Dedicated.. VPS.. what to go with?

[whitegear]

Question for those users currently, or in the past, having used a VPS or dedicated server to host a low to medium sized public server:

If I am looking to host a smaller server (100 - 200 users at the extreme top) what is the way to go? I'm most comfortable with using remote access, having access to root, and running the exe's I need to (world and logon server naturally) and frankly I'm not sure how the majority of rental VPS/Dedi's allow you to do this..

So basically, what should I be looking for - cheap is good of course, and what's it like using some more expensive public hosting options? Currently I'm looking at vpsland, pricewise what I was hoping for, but still waiting to hear if I can run anything .. program.. wise..

thanks!

[Terrorblade]

I used vpsland once, they ended up screwing me over when I used tried to use a prepaid credit card to renew my vps and giving me an invalid license for their website thing. They really don't seem to care what you host on their vps's just letting you know.

[whitegear]

so to clarify - you hosted a p.server using their service? No problems connecting remotely and executing realm/world.exe's and getting to your root for the database?

sorry to hear about the credit card issue, hopefully that is just a fluke due to the payment method?

Up for any and all info before I take the plunge ($)

[LswSch]

Dont use VPS crap for noting, this is just waste of money!

[whitegear]

I see.. and would you perhaps have a reason?

Reason being the absolute point of this entire thread. and all.

[Goopster]

Here's a awesome service hosting website you could use to get your private server public, Web Hosting : Professional Web Hosting from Just Host Has some awesome web hosting information!
Has all kinds of stuff I even use it! It's pretty nifty.

[Talrain]

If your server requires developing and you're the only one doing it, I recommend setting it up on your computer until you're ready to host players. If you have other developers, a Virtual server is a good option for developing. You can usually pull this off for $30 or less a month, but I recommend getting one with Windows Server 2008 and not 2003 (I was unable to patch on a 2003 one).
100-200 players, I would recommend a dedicated. You should have to spend a dime more than $110 a month to host that many and likely even less. Upgrade as needed. Be aware, that getting that many players may require some paid advertising, so be prepared financially.

[whitegear]

Talrain - Thank you for some very useful information, finally some useful input!

So even if I begin looking at 100 users tops, VPS still fails eh?

I was considering a plan from VPS land, but frankly if I can only expect to hold barely 10 people on, I might as well keep my work available only on the home comp.

VPSLAND.com :: Windows VPS Hosting Plans
probably will go value, buisness a possibility... unless of course that still sucks.

Hm. Will have to weigh my options.. input always appreciated!

[MCdeathMC]

i used altramax for when i started my server they have great support and i find them cheap they got dedi hosts and VPS's
Altramax? | Web Hosting at it's finest..

[whitegear]

Interesting - what was the normal load of your server - and what plan did you decide to go with? Any problems - issues?

Certainly appreciate the tip, I'll give em a look over

[kingofwc]

I'm a customer from VPSland. I have the Value Win 2003 VPS, and I'm hosting my website and server off of it.
Sacred WoW 2.4.3 WoW Private Server

Vps's are nice and cheap, but i think they get to the limit where hosting 70+ people is not good.
If you are going to have 70+ people on your first month, than buy a dedicated server. if not, around 30-50 or so, go with the vps for a month and upgrade like what im doing.

[whitegear]

Outstanding - exactly the sort of response I was looking for, specific, detailed - thank you for this!

I anticipate a light load to start out with, 10 - 20 the first week, so considering the information you provided, along with other members in this thread, I have a very realistic ballpark figure.

As it stands I believe I will be leaning towards the value plan as well, its only 5 bucks more for double the ram comparted to the lite version (which i thought to try just as the cheapest option, but frankly I could only be disappointed with 512 MB).

I have no aspirations of a 500+ striving to top the xtreme100 board type server, so I think this may suite my purposes. Thanks again for the response!