They claim raq4 is 35% faster. Is it worth the upgrade? or should I just move on to a PIII 700 unix box.
My raq 3 server load is always high

It might be you need more RAM in your machine (as opposed to RaQ3 vs. RaQ4).

my raq has 128 ram is that not enough

Dump the RAQ get a real server. :D

Indeed! Dump the raq!


They just Suck. I've got a raq, but when my contract is over I'll switch to a BSD machine. And I can tell you that a BSD machine will be MUCH better then such a stupid expensive and slow raq.

If you are fairly savvy with admin tasks on unix, I would opt for a regular linux box vs. a Raq.

We have several Raq4's and they all work great -- but they are serving a very clear niche: Providing some of our clients with an easy to use and administer server. Also, is is unlikely that the interface will change signifianctly between machine and or software upgrades -- an important attribute for people who have never administered a server, email accounts, or other such items.


Despite the Raqs niche, I am often frustrated by the Raqs control panels as I am a command line junkie. Also, the Raqs performance, for whatever reason, seems comparatively slower than an equivalent linux box. I think this is because the software has not been highly optimized on the Raq. For example, when we build linux servers on x86, we compile all of our programs using compiler flags to take advantage of the platform. All programs, perl, the web server, the shell etc. get compiled with a high level of optimization. You don't get this on the Raq.

Also, for the same amount of money, you usually get more machine (faster proc, larger drive, more RAM) in a plain ole linux box than you do a Raq. And unless your setting next to it -- looks really do not matter.

If your linux savy get a linux box. If not, the Raq may be for you.

I spoke to several hosts regarding linux box (pIII 700) they say its as easy as a raq! They come with a web control panel. I have never run a linux box and I dont know anything about it.

It all depends on the Control panel they include with the linux server. Plesk is a popular one, yet it leaves a lot of features to be desired. Security is another thing you will have to worry about, no one releases cute little PKG files for security updates for Linux systems like Cobalt does. A default installation of BSD is *fairly* secure, although RedHat 6.2 isn't. I've heard RedHat 7.1 is better...

If you wish to keep the RaQ, here's some things to think about:
128MB isn't usually enough. 256MB would help a lot in terms of performance if you run popular sites. The RaQ4 has a 450mhz processor opposed to the RaQ3's 300mhz. If you are constantly getting CPU load high messages then it might help. However if the complexity of your site is still beyond a 450mhz processor, then you might want to consider the alternatives.