Server Comparison

I'm currently on a dedicated server and have a vbulletin forum that averages about 1,000 to 1,800 average active simultaneous users. For the most part it runs fine, but everytime there is a traffic spike (when it jumps to 3,000 or so users), the server crawls to a standstill and even disabling all the AJAX features doesn't improve the speed.

This is my current server:

AuthenticAMD, AMD Opteron(tm) Processor 246
Version psa v8.6.0_build86080722.00 os_CentOS 5
OS Linux 2.6.24.2.dn.am
4 GIG RAM

I'm currently planning to switch to:

CORE2DUO E7200 2.53 GHz
4 GIG RAM
2 - 250 GIG HDD w/RAID
Centos 4.z 32 bit Linux

Does this sound like an adequate solution? I don't know enough about servers and processors to make an educated decision, so I appreciate any advice anyone here can offer.

 

vBulletin is very I/O intensive, you should look at getting a server with SCSI hard drives (15k RPM) and if you can afford it, multiple SCSI drives in a RAID configuration.

 

^

never know vbulletin will eat harddisk resource so big
thx for your information jliu

 

I'll look into that, thank you. From what you can see from the one I've selected, is it that much better than my current one that there will be an improvement in performance?

 

make sure to use RAID 10/0+1, RAID 5 is ok for small databases or if you have limited budget.

if you can afford it. go with sold-state disks.

 

I have selected dual SCSI drives (15k RPM) with RAID, so I took the advice in this thread.

Now before the next reply, please look at my original post and take a look at the two processors and tell me how you feel the new one compares to the old one, and if you feel it is indeed that much better. - Ian

 

The last two or so years high end Intel processors have performed considerably better than its AMD counterparts in benchmark tests. Go with Intel.

 

So would you say the one I selected is indeed much better?

 

Yes.

One thing about the server you selected is that you need to get a 64bit operating system so you can fully utilize all 4GB of RAM. The OS you selected is only 32bit. Your provider should be willing to install the 64bit version of CentOS.

 

wait a minute here

is 4GB RAM recognized by 32bit OS like linux. i heard that you have to use 64bit OS to use above 2GB RAM. Just a little doubt here..

 

4GB and above -- you SHOULD get a 64bit OS, otherwise you're wasting money.

 

Perfect, this is all excellent information and I have passed this on to my Hosting rep and I have requested a 64bit OS. I will check back in with you guys once I find out more, and appreciate the assistance! - Ian

 

This was brought to my attention some time ago about RAID 10 vs RAID 1 and is something to consider. Of course this is only one guy's opinion/experience: http://blogs.zdnet.com/Ou/?p=484&page=2