Web Hosting Talk : Web Hosting Main Forums : Dedicated Server : Server requirements

I am setting up a server for a site that will have peaks in visitors.
Some days one could expect 100.000 visitors and maybe 20.000 visitors entering in a period of 20 minutes.
Site contains a front page with a flash animation. And then you can compete by becoming a member and answering a question. There will be one competition every day.
There will be a wordpress blog and possibilities to comment.
At a later stage we are discussing to implement a system for user to send messages to each other.
So basically there could be around 100.000 members, in the end.
Site will run on a linux-distribution, apache and with MySql and php.
What kind of hardware should I look for?
Best regards.

[ServerManagement]

There's a lot of factors that we need to know before giving you specific details about what hardware you would need. For example, is each connection going to access mysql? how large is the db? are all pages php? etc....

All pages will be php.
Database will not be very large, containing membership information.
I guess the mySQL will only be used for logged in user and participants in the competition. Images and flash will not call on the mysql, but will be hardcoded like a normal html-page.
Site has not yet been developed, so it's hard for me to speculate. And also, I am a layman

[tim2718281]

All pages will be php.
Database will not be very large, containing membership information.
I guess the mySQL will only be used for logged in user and participants in the competition. Images and flash will not call on the mysql, but will be hardcoded like a normal html-page.
Site has not yet been developed, so it's hard for me to speculate. And also, I am a layman
Um, the question is a bit like:
"I am building a store; some days there will be 10,000 customers, some days 2,000. What kind of bricks should I use?"
The server is a minor component in your service.
Get your application built first, using a low-cost server or your home PC. Then see what loads the application generates, and use that to define your server requirements.

Hehe, you are probably right.
I will follow your advice.

[tuxadmin]

Um, the question is a bit like:
"I am building a store; some days there will be 10,000 customers, some days 2,000. What kind of bricks should I use?"
The server is a minor component in your service.
Get your application built first, using a low-cost server or your home PC. Then see what loads the application generates, and use that to define your server requirements.
nice idea tim2718281