Should we update/change our dedicated server?
 

We are considering upgrading our dedicated server for www.hometheatershack.com/forums that we have through Liquid Web. We generally like to stay just a little ahead of the game (so to speak) when they offer certain specials. Note also that System 1 appears to be far superior to what we have now and the monthly fee is less.

We currently have the following:

• Current System
• Processor: 2 x Dual-Core AMD Opteron 2212 Processors
• Memory: 8GB DDR2 SDRAM
• Hd1: 160GB SATA
• Hd2: 160GB SATA
• RemoteBackup: Guardian Continuous Data Protection (+100GB Storage) (+Guardian MySQL Plugin) (+Guardian CPanel Plugin)
• OS: Linux - CentOS 5 (+32 Bit)
• ControlPanel: CPanel / Web Host Manager (+ServerSecure) (+Fantastico/XController)
• Monthly Fee: $397 /month

We are somewhat slow at the moment (x-mas):

Server Load Averages 0.83 0.47 0.45 | 1*086 Users Online (63 members and 1*023 guests)

http://www.hometheatershack.com/images/serverprochd.gif


We think we have narrowed it down to two systems:

• System 1
• Processor: Intel Q9400 QUAD CORE
• Memory: 8GB DDR2 SDRAM
• Hd1: Dual 500GB SATA / Hardware Raid 1
• Hd2: 500GB 7200RPM SATA / 8MB Cache
• RemoteBackup: Guardian Continuous Data Protection (+100GB Storage) (+Guardian MySQL Plugin) (+Guardian CPanel Plugin)
• OS: Linux - CentOS 5 (+32 Bit)
• ControlPanel: CPanel / Web Host Manager (+ServerSecure) (+Fantastico/XController)
• SetupFee: $350 Setup Fee
• Monthly Fee: $384 /month

OR

• System 2
• Processor: Dual Xeon E5504 Quad Core (Gainstown)
• Memory: 8GB DDR RAM
• Hd1: 250GB 7200RPM SATA / 8MB Cache
• Hd2: 250GB 7200RPM SATA / 8MB Cache
• RemoteBackup: Guardian Continuous Data Protection (+100GB Storage) (+Guardian MySQL Plugin) (+Guardian CPanel Plugin)
• OS: Linux - CentOS 5 (+64 Bit)
• ControlPanel: CPanel / Web Host Manager (+ServerSecure)
• Bandwidth: 10000GB Monthly Transfer (5000 in + 5000 out)
• SetupFee: $350 Setup Fee
• Monthly Fee: $454 /month

I definitely do not see us needing the 500GB Hard Drives in System 1.

I am curious if the Xeon E5504 processor with the 64-bit OS in System 2 will be faster for us than what we have and/or System 1.

Your thoughts are appreciated.