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    #12
    CPX, goes up and down, usually stays below the $1.5 or less
    Adbrite, best one I've got, getting about $2-3 per day
    Etology, just trying to get the premium ads up. Seeing as it's CPC, it's not doing too well at the moment.
     
    rm5b, Oct 30, 2007 IP
  13. ForgottenCreature

    ForgottenCreature Notable Member

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    #13
    Why don't you try to sell advertisements to companies? With that much traffic you could probably charge $25 - $50/week banners.
     
    ForgottenCreature, Oct 30, 2007 IP
  14. rm5b

    rm5b Member

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    #14
    Companies? I've tried AVNads, I don't seem to be picking up any advertisers
    Are there any other decent CPM companies, excluding CPX and Adbrite?
     
    rm5b, Oct 30, 2007 IP
  15. Bendo

    Bendo Peon

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    #15
    Unless IPB is hugely inefficient, I don't see why that should cause that server any problems.
     
    Bendo, Oct 31, 2007 IP
  16. rm5b

    rm5b Member

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    #16
    Lately the site's been down quite a few times (For long periods)

    The traffic level has dropped significantly, but the ram usage is always around the 1.7GB.

    I'm thinking the server isn't optimized properly?

    I'd say IPB is fairly efficient...?
     
    rm5b, Oct 31, 2007 IP
  17. Bendo

    Bendo Peon

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    #17
    If it's *nix then the server will use pretty much all the ram for caching stuff and release it as and when it's needed.

    When you are looking at RAM usage, are you using the free command to exclude that used for caching etc?
     
    Bendo, Oct 31, 2007 IP
  18. rm5b

    rm5b Member

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    #18
    The ### is where I usually look at.
    Never really bothered/understood the -/+ buffers cache

    Take that for example, I only look at the first line, so I guess I didn't take the cached ram into account....

    So if it was this:
    I would have 33MB Free + 202MB which can be freed up if needed?
     
    rm5b, Oct 31, 2007 IP
  19. Bendo

    Bendo Peon

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    #19
    The -/+ buffers/cache line is more important really.

    That line takes into account the RAM that is being used for caching and buffering which will be freed up as and when the server actually has a need for it.

    So in reality you're really using 202MB with 770MB free.
     
    Bendo, Oct 31, 2007 IP
  20. rm5b

    rm5b Member

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    #20
    I see, so if I had just 1GB of ram on that example, that would be OK?
     
    rm5b, Oct 31, 2007 IP