Burstable RAM?

Artashes · Post #1 (**permalink**) 03-11-2007, 11:42 PM

When looking at Virtual Private Servers, the following is provided (as example): 256MB RAM and then 1GB Burstable RAM. What does "busrtable" mean (in down-to-earth language)?

ldcdc · Post #2 (**permalink**) 03-12-2007, 12:14 AM

This should explain it pretty well:

Quote:

41. What do you mean by 'burst RAM'?
1x1.gif Bursting means that while you are always guaranteed a certain amount of system resources, far more is available on each box than simply these guarantees. Hence, should you require your loads to spike higher than your guarantees, as long as the resources are available on the box at that time, you can use them, up to your 'burst' level. We are constantly monitoring the loads of each server to make sure that nothing is oversold, and that customers always have their guaranteed resources.

We make sure that an ample amount of burst resources are always available on each host machine. Your burst allottment is not the same thing as your resource guarantee. You cannot count on constant, sustained utilization of your burst resources. If your VPS constantly requires greater resources than your package guarantees, we can work with you to quickly upgrade you to a package with greater guaranteed resources.

http://www.servint.net/vps/faq.php#41

Artashes · Post #3 (**permalink**) 03-12-2007, 01:16 AM

Merci, Dan. That explains it.

bandboy · Post #4 (**permalink**) 03-15-2007, 06:21 PM

So, it is more of available resources over and above your guaranteed resources, sort of reserve facility?

While it may not be guaranteed, but if available you can use it.

Don't you think 256Mb RAM is on lower side or is it enough to run a decent hosting? I am not counting on burstable RAM as that is not guaranteed, but useable on availability basis.

ldcdc · Post #5 (**permalink**) 03-16-2007, 05:37 AM

Quote:

Don't you think 256Mb RAM is on lower side or is it enough to run a decent hosting?

Opinions will vary. My bet, (based on multiple reports I've read) is that 512MB VPS is way more certain to give good results for anything that requires a good amount of computing power.

bandboy · Post #6 (**permalink**) 03-17-2007, 02:42 PM

I read some where about type of RAM being advertised in the hosting plans. Does that influnce hosting much, considering it is a VPS? Don't remember exactly but the host was specifically mentioning DDRAM. *Confused*

WiredTree Zac · Post #7 (**permalink**) 03-19-2007, 11:21 AM

The type of RAM being used can have an influence on performance and reliability, but I wouldn't use it as one of the major factors you base your decision off of.

Mabus · Post #8 (**permalink**) 03-19-2007, 06:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bandboy

So, it is more of available resources over and above your guaranteed resources, sort of reserve facility?

While it may not be guaranteed, but if available you can use it.

Don't you think 256Mb RAM is on lower side or is it enough to run a decent hosting? I am not counting on burstable RAM as that is not guaranteed, but useable on availability basis.

If you are just starting out 256 MB should be fine, it depends on what control panel you use.

Cpanel requires 256 MB ram as a minimum at least that is what they list in their install instructions and requirements located at http://www.cpanel.net/docs/whm/WebHo...stallation.htm.

Direct Admin requires 128 as a recommended minimum located at the following location http://www.directadmin.com/install.html.

I just gave these as examples. I know I left a few control panels out.

bandboy · Post #9 (**permalink**) 03-20-2007, 11:35 PM

I guess thats what they feel is minimum req. RAM. So, if you are into some business or hosting, you need more than the minimum req. to have things run smoothly. 512MB i feel would be better option then.

WickedShark · Post #10 (**permalink**) 03-29-2007, 04:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bandboy

I guess thats what they feel is minimum req. RAM. So, if you are into some business or hosting, you need more than the minimum req. to have things run smoothly. 512MB i feel would be better option then.

512MB with a control like already stated would be best. You can do 256MB for Cpanel but it may not run great but it will run. Depending if you are just starting then a 384MB plan would be a good choice and save a few dollars a month. If the host oversells than this could get you though in busy times. 512MB will keep more headroom for you if the node is oversold.

If alot of users are already bursting then not having enough RAM and having to burst alot yourself can cause issues on your server.

WiredTree Zac · Post #11 (**permalink**) 03-29-2007, 06:02 PM

256MB can run cPanel just fine as long as the VPS is well configured. That is really going to depend on the provider though.

Of course, more RAM is better, but when isn't that the case?

bandboy · Post #12 (**permalink**) 03-30-2007, 10:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WickedShark

512MB with a control like already stated would be best. You can do 256MB for Cpanel but it may not run great but it will run. Depending if you are just starting then a 384MB plan would be a good choice and save a few dollars a month. If the host oversells than this could get you though in busy times. 512MB will keep more headroom for you if the node is oversold.

If alot of users are already bursting then not having enough RAM and having to burst alot yourself can cause issues on your server.

Thanks for explaining that. Valuable information IMHO. Should come in handy.

RackVibe · Post #13 (**permalink**) 04-13-2007, 04:43 PM

I hate burstable RAM. You can't have it on a dedicated server, so why have it on a VPS?

I'm against it, 100%.

-Mike- · Post #14 (**permalink**) 05-04-2007, 04:36 PM

Burstable RAM is like emergency RAM. Once you've used up your guaranteed amount, it'll start using your burstable RAM assuming the node has RAM free. I would never count on using burstable RAM; assume that you'll never get it.

alemcherry · Post #15 (**permalink**) 06-16-2007, 10:56 AM

Buratable is something you wont get when you really need it(peak hours!) So always just think about assured RAM. 256 mb is too less unless you have very low traffic. More assured RAM really makes a differnce.