How to Choose the Right Dedicated Server Specs

Dedicated Server Specs

Choosing the right dedicated server specs is key. It ensures a strong, secure, and scalable IT infrastructure. These specs, like CPU power and RAM, affect a server’s performance. They also affect its ability to grow with the business. 

Demand for high-performance servers drives big investments, with spending rising by 64.1% in Q2 2024 1. Many large companies are choosing advanced CPU and GPU-based servers to handle the increasing needs of today’s IT systems.

This guide will walk you through the essential specs to consider when choosing a dedicated server, covering core aspects like CPU power, RAM, storage, and scalability.

Understanding Key Server Specifications

Understanding Key Server Specifications

When choosing a dedicated server, understanding the core specifications is essential. These elements determine how well a server can handle workloads, support user demands, and scale with a business’s needs. Here’s a breakdown of key specs to consider.

CPU (Central Processing Unit)

The CPU, or processor, is the heart of the server. It does all calculations and processing tasks. This affects speed and efficiency. Servers typically use multi-core processors, like Intel Xeon or AMD EPYC. They are designed for high performance under heavy loads.

AMD’s new EPYC “Turin” processors have up to 192 cores. These specs are vital for data-intensive industries. They provide speed and efficiency under tough conditions. They are a major advance for data-heavy apps. They offer great power and efficiency for high-demand servers. This makes them ideal for enterprises requiring scalable and robust server solutions.

RAM (Random Access Memory)

RAM is the temporary storage the server uses to hold data actively, affecting how quickly data can be accessed and processed. The more RAM a server has, the better it can handle multiple tasks and users simultaneously. At least 32GB RAM is recommended for high-demand apps. Many businesses opt for 64GB or more for peak performance.

Storage

When selecting server storage, it’s essential to balance capacity with speed. Ample storage capacity is crucial, but fast read/write speeds power high performance. HDDs have a lot of storage but are slow. So, most businesses choose SSDs for their speed. A setup like the Professional 2336 server, featuring 2 x 1TB SSDs, provides an ideal mix of speed and capacity for general business use.

NVMe SSDs are recommended for higher demands, delivering up to 5-10 times faster than standard SSDs, perfect for rapid data access and minimizing downtime.

Bandwidth  and Network Connectivity

Bandwidth represents the amount of data transferred between the server and users. High bandwidth is vital for businesses with high data transfer needs. This includes streaming services, gaming platforms, and e-commerce sites. Dedicated servers offer a monthly average of 10TB to 100TB bandwidth. Some high-demand apps need unlimited bandwidth for seamless service.

Software and Operating System

A server’s software and OS are key to its performance, security, and app compatibility. Common OS options are Linux distributions (e.g., Ubuntu, CentOS) and Windows Server. Each has unique benefits for different business needs.

5 Factors to Consider When Choosing Dedicated Server Specs 

Factor Description
Performance Needs
  • Ensure the server’s CPU and RAM meet your application demands.
  • Opt for NVMe SSDs for fast data access and optimal performance.
Scalability
  • Choose scalable servers that can easily upgrade resources (CPU, RAM, storage) to support growth or seasonal spikes.
Security
  • Dedicated servers offer data isolation and robust security, with DDoS protection and encryption features. 
  • Ideal for sectors like finance and healthcare that handle sensitive data.
Control & Customization
  • Full control through root access allows for custom software installations and performance tuning. 
Server Location
  • Servers near your target users improve load speeds and meet regional data laws.

Several factors affect performance, security, flexibility, and user experience. They matter when choosing dedicated server specs. Here’s an in-depth look at what to consider:

1. Performance Needs

Performance requirements must match the applications and the user load your server will handle.  High-demand apps, like AI, ML, and data analytics, need powerful CPUs and lots of RAM. Intel Xeon and AMD EPYC are the industry standards. They are multi-core processors. They can handle extensive computational tasks. 

Read/write speed impacts data access time. Use NVMe SSDs for apps that need high-speed storage. They are much faster than standard SSDs. This is vital for sites or apps needing fast data retrieval. Traditional HDDs are much slower.

2. Scalability

Scalability is essential for businesses experiencing growth or seasonal spikes. For growing businesses, a scalable server allows easy upgrades of resources, like CPU or storage, without downtime. Research shows that 58% of organizations use vertical scaling (adding resources to a single server). This ensures smooth operations during high-demand periods.

3. Security Requirements

Dedicated servers provide secure, isolated environments. They are essential for sensitive sectors like finance and healthcare. A survey found that 28% of small businesses see dedicated servers as vital for reducing cyber threats, especially for DDoS protection and data isolation. Companies use data encryption, access restrictions, and strong passwords to boost cybersecurity. This shows the robust protection of dedicated server solutions.

Following data sovereignty laws and industry standards, like European GDPR, is essential. Dedicated server providers with data centers in various locations help businesses meet legal requirements.

4. Control & Customization

Full control lets businesses configure their servers to their needs. Root access allows custom software installation, security settings, and performance optimizations. This flexibility helps companies needing special software or security. It’s also good for those with unique app setups. 

Moreover, Businesses often need to adjust software to optimize server resources. For instance, data-heavy apps may benefit from custom databases or better caching. Only a dedicated server with full control can support these.

5. Server Locations

Closer servers improve response times and load speeds. This greatly enhances the user experience. This is crucial for e-commerce, video streaming, and gaming platforms that rely on real-time interactions.

Server locations play a key role in compliance with data regulations. Many dedicated hosting providers have global data centers. It lets businesses choose locations that meet laws and have low latency for regional customers. For example, North America has the largest share of dedicated server hosting i.e., 40% in 2023. So, it’s ideal for companies targeting the US market.

Also read Dedicated Servers for Gaming in 2024: Providers, Setup, and Performance Tips.

Conclusion 

To choose the right dedicated server, align its specs with your business needs. Consider CPU power, RAM, storage, and scalability. As demand for high-performance servers grows, so do investments in them. They support secure, efficient, and scalable operations. 

Companies can build a flexible infrastructure by weighing performance, security, scalability, and control. It must adapt to changing workloads, ensure compliance, and optimize the user experience. 

Get the best value on dedicated servers with RedSwitches. Choose from standard, 10Gbps, or powerful bare-metal options for all your hosting needs! You can also get these servers delivered instantly within 24 hours to your doorsteps.

FAQs

  1. What are the specs for a dedicated server?
    Typically, a dedicated server includes multi-core CPUs (like Intel Xeon or AMD EPYC), 16-64GB of RAM, SSD or NVMe storage, and high bandwidth (10TB+).
  2. How much RAM does a dedicated server use?
    RAM depends on needs; for most uses, 16GB is minimal, with 32GB+ recommended for heavy applications.
  3. What specs are needed for a server?
    Key specs include a robust CPU, ample RAM, fast storage (SSD/NVMe), and scalable bandwidth.
  4. What is the typical server RAM size?
    16GB is standard; 32GB or more is common for high-demand needs.
  5. How to calculate server size?
    Assess by estimating peak workload requirements for CPU, RAM, storage, and bandwidth.
  6. What is the standard size of a server?
    Standard sizes often start at 4-16 cores, 16-64GB RAM, and SSD storage.
  7. How do I choose a server size?
    Base your choice on traffic volume, application intensity, and future scalability needs.
  8. Is 2GB enough for a server?
    2GB suffices for light tasks but not high-demand or multi-user applications.
  9. What server size do I need for 10,000 users?
    A 16-core CPU, 64GB RAM, and high bandwidth should support most activities for 10,000 users.
  10. Is 4GB RAM enough for a web server?
    4GB may work for basic sites but typically isn’t enough for dynamic, data-intensive applications.

Reference: Servers Market Insights

Hafsa Saim

As a seasoned content writer passionate about technology, I've spent the past five years crafting engaging and informative content that bridges the gap between complex technical concepts and everyday understanding. With a deep understanding of hosting and cloud solutions, I specialize in creating content that resonates with industry experts and non-technical persons. I aim to empower readers with valuable insights and practical guidance in the ever-evolving world of technology.

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