For the best performance, the old logic of creating a system suggests that you should always install as much RAM as feasible. Is that, nonetheless, going to be excessive for your application? Is there such a thing as enough, and is there such a thing as too much? After all, server RAM upgrades are rarely free, so you should figure out what amount is appropriate for your demands and budget.
RAM and Performance
To begin, let’s explore what RAM accomplishes for a server’s performance. In essence, it functions as a form of short-term memory, storing data from the hard disc for rapid and easy access. It simply “forgets” the older memory and acquires the new data when it wants to access other data. However, it requires the CPU to access the hard disc each time it does so. This depletes the CPU’s processing power and causes slowness as it searches for the essential data on the hard drive.
Operations that rely solely on RAM run very quickly, and because more RAM minimizes the number of times the server must contact the hard drive, things can move much faster.
How Much RAM Do You Require?
It returns us to the fundamental question of how much RAM you require. Because RAM isn’t free, you’ll have to weigh its future performance increases against your current needs and budget. Consider a few elements that can affect server performance concerning the quantity of RAM available.
Here are some basic standards that most PCs and Macs should follow:
- 4GB: 4GB of RAM is available on some low-cost Chromebooks and tablets, but it’s only worth considering if you’re on a tight budget.
- 8GB: Typically seen in low-cost notebooks. It is fine for basic Windows gaming at lower settings, but it quickly runs out of steam.
- 16GB: Ideal for Windows and macOS systems and gaming, especially if the RAM is quick.
- 32GB: For pros, this is the sweet spot. Gamers will see a slight performance boost in some demanding games as well.
- For enthusiasts and purpose-built workstations with 64GB or more. Engineers, professional A/V editors, and others of a similar nature should start here and work their way up if necessary.
Remember that buying more RAM than you need will not improve your performance and will be a waste of money. Purchase what you need and save the rest of your money for more important components like a CPU or graphics card.
Operating System
The operating system is the software basis on which all other aspects of whatever runs on your server are built. As a result, the operating system you choose might significantly impact the amount of RAM you need. Modern operating systems, in most situations, have minimum RAM requirements. These operating systems have been thoroughly tested and fine-tuned to perform at their best on systems that meet the minimal hardware requirements. As a result, you may use this as a starting point for determining the least amount of RAM you’ll require.
Control Panel
If you have one, a control panel will require some memory assets to function. Many users omit a control panel to avoid memory exhaustion and speed degradation. However, these programs may be required for your specific business (particularly if you host multiple clients from a single dedicated server).
Content Management System
Like a Control Panel, not every dedicated server will use a Content Management System (CMS) like WordPress. However, if yours does, you’ll almost certainly require more RAM than a machine that doesn’t. During normal operation, the CMS is mostly stored in RAM. As a result, you’ll require even more RAM to run other server activities. There are no hard and fast guidelines for adding RAM dependent on the CMS you choose. However, there are dozens of forums on the internet where you can probably obtain assistance on this subject.
- A content management application (CMA) is the element of your website that allows you to upload and manage content (like you saw above).
- A content delivery application (CDA) is the backend, behind-the-scenes procedure that takes the content you enter into the CMA, appropriately stores it, and makes it available to your visitors.
Caching
Depending on your setup, this function may lower the amount of memory required by your system. A correctly designed cache that uses a proxy server can boost system performance while also lowering RAM usage. Many dedicated server owners have benefited immensely from this option, which is best for static sites. However, the need for caching may raise your costs, so make sure to weigh that against the cost of the RAM itself. In some circumstances, it may be beneficial to cache and add RAM.
Applications
Applications like email, firewalls, and anti-virus can take up a lot of RAM on your dedicated server because they are stacked on top of operating systems (and sometimes control panels and CMSs). As a result, you could require more RAM due to this.
Static & Dynamic Content
- A file is stored on a server and is provided to users in the same format each time. This type of information includes HTML files and photos. Static content is similar to a newspaper: once an issue is published, everyone who picks up a copy will see the same stories and photographs all day, regardless of what new events occur during the day.
- Dynamic content changes depending on the user’s preferences, such as time of visit, location, and device. A dynamic webpage will not look the same for everyone, and it will alter as users interact with it, similar to how a newspaper might rewrite itself while being read. Websites have become more personalized and dynamic as a result of this.
More RAM will be required if your dedicated server hosts a lot of dynamic material. If you have a set-it-and-forget-it operation, on the other hand, you will need less RAM.
Traffic
Sites with higher traffic require more RAM to offer pages to more people, which is possibly one of the most important determining variables. A site that serves hundreds of people needs less RAM than a site that serves millions (though the latter may also require additional servers).
Final Thoughts
As you can see, the quantity of RAM you need depends on how far you want to push the performance of your dedicated server. While there is no such thing as too much RAM in terms of performance, you may be able to purchase more than your budget allows. So, weigh your performance goals against your financial condition and pick the most sensible option.