How Do You Select A Gaming Server?
There’s a lot to consider when selecting a gaming server - so unfortunately, the short answer is: it depends.
Some gamers value performance and making sure their server isn’t going to have any hiccups no matter how many players decide to play.
Other gamers value support and having multiple support channels and 24/7/365 support is the most important factor in their buying decision process.
Lastly, some gamers need to consider the location of the server to minimize ping. NameHero’s servers are centrally located in Kansas City, Missouri, so it’s easy for a group of US or Canadian gamers to all be able to play with optimal ping.
Why Are Certain Specs Important?
All games have minimum requirements in terms of specs - most notably RAM and CPU to ensure smooth gameplay. There’s nothing worse than picking a server that doesn’t have enough juice.
The other important thing to consider is how many players will be playing on the server. Generally speaking, the more players that will be using a server at the same time, the more resources you may need. That’s why it’s important not to just consider the minimum requirements for a game!
Learn more about how each server component below plays into your gaming experience:
- CPU - The CPU is important for a game server because it handles all the tasks needed to run the game smoothly. Server-grade CPUs (Like NameHero’s AMD EPYC’s) are even better because they are made to handle more work and ensure that the game runs well for any game / player count you need.
- RAM - RAM and its speeds are important because it allows the server to quickly access and process the data needed to run the game smoothly. This ensures better performance and reduces lag for players. Faster RAM speeds can further improve this performance by speeding up data transfer rates.
- Storage - storage is important because you want to have plenty of space for your game files, backups, and mods. NVMe storage (what all NameHero servers have) is up to 12x faster than traditional SSDs.
- DDOS Protection - DDOS protection is crucial for a game server because it prevents large-scale attacks that can overwhelm the server, causing it to slow down, crash, or be unable to join. This protection ensures the server stays online and runs smoothly for all players.
- Slots - Player slots are important for a server because they decide how many players can join and play on the server at the same time. The number of player slots affects how many people can enjoy the game together. At NameHero, we have uncapped slots for our game servers.
- Backups - Backups are important because they save copies of all the game's data, so if something were to go wrong, like a crash or data loss, the game can be quickly restored to its previous state or backup. This ensures that players don’t lose their progress and the server can keep running smoothly.
- Support Channels - when something goes wrong with your gaming server, oftentimes you can troubleshoot it on your own as there are quite a few posts on Reddit about most issues. However, if you are the type that prefers to get help, being able to reach someone quickly is important. A company that provides multiple ways to get in touch with support is important - ticket, chat, phone, and Discord.
- Uplink Speed - Uplink speed is important for a game server because it affects how quickly information can be sent from the server to the players. Faster uplink speeds ensure that the players receive updates and game data faster, which makes the gameplay smoother and reduces delays.
- Ping - Ping is important for a server because it measures how quickly data travels between the server and players connected to it, affecting the game’s responsiveness. Lower ping means less lag, resulting in a smoother and more enjoyable experience.
How Does NameHero Stack Up Vs. The Competition?
Although many of the competitors listed above have been in the gaming industry for a while - many have been slow to update their equipment. This has resulted in many customers being frustrated with their gameplay experience.
Additionally, according to our research, many of these competitors are not properly staffed for the support needs of gamers. It’s important to have 24x7x365 support across many different channels to help customers. As NameHero has been in the web hosting industry since 2015, we know how important it is to provide a great support experience.
These are the areas that NameHero flies above the competition - performance and support!
Is There Anything Else I Should Consider When Selecting A Gaming Server?
There may be other things that are important to consider - such as whether or not the game you’d like to play is supported by the company or if you are big into customization of games or settings.
NameHero currently offers four games:
However, we are constantly looking to expand our game server products. Please drop us a line on Discord, chat or ticket if you’d like to request our support of a game.
In terms of customization, many of the companies above all offer customization via the open-source Pterodactyl platform. However, there may be some slight differences depending on the game and what you are trying to accomplish.
Lastly, community is important. If you value being part of a Discord or Reddit community, you may make that part of your purchasing decision. You are always welcome to come join the NameHero Discord and hang out with fellow gamers or the NameHero team!
