"I need a Dedicated Server" is the title of a recent discussion on Webhostingtalk.com. In this thread the thread starter is announcing that he is looking for a new dedicated server. While the request itself is written good enough to communicate what he wants, there are several issues with the topic and the discussion itself. If you are looking for a dedicated server yourself in a public forum you want to make sure that you follow a few simple rules to make the best out of your request.
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State clearly what you want. Just saying "I need a dedicated server" is not simply not enough. Provide exact details about what you are looking for. Intel or AMD CPU? How much memory for the dedicated server? Disk space and RAID level should also be clearly defined. In most cases bandwidth does not need to be specified unless your bandwidth needs for a dedicated server exceed 2 TB (2000 GB). Be realistic with your requirements. Bandwidth, CPU, and memory all come together at one point. 5 TB bandwidth will suck all the life out of a single CPU server with 1 GB RAM. It's just not feasible. Need a dedicated server with cpanel? State it clear and also mention if you need fantastico or can work with a different dedicated server control panel (Helm, Plesk, DirectAdmin, etc).
Specify your price limit. Again, be realistic of what you are asking for. Keep in mind that the web host has to pay for the hardware and also wants to make a buck from his investment. If hardware is too cheap, it really might be cheap. Cheap in quality that is. Or the bandwidth you get comes from 3rd tier suppliers and simply sucks. Can you pay a setup fee? Or do you want a dedicated server without a setup fee? Sometimes paying a setup fee makes more sense as it can help to lower your monthly cost. If you plan on keeping the server for at least 12 months a setup fee usually pays for itself easily.
Why so much commotion about asking the question "I need a Dedicated Server"? It helps you to avoid answering questions that otherwise would not be asked and it saves on time to receive actual offers for a dedicated server. A web host can read your offer, prepare a good offer for a dedicated server and then present it to you.
