Page 1 of 10 1234 ... LastLast
Results 1 to 25 of 254

Hybrid View

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Dec 2002
    Location
    Novosibirsk, Russia
    Posts
    1,710

    SSD-powered VPSes: first results

    Hello,

    I was in quest of SSD-powered VPS/DSes. There are several providers available right now. The analysis isn't scientifically precise, but it gives some kind of general feeling about that.

    The task was to find most cost-performance efficient DS/VPS solutions at a cost equal or below 40 USD/month. I was ordering the most cheap solution (hence the result can't be very precise) and run several types of tests:

    1. Copying large files (command used looks like dd if=/dev/zero of=/home/2gb.dat bs=8k count=256k conv=fdatasync, "DD"), measured in MB/sec
    2. Byte UnixBench, "UB"
    3. Running a copy of site using 'heavy' engine such as Drupal ('heavy' in terms of disk I/O requests and computing required, not in terms of overall efficiency)


    Whereas the third option is hard to reliably measure, the first two can be. Here are the results ordered by UB rating decreasing:

    64u.com: UB score 1678, DD speed 352
    infinitie.net: UB 1128, DD 501
    vpsdeploy.com: UB 359, DD 216
    digicube.fr: UB 288, DD 99
    serveraxis.com: UB 251, DD 89

    I haven't tried miniVPS and SSDNodes yet (to be done in the future). If I haven't noticed any other SSD VPS providers able to provide a VPS at or below 40 USD/month, let me know.

    Comments on the providers.

    64u.com. They offer a single plan. Fantastic speed, quick professional setup. I like the first impression.

    infinitie.com. The most DD-efficient VPS I saw so far. The only problem I had were strangely long connection times from my location. I ad even decided to cancel the VPS, but in the last few days the situation changed, I decided to keep the lowest SSD VPS from them and used it for further testing.

    vpsdeploy.com. The general impression of this provider is it's too young so far. The site lacks certain useful information (such as 'About' page), but I will watch its development.

    digicube.fr. I used their only low-end SSD-powered dedicated server. Alas, even though the facility is run very professionally, the DS itself isn't too impressive. I'll watch their news, however, perhaps they will have more interesting things in stock in the near future.

    serveraxis.com: quick, efficient setup, overall feeling is rather positive. I cancelled their VPS, though, to me it's the least efficient (it doesn't mean all of their SSD VPS plans are - if I have time to test 'larger' plans, ratings can change)

    Currently I am using cloud hosting from bluelighthost.com, but if I firmly decide to move to SSD VPS, 64u.com and infinitie.com will be the first candidates, after at least 3-4 months come and I have better impression.

    I would be grateful for more SSD VPS providers suggestions. However, I can't guarantee I will do the comparison quick enough, since my month budget I use to order/test new VPSes isn't endless, and my day is limited by 24 hours.

    If the above results and further studying is of interest to someone, perhaps I'll run a site dedicated to finding and using good reliable inexpensive VPS/DS providers.

    Your suggestions and feedback on the mentioned providers are very welcome.

    I think it's rather unlikely, but if a SSD VPS provider would offer a VPS to run tests and watch overall stability (for a month), or offer moneyback, I will be glad to test that candidate. Most VPS providers do not grant moneyback at all, and in that case I am limited by a set budget I can exhaust.

    SSD-powered shared hosting will be studied later, when there are at least 5-10 reliable candidates.

    Sorry for several corrections of the post, it was really full of typos. This was the last correction.
    Last edited by Master Bo; 05-01-2012 at 07:53 PM. Reason: correction, typos
    IT blog is under reconstruction, please standby
    "There are two kinds of people in the world, those who haven't lost important data yet, and those who do regular backups."
    Network Monitoring Tool - contact me for coupon code to get discount

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Apr 2009
    Posts
    481
    Nice testing.

    But if you care about SSD performance wouldn't it be better to look at random accesses (rather then sequential) and more thorough read-world simulations?

    Look into fio. See Fusion-IO's method to check basics and there is some other useful server patterns in fio's examples folder.

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Dec 2002
    Location
    Novosibirsk, Russia
    Posts
    1,710
    Quote Originally Posted by RavC View Post
    Nice testing.

    But if you care about SSD performance wouldn't it be better to look at random accesses (rather then sequential) and more thorough read-world simulations?

    Look into fio. See Fusion-IO's method to check basics and there is some other useful server patterns in fio's examples folder.
    Thanks for the reference. I used the same sequence of tests I do every time I get a VPS/DS. beyond the usual 'face control' and sanity checks prior to ordering.

    Yes, I will perhaps add more tests to have broader scale of results. My third test is VERY real-life, but save LoadImpact-type of tests it's hard to offer any meaningful figures.

    Talking of LoadImpact, my current host kept the same page loading time in case of up to 200 simultaneous concurrent requests. Not all the providers like the idea of heavy LoadImpact tests (since it's hard to tell from a DDoS)

    Quote Originally Posted by Cape Dave View Post
    I am testing one at dotblock. Their price may be off a bit. So far they seem good. Quick support. Mainly I just want the admin section of WordPress to be instant

    I also have one at Storm on Demand but that one is $75. Like the control panel alot.

    Gonna check out 64u.com now.
    Thanks for the references, adding to queue. When I grow to the above monthly price, I'll test the Storm as well.

    Please tell your impression from 64u.com, it would be interesting to learn.
    IT blog is under reconstruction, please standby
    "There are two kinds of people in the world, those who haven't lost important data yet, and those who do regular backups."
    Network Monitoring Tool - contact me for coupon code to get discount

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Nov 2005
    Posts
    163
    Quote Originally Posted by Master Bo View Post
    .....When I grow to the above monthly price, I'll test the Storm as well....
    Stormondemand offers a free 75 credits, you need to search for it,
    you do not have to put out any money.

    I created a SSD VM cloud in minutes, tested it with Centos 6.2, very impressive.
    Then i destroyed it and emailed them with a big thank you
    for giving me the opportunity to test it.

    Their support is very very fast.
    My initial questions were answered in minutes.

    bob

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Dec 2002
    Location
    Novosibirsk, Russia
    Posts
    1,710
    Quote Originally Posted by bwrob View Post
    Stormondemand offers a free 75 credits, you need to search for it, you do not have to put out any money.
    Thanks for the piece of advice. I'll look for the means to have those credits.
    IT blog is under reconstruction, please standby
    "There are two kinds of people in the world, those who haven't lost important data yet, and those who do regular backups."
    Network Monitoring Tool - contact me for coupon code to get discount

  6. #6
    I am testing one at dotblock. Their price may be off a bit. So far they seem good. Quick support. Mainly I just want the admin section of WordPress to be instant

    I also have one at Storm on Demand but that one is $75. Like the control panel alot.

    Gonna check out 64u.com now.
    CapeWP.com
    CapeWP.com - WordPress for all of us

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Mar 2003
    Location
    /root
    Posts
    23,991
    You will get better result if you use http://www.iozone.org/ .

    Specially 4 U
    Reseller Hosting: Boost Your Websites | Fully Managed KVM VPS: 3.20 - 5.00 Ghz, Pure Dedicated Power
    JoneSolutions.Com is on the net 24/7 providing stable and reliable web hosting solutions, server management and services since 2001
    Debian|Ubuntu|cPanel|DirectAdmin|Enhance|Webuzo|Acronis|Estela|BitNinja|Nginx

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Dec 2002
    Location
    Novosibirsk, Russia
    Posts
    1,710
    Quote Originally Posted by net View Post
    You will get better result if you use http://www.iozone.org/ .
    No problem, I'll add those tests as well. Thanks.
    IT blog is under reconstruction, please standby
    "There are two kinds of people in the world, those who haven't lost important data yet, and those who do regular backups."
    Network Monitoring Tool - contact me for coupon code to get discount

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Oct 2010
    Posts
    3,662
    Do you test IOPs, by any chance?
    SiFuQi.net - Affordable Dedicated Servers in Los Angeles, California
    24x7 Support • Enterprise Grade Hardware • Automated OS Reinstalls
    Check out our reseller program, with a unique two-tiered discount.

  10. #10
    Join Date
    Dec 2002
    Location
    Novosibirsk, Russia
    Posts
    1,710
    Quote Originally Posted by EndServer View Post
    Do you test IOPs, by any chance?
    Shall I?

    The only problem is, testing VPS always gives a generalization. I don't know how really busy is hardware, how real is the promised CPU/etc share. Those tests are for ideal cases, a "spherical ideal SSD in a physical vacuum".

    That means I can run as many tests as possible, but the one I mentioned saved me time and efforts many a time already, when I was looking for a VPS for a particular purpose.
    IT blog is under reconstruction, please standby
    "There are two kinds of people in the world, those who haven't lost important data yet, and those who do regular backups."
    Network Monitoring Tool - contact me for coupon code to get discount

  11. #11
    Join Date
    Oct 2010
    Posts
    3,662
    Quote Originally Posted by masterbo View Post
    Shall I?

    The only problem is, testing VPS always gives a generalization. I don't know how really busy is hardware, how real is the promised CPU/etc share. Those tests are for ideal cases, a "spherical ideal SSD in a physical vacuum".

    That means I can run as many tests as possible, but the one I mentioned saved me time and efforts many a time already, when I was looking for a VPS for a particular purpose.
    It would be cool if you added what SSDs each company was using. I mean, we proudly display that we use Samsungs, but I don't think I've seen some of the brands those companies use.
    SiFuQi.net - Affordable Dedicated Servers in Los Angeles, California
    24x7 Support • Enterprise Grade Hardware • Automated OS Reinstalls
    Check out our reseller program, with a unique two-tiered discount.

  12. #12
    Join Date
    Dec 2002
    Location
    Novosibirsk, Russia
    Posts
    1,710
    Quote Originally Posted by EndServer View Post
    It would be cool if you added what SSDs each company was using. I mean, we proudly display that we use Samsungs, but I don't think I've seen some of the brands those companies use.
    Yes, that's a point. I'll try to learn what I can.

    Quote Originally Posted by TheWiseOne View Post
    SSD sequential performance is the same in most cases as rotational drives, IOPS / random access is where SSDs shine so by only testing sequential performance you're not really testing the SSD capabilities.
    The third, real-life test, gives the ultimate result.
    However, you're right, for the sake of objective results, I should use IOPS rating as well.
    IT blog is under reconstruction, please standby
    "There are two kinds of people in the world, those who haven't lost important data yet, and those who do regular backups."
    Network Monitoring Tool - contact me for coupon code to get discount

  13. #13
    Join Date
    Jan 2004
    Location
    Pennsylvania
    Posts
    942
    Quote Originally Posted by masterbo View Post
    Shall I?

    The only problem is, testing VPS always gives a generalization. I don't know how really busy is hardware, how real is the promised CPU/etc share. Those tests are for ideal cases, a "spherical ideal SSD in a physical vacuum".

    That means I can run as many tests as possible, but the one I mentioned saved me time and efforts many a time already, when I was looking for a VPS for a particular purpose.

    SSD sequential performance is the same in most cases as rotational drives, IOPS / random access is where SSDs shine so by only testing sequential performance you're not really testing the SSD capabilities.
    Matt Ayres - togglebox.com
    Linux and Windows Cloud Virtual Datacenters powered by Onapp / Xen
    Instant Setup, Instant Scalability, Full Lifecycle Hosting Solutions

    www.togglebox.com

  14. #14
    It might also be worth noting not only the drives used (as EndServer suggested) but also what their arrangement is.

    Though this thread is a good reference as to what other providers can generally provide.

    /subscribed
    [ IncogNET LLC ] Privacy By Design [Liberty Lake, WA][Kansas City, MO][Allentown, PA][Naaldwijk, NL]
    [ Web Hosting | KVM VPS | Dedicated Servers | Domain Names | VPN | Censorship Resistance ]
    Services provided in the United States and Netherlands with privacy and freedom of speech being our top priority.


  15. #15
    Join Date
    Oct 2010
    Posts
    3,662
    Quote Originally Posted by MannDude View Post
    It might also be worth noting not only the drives used (as EndServer suggested) but also what their arrangement is.
    I like that idea. Brand and setup.
    SiFuQi.net - Affordable Dedicated Servers in Los Angeles, California
    24x7 Support • Enterprise Grade Hardware • Automated OS Reinstalls
    Check out our reseller program, with a unique two-tiered discount.

  16. #16
    Join Date
    Dec 2002
    Location
    Novosibirsk, Russia
    Posts
    1,710
    Quote Originally Posted by EndServer View Post
    I like that idea. Brand and setup.
    By the way, will your SSD VPSes be only available in 10 days (14 hours, minutes, etc)?
    IT blog is under reconstruction, please standby
    "There are two kinds of people in the world, those who haven't lost important data yet, and those who do regular backups."
    Network Monitoring Tool - contact me for coupon code to get discount

  17. #17
    Join Date
    Oct 2010
    Posts
    3,662
    Quote Originally Posted by masterbo View Post
    By the way, will your SSD VPSes be only available in 10 days (14 hours, minutes, etc)?
    Possibly sooner, but I really want to stick to the May 13th launch date.
    SiFuQi.net - Affordable Dedicated Servers in Los Angeles, California
    24x7 Support • Enterprise Grade Hardware • Automated OS Reinstalls
    Check out our reseller program, with a unique two-tiered discount.

  18. #18
    Quote Originally Posted by EndServer View Post
    I like that idea. Brand and setup.
    Yes, this would be truly interesting!
    CapeWP.com
    CapeWP.com - WordPress for all of us

  19. #19
    Hope to see more detailed results. Really a useful thread!

  20. #20
    Join Date
    Dec 2002
    Location
    Novosibirsk, Russia
    Posts
    1,710
    Quote Originally Posted by frmok View Post
    Hope to see more detailed results. Really a useful thread!
    I am currently running IOZone tests. After I run them all and gather stats, I'll give a link to the article with all the tests covered.
    IT blog is under reconstruction, please standby
    "There are two kinds of people in the world, those who haven't lost important data yet, and those who do regular backups."
    Network Monitoring Tool - contact me for coupon code to get discount

  21. #21
    Join Date
    Dec 2009
    Location
    MILLAU
    Posts
    306
    I think you need to fix the link you gave to this "infinitie.com" it's been taken down the website so what's the point of having them in the test? I would much rather see SSDNodes reviewed as they are on SoftLayer Network which would be interesting to see the results if anything will outperform it should defiantly be there! I know SSDNodes are using Micron P300's it would be also nice to know if we could be told what SSD's they're using Intel, Micron, etc just my observation...

  22. #22
    Join Date
    Dec 2002
    Location
    Novosibirsk, Russia
    Posts
    1,710
    Quote Originally Posted by Henrik Holben View Post
    I think you need to fix the link you gave to this "infinitie.com" it's been taken down the website so what's the point of having them in the test? I would much rather see SSDNodes reviewed as they are on SoftLayer Network which would be interesting to see the results if anything will outperform it should defiantly be there! I know SSDNodes are using Micron P300's it would be also nice to know if we could be told what SSD's they're using Intel, Micron, etc just my observation...
    That's my typo.
    The site is infinitie.net.

    As for SSDNodes, they're in queue.
    IT blog is under reconstruction, please standby
    "There are two kinds of people in the world, those who haven't lost important data yet, and those who do regular backups."
    Network Monitoring Tool - contact me for coupon code to get discount

  23. #23
    Join Date
    Jul 2005
    Posts
    3,784
    Try CleverKite

  24. #24
    Join Date
    Dec 2002
    Location
    Novosibirsk, Russia
    Posts
    1,710
    Quote Originally Posted by nerdie View Post
    Try CleverKite
    CleverKite is an interesting cloud provider. Thanks, added it, as well.
    IT blog is under reconstruction, please standby
    "There are two kinds of people in the world, those who haven't lost important data yet, and those who do regular backups."
    Network Monitoring Tool - contact me for coupon code to get discount

  25. #25
    Join Date
    Jul 2011
    Location
    ATL,DFW,PHX,LAX,CHI,NJ
    Posts
    700
    First you need to know what method they're accelerating their disks. For many of us we are moving into this field using SSD based cacheing which means our raid cards determine which blocks of data are being commonly requested and those get cached on the SSD array and the rest of it stays on the less expensive and larger HDD's. So the dd test is not going to be completely accurate. So Mysql queries that are constantly getting hit will see improvement, while files that get a few hits a day will not. Using this technology is better for all because SSD's are very expensive when it comes to going to an all SSD solution and we cant offer large disk space for the same price, but with SSD Cacheing we can do this and performance increases for all users at a reasonable price point.

    Truth be told, most vps servers max out on the Disk IO before the CPU's are maxed out, eventually someday this might become an even issue or completely reversed.

    We will be rolling out OpenVZ and KVM based SSD Cached nodes later this year that will employ this technology, and other hosts are also following up on introducing SSD Caching into their servers.
    █ Total Server Solutions
    OnApp Cloud Solutions, CDN, DNS, Load Balancers, and Hybrid Dedicated Servers
    █ Colocation with Colo@
    Visit us at http://www.totalserversolutions.com/

Page 1 of 10 1234 ... LastLast

Similar Threads

  1. ramnode ssd powered vps
    By imthebest in forum VPS Hosting
    Replies: 16
    Last Post: 01-18-2013, 01:26 AM
  2. Replies: 7
    Last Post: 05-13-2012, 04:54 PM
  3. Replies: 0
    Last Post: 04-24-2012, 04:47 PM
  4. Premium cPanel Hosting + Litespeed Powered with SSD Drive
    By kunc86 in forum Shared Hosting Offers
    Replies: 0
    Last Post: 03-15-2010, 08:34 PM

Tags for this Thread

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •