Web Hosting Talk : Web Hosting Main Forums : Specialty Hosting and Markets : Game Servers : Specs for a dedicated gaming server?

[Lord Xenu]

I am looking to get a dedicated gaming server, for at least 4 32-player, 66-ticket rate Source servers. I have no idea what kind of power, port, or bandwidth I would need for a server that could handle the above, because I am just currently renting from a game-server provider. It would be only be an added benefit if it had enough power for a 25 slot vent server and web hosting.

Thanks.

[ShyGuy82]

Im running 4 game servers (2x 32slots and 2x 48 slots) on my

Core2Duo XEON 2.0Ghz
4GB Ram
2x250GB SataII HD
2500GB on 100mbps (Level3) bandwidth.

+ 42slots TeamSpeak, 3 Websites with forums, email server, DNS and FTP

have absolutely no problems...

[BrianFarrell]

Originally Posted by Lord Xenu

I am looking to get a dedicated gaming server, for at least 4 32-player, 66-ticket rate Source servers. I have no idea what kind of power, port, or bandwidth I would need for a server that could handle the above, because I am just currently renting from a game-server provider. It would be only be an added benefit if it had enough power for a 25 slot vent server and web hosting.

Thanks.

What kind of budget are you working with? Also consider you need to obtain a Vent license before you're allowed to host them on your own.

The machine ShyGuy82 is using should be ample for what you're looking for though.

[ShyGuy82]

I just wanted to add: make sure you get a hosting provider that has Premium Tier1 provider base (no Cogent). It's not that cogent is bad, its just it is highly oversold...you will get lots of lag on it.

[Spartanfrog]

Cogent cannot be used for gaming.....

[XeHSean]

I'd recommend that you find a dedicated server provider that specializes in machines for game server hosting. Take a look at ColoCrossing.com - they should be able to help you out!

[THCEV]

what type of control panel are using for your Game Servers ?

[BrianFarrell]

If you're using Windows for an OS, I suggest TCAdmin.

[ShyGuy82]

I use my own...wrote it in .NET

[Red Squirrel]

I'm running a MMO server, only average of 20 online though but even during peak times where it hits over 30 online with a couple guilds doing bosses, network usage and cpu barely move. Using a P4 with 2GB of ram and IDE drive. Nothing too fancy.

[torqhost]

Originally Posted by ShyGuy82

Im running 4 game servers (2x 32slots and 2x 48 slots) on my

Core2Duo XEON 2.0Ghz
4GB Ram
2x250GB SataII HD
2500GB on 100mbps (Level3) bandwidth.

+ 42slots TeamSpeak, 3 Websites with forums, email server, DNS and FTP

have absolutely no problems...

hmm, are you sure it's wise to do this? I mean what if spam assassin kicks in during gaming peak hours. For sure, that would have to diminish performance.

I am running on a 2.4GHz quad xeon with 8MB Cache,
4GB Ram (800Mhz)
Maximum players on the servers were around 60 in mixed cs 1.6 cs source environment, the total CPU load was 10% or less.

For what you are asking, I think even a dual-core core2duo with 2Ghz+ and 2 Gigs of Ram would suit fine.

[Yogesh Sarkar]

Originally Posted by torqhost

hmm, are you sure it's wise to do this? I mean what if spam assassin kicks in during gaming peak hours.

You can always disable spam assassin or restrict the number of child processes.

[DarkStar-Brett]

Well,

First off -- you won't be able to run Ventrilo on there @ 25 slots, since that's quite a bit above the maximum number of clients that can connect on the free server. You'll still need to rent your Ventrilo server from elsewhere.

Now, assuming that's Counter-Strikeource and not Team Fortress 2, I think you'll be OK with a Core 2 Duo -- though I would suggest doing a Core 2 Quad and keeping each server on it's own processor core -- especially if this is Team Fortress 2. In terms of bandwidth... if this is in the states, I'd personally recommend renting or collocating a server with a company that uses either Mzima or Internap (or both).

I'd also recommend leaving web hosting off the machine -- as someone else suggested -- if something starts running statistics, or some kind of cronjob that eats up resources for a short duration -- you could run into problems. I'd recommend just purchasing web hosting from else where -- could do that pretty cheaply.

[orij1nal]

You must also factor in the event on a full load, that server will easily consume all the bandwidth unless you reduce your rates. As Brett mentioned, with cs and tf2 + the amount of servers you are planning on running, a core2duo would just about be OK but it won't be on a full load I can almost guarantee you that much. A quad would be more suitable to spread the load but again, pay attention to bandwidth.

[Jdubz31]

Originally Posted by Lord Xenu

I am looking to get a dedicated gaming server, for at least 4 32-player, 66-ticket rate Source servers. I have no idea what kind of power, port, or bandwidth I would need for a server that could handle the above, because I am just currently renting from a game-server provider. It would be only be an added benefit if it had enough power for a 25 slot vent server and web hosting.

Thanks.

Do you have a preference on location? Specs vary based on the market, and specific providers that are within them.

Generally, if you're looking for a central US server, you'd want Chicago or Dallas, out west you're looking at Seattle or LA, and out east take a peak at New York/New Jersey or Atlanta.

Since you're looking for a Ventrilo greater than 8 slots in size, you will need to look to an external provider that is licensed to host Flagship's product. For excellent quality and support, you can try: www.darkstarllc.com

Lastly, in regards to the webhosting, it's advisable to pickup a small shared hosting account from that would be hosted on a separate server. It can be done on the same machine, but I would highly not recommend you doing so for a variety of reasons, including performance and security.