How to Keep a Dedicated Server Fast Without Spending Too Much

[johny899]

Have you gazed at your server and said, "Why does it run so slow?" I've been there. You want your server to be fast, but you may not want to spend more. Here are some easy-to-implement ideas to keep a dedicated server fast without spending too much.

Only Buy What You Need​

Don't pay for parts if you're not going to use them. Just because it's a massive server doesn't mean it is better. Think about:

• How much CPU do I really need?
• Do I need a massive SSD or will a smaller fast drive suffice?
• How much RAM can I handle if I get traffic?

I once bought a super potent server thinking it would speed up my website - and it didn't because I wasn't even using all the power that I already had.

Enhance the Efficiency of Your Software​

You can enhance the speed of your server by simply adjusting your software properly.

• Use Nginx instead of Apache, as Nginx will typically run your website faster.
• Cache pages periodically to reduce the load on your server.
• Be aware of the programs you may have running in the background; they could be slowing your server down. If you ever notice your server slowing down at night, it’s probably due to some batch job or script eating CPU. A little cleanup can make a huge difference.

Be Aware of Your Server​

You can’t fix what you don’t know is a problem. Use tools like htop, Netdata, or Zabbix to identify where issues are on your server. I often get notifications for high CPU or memory usage; this allows me to address issues before they become expensive.

Make Smart Upgrades​

Upgrading can be valuable when done wisely.

• Buy more RAM if the server is using excessive swap space. It’s a cheap, easy upgrade.
• Install a fast solid-state drive (SSD) before upgrading the CPU.
• Use a hybrid model—keeping your server and cloud resources during busy periods.

I’ve used a hybrid model for other projects before. The traffic doubled but my monthly costs did not increase.