A dedicated server is a separate physical server in a data centre that belongs entirely to one client. The processor, memory, disks and network port work only on your tasks, and there is no hypervisor and no neighbouring virtual machines on the server.
How a dedicated server differs from a VPS
A VPS is a part of a physical server allocated by a hypervisor. A dedicated server is the whole server. The main differences are summed up in the table.
| VPS | Dedicated server | |
|---|---|---|
| What you get | A guaranteed share of a physical server's resources | The entire physical server |
| Neighbours | Other VPSs on the same hardware | None |
| Launch | Usually within 2 minutes of payment | Usually 24–72 hours after the order is confirmed |
| Changing resources | Switching to another plan in the client area | Replacing memory, disks and other components on request |
| Disks | The plan's fixed configuration | You can choose several NVMe disks and RAID |
| Network | Up to 1 Gbit/s | From 1 to 10 Gbit/s |
| Management | Panel, console, ISO, OS reinstallation | Remote console, power management, installing your own OS |
What an F3 Cloud dedicated server includes
- AMD EPYC and Ryzen processors – configurations with 16 cores and 32 threads at up to 5.7 GHz, with 24 cores and 48 threads at up to 4.0 GHz, and with 32 cores and 64 threads at up to 3.8 GHz.
- NVMe and RAID – you can build a configuration from several NVMe disks and choose software or hardware RAID.
- Network – 1 Gbit/s by default, up to 10 Gbit/s for high loads, and 32 TB of traffic per month.
- Remote management – rebooting and shutting down from the panel, and a console that works even if the system won't boot.
- Your own operating system – a ready-made OS is installed automatically, and you can upload your own image through the console.
- Hardware replacement – a failed component is replaced by the data centre's on-duty staff, and the replacement times are set out in the contract.
Configurations and the order form are on the dedicated servers page. The price depends on the configuration you choose.
What tasks need a dedicated server
Heavily loaded databases
Databases depend on disk speed. On a dedicated server, the disks are not shared with anyone, and several NVMe disks in RAID give you both speed and protection if one disk fails.
Your own virtualisation
On a dedicated server, you can install Proxmox or another hypervisor and split the server into your own virtual machines for your team or clients.
Constant high CPU load
Building projects, rendering, video processing, calculations and game servers with many players online, where the processor is busy almost all the time.
Heavy traffic
Streaming, file distribution and services with thousands of simultaneous users, for which 1 Gbit/s is not enough.
Isolation requirements
When security rules require data to be stored on separate hardware, without other people's virtual machines.
When it is time to move from a VPS to a dedicated server
Projects usually start on a VPS and move to a dedicated server when they notice at least one of these signs.
- the resources of the largest VPS plan, DE-RZ9-16 (16 vCPU and 32 GB of memory), are no longer enough;
- the server's processor is constantly loaded above 80%;
- the database is held back by disk speed;
- you need a link faster than 1 Gbit/s;
- you need your own hardware, for example a particular RAID, many disks or your own virtualisation.
If none of these signs apply, staying on a VPS is most likely the better deal, since it launches in a couple of minutes and scales easily.
What to consider before ordering
- The launch takes longer, usually 24–72 hours after confirmation, because the server is assembled and prepared for handover.
- Memory and disks can be added, but on request rather than with a single button.
- Installing programs, protecting the server and making backups stay on your side, just as with a VPS.
Frequently asked questions
Why is a dedicated server better than a VPS?
All the resources belong only to you, and the server has no neighbours, no hypervisor and no CPU sharing. On top of that, you can choose the disk configuration and RAID and get a link of up to 10 Gbit/s.
How long does it take to launch a dedicated server?
Usually 24–72 hours after the order is confirmed. For comparison, a VPS launches in about 2 minutes.
Can I install my own operating system?
Yes. A ready-made OS can be installed automatically, and you can upload your own image through the remote console.
What happens if a disk on the server breaks?
The faulty component is replaced by the data centre's on-duty staff, and the replacement times are set out in the contract. To keep your data safe, use RAID and make backups.
Our resources
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