◦ Security rich
◦ Built to spec
Dedicated Server
What is a dedicated server?
In the world of web hosting, finding the right solution to ensure your site runs smoothly, securely, and quickly can be a game-changer. For businesses with high demands or resource-intensive applications, a dedicated server might be the perfect fit.
What is a dedicated server?
A dedicated server is a physical machine that provides hosting resources exclusively to a single client. Unlike shared or virtual private servers (VPS), where multiple users share CPU, RAM, and bandwidth, a dedicated server is reserved for one business or project. This exclusivity ensures consistent performance, maximum control, and higher levels of customization.
For companies running high-traffic websites, ecommerce platforms, or large-scale applications, a dedicated server provides the reliability and resources needed to operate smoothly. Developers, IT teams, and business leaders alike turn to dedicated servers when performance and control are top priorities.
Basics
- Dedicated vs. shared hosting
- What is a dedicated VPN server?
- What is dedicated hosting?
- What is server hosting?
Case studies
- ClearGIVE (SaaS)
- Disruptor Beam (Gaming)
- Home Depot: (Ecommerce)
- Rapid Crush (Marketing)
- Ribbet (Media)
- XMLA (Web dev)
Cloud vs dedicated
- Dedicated vs. cloud: customization
- Dedicated vs. cloud: reliability
- Dedicated vs. cloud: security
- Dedicated vs. cloud: speed
- Dedicated vs. cloud: vendor lock-in
- Dedicated vs. cloud: visibility
- Managed dedicated vs. cloud for SaaS
Gaming
- Palworld dedicated server setup
- Abiotic Factor server setup
- ASKA server setup
- Enshrouded server setup
- Minecraft server setup
- Project Zomboid server setup
- Terraria server setup
- Valheim server setup
- Valheim world modifiers server setup
- Sons of the Forest server setup
Hosting
Managed dedicated
- Benefits of a managed dedicated server
- Best managed dedicated servers for the enterprise
- Fully managed dedicated hosting guide
Management
- Best practices for managing your dedicated server
- Best caching strategies
- cPanel for dedicated servers
- Estimating total cost of ownership
- How much RAM should I have for a dedicated server?
- Server resource management best practices
Security
- Backing up dedicated servers
- Data backup and storage
- DDoS-protected dedicated servers
- DDoS protection for dedicated servers
- How to backup a dedicated server
- How to configure SIEM
- Optimizing and stress testing servers
- What is SSD?
- Why SSD protection matters
- What is an SSD dedicated server?
Use cases
How dedicated server hosting works
A dedicated server operates as a standalone machine. The hosting provider allocates all of that machine’s resources—CPU, memory, storage, and network bandwidth—to you alone.
Unlike cloud hosting where resources can be pooled and dynamically allocated, a dedicated server provides fixed hardware that you can configure to your specific needs.
You can choose the operating system (Linux or Windows), set up control panels, install databases, and configure security policies. Depending on the management level, you might handle these tasks yourself (unmanaged) or let the provider’s team handle setup, monitoring, and updates (managed).
Because you aren’t competing with other tenants, you can optimize performance and security exactly as your workload demands.
Dedicated server benefits
Dedicated servers deliver unique advantages that appeal to businesses needing stability and control.
- Performance and reliability: With no resource-sharing, you get consistent CPU, RAM, and storage power, even during peak traffic.
- Security: Isolated environments reduce risks from noisy neighbors or vulnerabilities in shared systems. You can configure firewalls, monitoring, and compliance policies to your standards.
- Customization: Full root access allows you to install specialized software, custom configurations, and operating systems.
- Scalability: Hardware can be upgraded with more storage, RAM, or processors to keep pace with business growth.
- Uptime and availability: Hosted dedicated servers typically come with redundant infrastructure and SLAs that guarantee network uptime.
Use cases for dedicated servers
Dedicated servers are best suited for demanding projects where control and consistency matter most.
- High-traffic websites: Ecommerce stores, news outlets, and large enterprises often require fast page loads and uninterrupted service, even under heavy visitor loads.
- Big data and analytics: Data-heavy operations like machine learning, log analysis, and financial modeling benefit from dedicated resources that handle complex workloads without bottlenecks.
- Gaming servers: Multiplayer game hosting requires low latency and stability, which dedicated servers provide. Game developers and communities use them for consistent performance.
- Healthcare websites and databases: Hospitals, clinics, and health tech companies often need HIPAA-compliant infrastructure. Dedicated servers simplify compliance by providing isolated environments, customizable security controls, and the ability to enforce strict data protection standards without interference from other tenants.
On-premises vs hosted dedicated servers
Dedicated servers can be deployed on-premises or hosted in a provider’s data center.
On-premises servers give you full physical ownership and control but require significant upfront investment, ongoing maintenance, and in-house IT expertise. They also pose risks if facilities lack redundancy for power, cooling, or internet.
Hosted dedicated servers, on the other hand, let you rent enterprise-grade machines without the capital expense. The provider handles physical security, infrastructure, and in many cases, management. This option allows businesses to scale more easily while avoiding the operational burden of maintaining hardware.
How to choose dedicated server hosting
Selecting the right dedicated server hosting depends on your workload and goals. Key factors include:
- Hardware specs: Look at CPU type, RAM size, storage (SSD vs HDD), and network speed to ensure they align with your performance needs.
- Management options: Decide between unmanaged (you handle everything) and managed hosting (the provider takes care of OS updates, monitoring, backups, etc.).
- Security features: Ensure firewalls, DDoS protection, and compliance support (HIPAA, PCI, GDPR) are available if needed.
- Scalability: Confirm the provider can upgrade your server or migrate you to more powerful machines as your needs grow.
- Support: 24/7 technical support is critical, especially if you don’t have in-house expertise.
- Cost: Balance monthly hosting fees against the benefits of reliability and performance compared to other hosting options.
Dedicated server wins
Seamless ecommerce expansion
Home Depot needed to fold in a company acquisition while maintaining performance.
Reduced lag and expenses under control
When Beamable’s game blew up, they needed to add infrastructure, fast.
Your next step toward dedicated power
When your business depends on uncompromising performance, total control, and top-tier security, a dedicated server is the ultimate solution. It’s the difference between sharing resources and owning them, ensuring your applications have the power they need, right when they need it most.
When you’re ready to move forward, we have two easy paths:
Explore our dedicated server solutions to compare configurations and find the perfect fit for your project.
Speak with one of our experts to discuss your specific needs. We can help you design a custom solution tailored to your goals.
Investing in a dedicated server is an investment in your business’s stability, security, and limitless potential for growth. Talk to a Liquid Web expert to explore your options.
Ready to get started?
Get fast, secure dedicated servers with 100% network uptime and certified data privacy
Additional resources
Bare metal cloud or dedicated servers? →
Differences, use cases, and how to choose the best server hosting solution for you
Create a Valheim dedicated server →
10 steps to a Valheim realm that can rival Asgard itself
VPS vs dedicated servers →
Similarities and differences, advantages and challenges, so you can decide what you need
Luke Cavanagh, Strategic Support & Accelerant at Liquid Web, is one of the company’s most seasoned subject matter experts, focusing on web hosting, digital marketing, and ecommerce. He is dedicated to educating readers on the latest trends and advancements in technology and digital infrastructure.