What Is Dedicated Server Hosting?

Dedicated server hosting provides a physical server exclusively for one user or organization. This contrasts with shared hosting, where multiple users share a single server. Because the server has dedicated resources, performance is typically superior compared to shared or virtual hosting, with more reliable uptime and faster processing speeds.

Furthermore, dedicated servers allow full control over server configuration, software, and security measures. Users can tailor the hardware and software environment to meet specific needs, ensuring compatibility with various applications. This makes dedicated hosting preferable for businesses with specific technical requirements and security protocols.

This is part of an extensive series of guides about IaaS.

What Are the Benefits of a Dedicated Server?

Let’s explore the key benefits that set dedicated servers apart from other hosting options:

  • Enhanced performance and reliability: With dedicated server hosting, all server resources are allocated to a single user. This exclusivity ensures that high-demand applications receive the necessary computing power without being affected by other users, as is common in shared hosting environments.
  • Improved security: Dedicated servers provide a higher level of security compared to shared hosting. Since no other users share the server, there is no risk of cross-site contamination or security breaches caused by neighboring accounts. Additionally, dedicated servers allow for the implementation of customized security measures, including firewalls, encryption protocols, and intrusion detection systems tailored to specific organizational needs.
  • Complete control and customization: A dedicated server grants full administrative access, enabling users to customize the server environment extensively. This includes the ability to select the operating system, install preferred software, and configure settings to optimize performance for specific applications.
  • Vertical scalability: Dedicated servers offer extensive options for vertical scalability, allowing businesses to adjust resources like CPU, RAM, and storage to accommodate growth. As demand increases, the server’s hardware can be upgraded to meet new requirements. However, in some cases vertical scaling might require migrating to a different physical server.
  • Exclusive IP address: Unlike shared hosting, where multiple users share a single IP address, dedicated server hosting provides a unique IP address for each server. This is particularly important for businesses running eCommerce sites. A dedicated IP also reduces the risk of being blacklisted due to the actions of other users, ensuring that email deliverability and search engine rankings are not negatively impacted.

How Does Dedicated Hosting Work?

Dedicated hosting operates by allocating an entire physical server exclusively to a single client. Unlike shared hosting, where multiple users share the same hardware resources, dedicated hosting ensures that all of a server’s CPU power, RAM, storage, and network bandwidth are available solely to the tenant.

When a user opts for dedicated hosting, they are typically given administrative control over the server. This control allows them to configure the server environment according to their specific needs, including the choice of operating system, software installations, and security settings. Depending on the hosting provider, the server may come pre-configured, or the user might set it up from scratch.

Dedicated servers are hosted in data centers, where they are connected to high-speed internet and power infrastructure. These data centers often have security measures in place, including physical security, redundancy for power and networking, and fire protection.

The client is responsible for managing the server unless they opt for a managed service, in which the hosting provider takes care of maintenance tasks such as updates, backups, and monitoring. In the case of unmanaged hosting, the client must have the technical expertise to handle these aspects themselves.

Main Types of Dedicated Server Hosting

General-Purpose Servers

General-purpose servers are versatile machines designed to handle a wide array of tasks ranging from web hosting to simple database management. These servers balance processing power, storage, and memory to cater to diverse needs. Ideal for businesses that require reliable yet cost-effective solutions without the need for specialized hardware.

These servers provide an excellent starting point for businesses planning to scale. They offer a balance between performance and affordability for companies that do not require high-end computing power. As business requirements grow, these servers can be upgraded or transitioned into more specialized types that cater to more specific demands.

GPU Dedicated Servers

GPU dedicated servers are optimized for tasks that involve intensive graphical computations, such as video rendering, machine learning, and scientific simulations. Equipped with powerful graphics processing units, they excel in handling parallel processing tasks that would otherwise be too demanding for standard CPUs. They are essential for industries relying heavily on visual data processing or computational prediction models.

These servers offer substantial advantages in fields requiring rapid data processing and real-time feedback. By leveraging GPU technology, businesses can accelerate workflows that involve complex calculations, significantly reducing production times. These systems are becoming increasingly crucial as demand for applications featuring artificial intelligence grows.

Bare Metal Servers

Bare metal servers refer to physical servers with no virtualization layer, providing maximum performance. Users gain direct access to the server’s full resources, eliminating the overhead associated with virtualized environments. This direct access results in improved speed and responsiveness, crucial for applications requiring high performance and minimal latency.

These servers are optimal for applications needing a high level of customization and security. By using bare metal, users can control the server environment entirely, implementing bespoke solutions not possible on virtualized platforms. This configuration is preferred for mission-critical applications where consistent performance and security are non-negotiable.

Managed Dedicated Servers

Managed dedicated servers come with a service package where the hosting provider handles server setup, maintenance, security, and monitoring. This service removes the burden of day-to-day server management from the client, allowing them to focus on core business activities. Such an arrangement ensures servers operate efficiently while expert teams handle regular updates and troubleshooting.

This approach is ideal for businesses lacking in-house technical expertise or resources to manage complex infrastructures. Managed services offer peace of mind, ensuring that professional teams address server issues promptly, optimizing uptime and performance.

Unmanaged Dedicated Servers

Unmanaged dedicated servers give users complete control over all server aspects, providing flexibility to manage software installations, security configurations, and patches. This approach suits businesses with strong technical teams capable of handling server operations autonomously. While more responsibility falls on the user, it also allows for deeper customization according to specific operational needs.

This hosting type is particularly advantageous for companies with unique technical requirements, as they can adjust the server environment without relying on third-party services. While unmanaged servers reduce hosting costs, the need for in-house expertise can increase internal expenses.

Dedicated Server vs. Shared Hosting vs. Cloud Hosting

Choosing the right hosting solution can significantly impact your website’s performance and security. Here are the key differences between dedicated servers and other common hosting options:

  • Dedicated server hosting Dedicated server hosting provides exclusive access to a physical server, offering unparalleled performance, control, and security. This option is ideal for businesses with high-traffic websites, resource-intensive applications, or stringent security requirements.
  • Shared hosting Shared hosting is the most cost-effective hosting solution, where multiple users share a single server’s resources. This makes it suitable for small websites or personal blogs with limited traffic and resource demands. However, shared hosting comes with limitations, such as slower performance, reduced security, and limited control over server configurations.
  • Cloud hosting Cloud hosting utilizes a network of virtual servers to host websites and applications, offering flexibility and scalability. Resources can be scaled up or down based on demand, making it an excellent choice for businesses with fluctuating traffic patterns. Cloud hosting provides redundancy and high availability, as data is distributed across multiple servers. However, it may not offer the same level of control and customization as dedicated hosting, and costs can vary depending on usage.

Learn more in our detailed guide to dedicated server vs shared hosting (coming soon)

How Much Does Dedicated Server Hosting Cost?

The cost of dedicated server hosting varies widely depending on the provider and the specific server specifications required by the user. On average, you can expect to pay at least $100 per month for a basic dedicated server. This entry-level pricing typically offers lower resources, such as minimal CPU power, RAM, and storage, making it suitable for small businesses or startups with moderate traffic and resource needs.

As you move to higher price tiers, the available resources increase. Mid-priced dedicated servers generally provide better hardware, such as more CPU cores, larger amounts of RAM, and faster storage options like NVMe SSDs. These servers are designed for growing businesses that need to handle more complex workloads and larger volumes of data.

For enterprises with demanding performance needs, premium dedicated servers offer cutting-edge hardware and maximum resources. These top-tier servers are equipped with the highest number of CPU cores, extensive RAM, advanced security features, and high-speed storage solutions. Pricing for these servers reflects their capabilities, often reaching several hundred dollars per month, depending on the exact configuration and additional services provided.

Related content: Read our guide to low cost dedicated server hosting (coming soon)

How to Choose a Dedicated Server Hosting Provider

Understand Your Workload

Understanding your workload is essential when selecting a dedicated server hosting provider. Businesses must evaluate the type and amount of data managed to ensure they choose a server that can handle peak loads efficiently. This includes assessing the number of simultaneous users, application demands, and storage needs, ensuring that the selected server matches your business’s operational requirements.

This evaluation will prevent overinvestment in unnecessary specifications or under-provisioning, which can lead to performance issues. By accurately assessing workload requirements, businesses can make informed decisions, ensuring their servers’ performance matches current and future demands.

Evaluate Hardware Options

Evaluating hardware options is a critical step in choosing a hosting provider for your dedicated server. The server’s processor, RAM, storage type, and network capabilities must align with your business’s computing needs. For instance, businesses running intensive applications should opt for servers equipped with powerful CPUs and large memory capacities for optimal performance.

Additionally, the choice between SSDs and HDDs can impact server speed and reliability, influencing data access times and overall system responsiveness. By matching hardware components with your business’s specific technical demands, you can optimize server performance, ensuring effective resource utilization and scalability as needs evolve.

Consider the Location of Data Centers

Considering the location of data centers is pivotal in selecting a dedicated server provider. Data center proximity affects latency and data transfer speeds, impacting user experience and application performance. Choosing a provider with strategically located data centers can enhance service delivery, ensuring faster response times for end-users and meeting compliance with data residency laws.

Proximity also influences factors like redundancy and backup processes. Businesses can benefit from choosing data centers near primary user bases to minimize downtime and ensure quick recovery in case of disruptions.

Check for Reliability and Uptime Guarantees

Checking for reliability and uptime guarantees is crucial when evaluating dedicated server hosting providers. High uptime percentages, often exceeding 99.9%, are indicative of robust network infrastructures and diligent maintenance practices, ensuring minimal downtime and consistent availability of services. Providers with strong SLAs (Service Level Agreements) can offer peace of mind by promising specified performance levels.

It’s essential to scrutinize a provider’s historical uptime records and service transparency to ensure reliability. Robust infrastructures help safeguard against potential disruptions, allowing business operations to proceed without interruptions.

Evaluate Security and Compliance Features

Evaluating security features is paramount when choosing a dedicated server hosting provider. With cyber threats becoming increasingly sophisticated, it’s crucial to ensure that hosting services offer security measures such as firewalls, DDoS protection, and regular security audits. Reliable providers often include security monitoring and incident response strategies as part of their service offerings.

Additionally, compliance with industry standards and regulations (such as GDPR or HIPAA) should be an integral consideration, aligning with the business’s specific data protection requirements.

Dedicated Server Hosting with Atlantic.Net

Unleash the huge server power of Atlantic.Net dedicated server hosting services, America’s most experienced dedicated server hosting provider. Each private, physical dedicated server comes with full root access, backed by the latest hardware specifications and USA-based support.

Atlantic.Net provides various types of dedicated server hosting options, all available with discounts for long-term contracts. Dedicated Servers are a standalone hardware offering not tied into any existing Cloud platforms or hypervisors, such as the Atlantic.Net Cloud Platform. The hardware is solely set up for your requirements along with any additional Managed Services to ensure the hosting environment meets your needs.

Our Dedicated Servers are custom-built to your specification with a choice of CPU, Disk, and Memory (RAM). Each server is available with full root access for complete server control. Our dedicated hosting services come with a dedicated network IP address, free SSL certificate, and support for a wide selection of operating systems and control panel options to supercharge your web hosting experience.

Learn more about Atlantic.net dedicated server hosting

Learn More About Dedicated Hosting Services:

Dedicated server hosting is a service where users are provided with multiple resources specifically dedicated to their hosting requirements and business needs. There is no sharing of resources; rather, the user gets to control resources such as bandwidth, RAM, or memory as per their needs. Dedicated server hosting services provide complete server control directly to the user from the web hosting provider. With a dedicated server, you control resource allocation, operating system, and all other services. Our support teams are available should you need help. For our dedicated hosts, bare metal servers, and dedicated servers, we can provide SATA SSDs, or NVMe SSDs.

Dedicated hosting is a service where users are provided with multiple resources specifically dedicated to their hosting requirements. There is no sharing of resources; rather, the user gets to control dedicated server resources such as bandwidth, RAM, or memory as per their dedicated hosting needs. It is ideal for the growing needs for powerful infrastructure, security, compliance,
flexibility, and cost-effectiveness that come with having its own computing infrastructure. You may need a dedicated web host to support a large number of business websites; perhaps you are a
reseller who plans to set up shared hosting and offer your dedicated server as virtual private server hosting for your customers. Dedicated hosting gives you the power to manage your site, your server, and the storage as you please since you are fully in control of the server.

Dedicated hosting services can be used for more resource-intensive projects. Dedicated Servers are perfect for any mission-critical application, as these programs need guaranteed uptime, improved control, and superb reliability. Dedicated servers work well for high-volume websites and as backup servers because the IO throughput is extremely quick, perfect for data-intense backup clusters.

When choosing web hosts and identifying the best dedicated hosting services, it’s important to consider reliability, flexibility, cost, and performance. Atlantic.Net USA has been providing quality, award-winning web hosting services since 1994. We have a proven track record in providing world-class dedicated server solutions. Atlantic.Net has been recognized for multiple prestigious awards including Excellence in Customer Service Award in 2024, America’s Stevie Awards, Global Infosec Award, Fortress Cyber Security Award, Gold Globee Award, and more.

Dedicated servers can be used for various projects, especially projects that are more resource-intensive. Dedicated servers are perfect for any mission-critical application, as these programs need
guaranteed uptime, improved control, and superb reliability. They make a great value server, perfect for database servers and data science platforms, and are excellent video conferencing hosts due
to the extensive bandwidth available. Dedicated Servers are the first iteration of providing dedicated resources to a customer to host their website, applications, files, and more. Today, a single dedicated server is a great starting place for a business with a good reason not to move into Atlantic.Net’s Cloud Platform. Some reasons why a customer might want a Dedicated Server over Virtual Private Servers are the need for an operating system at end-of-life, physical hardware keys, software restrictions, custom configurations, and compliance requirements. Another
reason that customers opt for dedicated servers is when they provision a fully private cloud environment built with dedicated servers to meet their uptime needs, but want to avoid using any part of a public cloud. Dedicated servers are also very popular with our healthcare customers, as we have made it easy to make them HIPAA-Compliant with our Managed Services.

Choosing the best managed hosting plan for your needs is always challenging, especially considering the breadth of options available on the market. If you need just a simple website, then shared hosting VPS hosting plans are a great choice. With shared web hosting, you get options for unmetered bandwidth, a free SSL certificate, and a useful user control panel, all perfect for web hosting. On the other hand, if you need to host multiple sites or critical business applications with the option for fully managed services, then dedicated web hosting is what you need instead of shared hosting.

This is a question we get asked all the time: why does dedicated web hosting have relatively high prices compared to other hosting plans? The simple answer is that in real terms with most web hosts, the associated costs are way cheaper than going it alone. A typical dedicated server costs anywhere from $20,000 and up, not to mention the costs of cooling, power, redundancy, managed hosting, unmetered bandwidth, and technical support teams. In reality, Atlantic.Net has some of the most affordable dedicated hosts available from any cloud web hosting provider.

In theory, yes, it’s possible to self-host a server. However, you will need to contact a service support provider and fork out thousands of dollars to purchase the server. You will need to buy storage, networking hardware and pay for bandwidth, have a rack space to host and cool the server, and hire employees to support the server, manage access, and so forth. You’ll also need generators, physical security, monitoring, and more – functions that Atlantic.Net takes care of for you with dedicated hosting. You also benefit from the redundancy for physical space, servers, networking, and more resulting Atlantic.Net’s economies of scale and industry pricing we get on all parts of our products. Purchasing a dedicated server from us will save you money throughout the contract compared with the relatively high prices if doing it yourself.

You can spec out your application, site, or project and email or call us at [email protected] and 888-618-3282, and we will be happy to assist you. Generally speaking, you can get the best affordable price if you commit to a three-year term, but custom and flexible plans with monthly prices with one-year and two-year terms are also available.

Absolutely yes, we can provide you with additional IP addresses for your dedicated servers, allowing you to meet those more complicated needs. If you need help configuring multiple IP addresses or need help with your bandwidth requirements, please contact our support teams

It all depends on your needs, but a 32GB dedicated server has ample memory to conduct memory-intensive tasks. Most resources that are required depend on the workload and users that will be using the server and the services the server provides. It also depends on your budget; as you add more memory, your monthly cost goes up, too. If you are unsure, please reach out to [email protected] where we have sales engineers ready to answer your questions and help you achieve optimal performance for your budget.

Dedicated Servers can range from mid-$200s to thousands of dollars, depending upon your needs and workloads. Atlantic.Net has options to fit your needs and your budget

A dedicated server will be provided to the customer with RDP or SSH access, and a dedicated cloud host can be controlled through the Atlantic.Net Cloud Portal. Bare-metal servers can be supplied with any operating system the customer chooses, be it Windows, Linux, Hyper-V, or VMware ESXi, and we will provide remote access to manage them.

NVMe SSDs are much faster than SATA SSDs…7x faster! Generally, both SATA and NVMe use the same type of solid-state data storage technologies, but they differ in the type of interface speed used to read and write data. NVMe allows modern SSDs to operate at the read/write speeds of their flash memory by directly communicating through the computer’s PCIe interface, whereas SATA SSDs are limited by the slower SATA interface. For our dedicated hosts, bare metal servers, and dedicated servers, we can provide SATA SSDs, or NVMe SSDs.

Flexibility is key; you can have almost any operating system your wish. This includes server hypervisors such as Hyper-V and VMware, Windows Server, and Linux flavors. Don’t see the
operating system you want? No problem! Just get in touch today, and we will be happy to accommodate your requirements and help you with the maximum customization possible. While there is no set standard for operating systems, most data center service providers provide various options to choose from, including Debian, OpenBSD, NetBSD, FreeBSD, Fedora Core, and CentOS, just to name a few. Available now on Atlantic.Net: Linux: CentOS, Ubuntu, Rocky, Fedora, Debian, Arch, and FreeBSD Windows Server: Windows Server 2016, Windows Server 2019, and Windows Server 2022.

We provide fully customized solutions and flexible bandwidth options to meet and exceed your requirements. All servers come with unlimited inbound bandwidth.

Our servers (and all of our hosting platforms, private, public, and shared hosting) feature a 100% uptime guarantee. Atlantic.Net has created a hosting environment that offers the best
possible environment to help prevent hardware issues. Our tier 3 data centers are the backbone of our server hosting, protected by our industry-leading service level agreement,
all of our customers can be assured of the best possible service and support.

We have invested immensely in our network infrastructure services, and they are the cornerstone of our entire platform. The network is built with security, performance, and resiliency at
its core and Atlantic.Net ensures that the network will be available 100% of the time in any given month (excluding scheduled maintenance). If it takes us more than 30 minutes to resolve the network issue from the time a ticket is opened, Atlantic.Net will refund the customer 5% of the monthly fee for each additional 30 minutes of downtime (up to 100% of the customer’s monthly fee for the specific equipment affected). Network uptime includes the functioning of all network infrastructure such as routers, switches, and cabling, but does not include software and services running on your server.

We only use the latest hardware in our data centers, and each server uses Intel Xeon CPU and other premium hardware. Protecting your hardware is vitally important. Atlantic.Net guarantees all hardware components in your dedicated server and will replace any failed components at no cost to you. Once Atlantic.Net determines the cause of the problem, hardware replacement will commence. If it takes us more than one hour to replace the faulty hardware from the time the cause is determined, Atlantic.Net will refund 5% of the monthly fee
per additional hour of downtime (up to 100% of your monthly fee for the specific server affected).

The rest of our hosting infrastructure is also protected by a 100% SLA, all critical infrastructure components including power supplied to your server and HVAC will be available 100% of the time in a given month (excluding scheduled maintenance). If it takes us more than 30 minutes to resolve the infrastructure issue from the time the trouble ticket is opened, Atlantic.Net will refund 5% of the monthly fee per additional 30 minutes of downtime (up to 100% of your monthly hosting account fee for the specific server affected). Critical infrastructure includes the functioning of all power, HVAC, and cabling but does not include the power supplies on customers’ servers.

We provide hosting services and solutions from eight global regions. Every region is certified and certifications vary from region to region. Here is a list of some of the certifications:

  • HIPAA Audited
  • HITECH Audited
  • SOC 1
  • SOC 2
  • SOC 3
  • ISO 27001
  • ISO 14001
  • ISO 90001
  • NIST

We provide hosting services and solutions from eight global regions. Every region is certified and certifications vary from region to region. Here is a list of our USA-based hosting regions:

See Additional Guides on Key IaaS Topics

Together with our content partners, we have authored in-depth guides on several other topics that can also be useful as you explore the world of IaaS.

AWS Cost Optimization

Authored by Finout

Cloud Cost Optimization

Authored by Intel Tiber

  • Cloud Cost Optimization: 8 Key Best Practices
  • What Is Cloud Cost Management? Best Models and Tools
  • How Do Cloud Server Costs Work? A Quick Cost Comparison

AWS ECS

Authored by Lumigo