Cloud servers allow you to scale your infrastructure quickly without investing in physical hardware. However, performance depends directly on how well you choose the configuration for your specific task. In this article, we’ll explain how to do that using the Serverspace platform as an example.Step 1: Define the Purpose of Your Server
Before choosing the processor, RAM, and storage, it’s important to understand what exactly you plan to run:
| Purpose | Approximate Resources |
|---|---|
| Test environments, website hosting | 1–2 vCPU, 1–2 GB RAM |
| Web applications with moderate load | 2–4 vCPU, 4–8 GB RAM |
| Databases, corporate systems | 4–8 vCPU, 8–32 GB RAM |
| Machine learning, analytics | 8+ vCPU, 32+ GB RAM, SSD NVMe |
Step 2: Choose the Processor (vCPU)
Virtual CPUs (vCPUs) handle all the computations. The more complex your tasks are, the more vCPUs you’ll need.
On the Serverspace platform, you can choose the exact number of vCPUs you need — from 1 to 64 cores — with flexible pricing. This is especially convenient for gradual scaling.
Recommendations:
- For CMS platforms (WordPress, Joomla) and small APIs, 1–2 vCPU is sufficient.
- For frameworks like Node.js, Laravel, or Django — at least 2 vCPU.
- For databases such as PostgreSQL or MySQL — 4 vCPU and up.
Step 3: Choose the Amount of RAM
RAM has a direct impact on performance: the more users and background processes you have, the more memory you need.
Examples:
- 2 GB RAM: suitable for a small website.
- 4–8 GB: ideal for apps with dozens of users.
- 16+ GB: required for large databases or memory-cached apps.
With Serverspace, you can configure RAM in increments starting from 512 MB — allowing you to avoid overpaying for unnecessary resources.
Step 4: Choose the Storage Size
Tips:
- At least 20 GB SSD is recommended for the operating system and basic software.
- 50 GB and more — for storing files, logs, and databases.
Step 5: Consider Network Characteristics and Data Center Location
Serverspace offers multiple data center locations: Europe, North America, and Asia. Choose a location closer to your users to reduce latency.
With bandwidth up to 1 Gbps and flexible traffic pricing, you can adapt your server to a wide range of requirements.
Step 6: Don’t Forget About Scaling and Backups
One of the key reasons to move to the cloud is the ability to scale quickly.
With the Serverspace control panel, you can:
- Change your server configuration on the fly;
- Create snapshots and backups;
- Automate deployment of new instances using API or Terraform.
Conclusion
Choosing the right cloud server configuration isn’t just about performance — it’s also about cost-efficiency.
Start with a minimal, functional setup and scale as your project grows. With Serverspace, that process is flexible, fast, and user-friendly.