Published: 02.07.2026
Overpaying for a big server wastes money, and a server that is too small slows the project down. Use the guide below to pick a sensible start.
CPU cores
Cores handle parallel work. Websites with PHP and a database need more cores when many visitors arrive at once. One or two cores suit a small site; four or more are for busy shops and applications.
Memory (RAM)
Memory is usually the first limit you hit. Estimate it like this:
- Operating system and services: 300-500 MB.
- Web server and PHP workers: 50-150 MB per active process.
- Database: 25-50% of RAM for medium projects.
- Caches such as Redis: according to the data size.
A small WordPress site works with 1-2 GB, a shop with 4 GB and more.
Disk
Choose SSD or NVMe. Disk speed affects database queries more than disk size does. Plan the size from the data, backups and logs, and keep at least 20% free.
Network
Check the monthly traffic allowance and the port speed. Heavy downloads and streaming need a generous allowance.
Location
Pick a data centre close to your visitors. Each additional distance adds delay to every request.
Operating system
Linux distributions with long-term support are stable and well documented. Windows servers need more memory and a licence.
A simple starting point
- Blog or business site: 1 core, 1-2 GB RAM, 20-40 GB SSD.
- Online shop: 2 cores, 4 GB RAM, 80 GB NVMe.
- Application with a database: 4 cores, 8 GB RAM, 160 GB NVMe.
Scale when needed
Watch the graphs. If the average CPU stays above 70% or the memory is exhausted, upgrade. Choose a provider where this takes a few minutes.
Frequently asked questions
Can I change the plan later? Yes, resizing is normally available in the client area.
Is a bigger plan always faster? Only if the current resources are the bottleneck. Optimize the application first.
