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Dedicated Server → How To Rent
How to rent a dedicated server – a complete beginner’s guide
Renting a dedicated server can sound complex if you’re new to hosting—but it’s one of the most powerful, customizable ways to host websites, apps, and games. Whether you’re launching your first project or upgrading from shared hosting, this guide breaks everything down in plain English.
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How to rent a dedicated server: an overview
Renting a dedicated server involves a few key steps that help ensure your hardware, software, and service level match your business needs. Here’s a quick summary of the process outlined in detail throughout the article:
- Choose your server provider: Research and compare reputable hosting providers (like Liquid Web) that offer strong uptime guarantees, security features, and support options.
- Select your hardware configuration: Decide on CPU type, RAM size, storage type (SSD or HDD), and bandwidth based on performance needs.
- Pick your operating system: Choose from popular options like Linux or Windows Server, depending on your application stack and familiarity.
- Determine your management level: Decide whether you need a fully managed server with maintenance handled for you, or an unmanaged server for full control.
- Add software and security features: Include firewalls, backups, and DDoS protection to keep your server secure and resilient.
- Review pricing and contracts: Evaluate monthly versus annual pricing, setup fees, and upgrade flexibility before committing.
- Deploy and configure your server: Once provisioned, install your software stack, configure settings, and test performance before going live.
Factors to consider when renting a dedicated server
Choosing the right dedicated server goes beyond hardware specs. The right setup depends on your workload, budget, and growth goals. Keep these factors in mind before signing a contract:
- Performance requirements: Match your CPU, GPU, and RAM to the demands of your applications to avoid bottlenecks.
- Scalability: Make sure your provider allows easy hardware upgrades or migration to more powerful configurations as your needs grow.
- Management level: If your team lacks system admin expertise, a fully managed server saves time and reduces risk.
- Security and compliance: Look for built-in firewalls, DDoS protection, and compliance support for standards like HIPAA or PCI.
- Data center location: Choose a data center geographically close to your primary audience for lower latency and faster response times.
- Support availability: 24/7 access to technical support ensures quick resolution of performance or configuration issues.
- Pricing structure: Understand what’s included in your monthly fee—support, software licenses, or bandwidth limits can significantly impact total cost.
1. Choose a hosting provider
A dedicated server hosting provider rents out entire physical servers that you control—not shared with any other customer. Unlike shared or VPS hosting, this gives you full access to the hardware, OS, and resources.
Working with a hosting provider means you don’t have to worry about buying hardware, maintaining it, or troubleshooting physical issues like drive failures or power outages—they handle all of that for you. It also gives you faster deployment, built-in support, access to premium data centers, and easier scalability, so you can focus on your website or application instead of managing infrastructure.
What to look for in a provider
- Support availability: 24/7 chat or ticket support is essential if you’re not a system admin.
- Service Level Agreements (SLAs): Check for guaranteed uptime—typically 99.99% or higher.
- Managed vs unmanaged: Managed servers include help with setup, updates, and monitoring. Unmanaged leaves everything up to you.
- Data center locations: Choose a server close to your target audience to reduce latency.
- Extras: Features like automatic backups, DDoS protection, and control panel support can simplify management.
2. Select a server configuration
Dedicated servers come with customizable hardware. Understanding each component helps you avoid overpaying or underestimating your needs.
Choosing the right dedicated server configuration ensures you get the performance, storage, and bandwidth your project needs—without overpaying for resources you won’t use or under-provisioning and hitting limits too quickly. The right setup balances power, efficiency, and cost, so your site or app runs smoothly and can grow as demand increases.
Core hardware components explained
- Processor (CPU): This is your server’s brain—it handles everything your site or app needs to do. More cores and higher speed (GHz) mean your server can process more tasks at once, which helps things run faster, especially under heavy use.
- Memory (RAM): Think of RAM like a server’s short-term memory. It helps your server multitask by temporarily holding data while it’s being used. More RAM means your server can run more apps or handle more visitors at the same time without slowing down.
- Storage (Hard Drive): This is where all your files, databases, and software live. SSDs (solid-state drives) are much faster than old-school HDDs (hard disk drives), so your website or app can load quicker and respond faster.
- Bandwidth: Bandwidth is how much data can travel in and out of your server each month. If your site has lots of traffic, big downloads, or streams content, you’ll need more bandwidth to keep things smooth and avoid extra fees.
- Location: Your server’s physical location affects how fast it can send data to your visitors. If your audience is mostly in the U.S., choosing a server in the U.S. helps pages load faster for them.
Example setups
- Small WordPress site: 4-core CPU, 16 GB RAM, 500 GB SSD, 5 TB bandwidth
- Mid-sized ecommerce store: 8-core CPU, 32 GB RAM, 1 TB SSD, 10 TB bandwidth
- Game server or streaming app: High-core CPU, 64+ GB RAM, NVMe SSDs, unmetered bandwidth
If you’re still not sure what kind of server specs you need, start a chat with one of our experts right now and get help!
3. Choose managed or unmanaged services
One of the biggest choices you’ll make when renting a dedicated server is whether to go with managed or unmanaged hosting. This comes down to how comfortable you are handling the technical side of things.
With a managed server, the hosting provider takes care of the heavy lifting for you. That includes:
- Setting up the operating system
- Installing software
- Keeping everything updated
- Securing the server
- Monitoring it for issues
It’s a good choice if you’re not a system administrator, or if you simply want to focus on your website or app instead of server maintenance. Managed hosting often comes with 24/7 support, which means you can get help fast if something breaks or needs configuring.
An unmanaged server, on the other hand, gives you complete control—but also full responsibility. You’ll handle everything yourself: from installing the OS and configuring security settings to troubleshooting problems and applying updates. It’s best suited for experienced developers or IT professionals who are comfortable using the command line and managing servers from scratch.
4. Choose an operating system
When you rent a dedicated server, one of the first decisions you’ll make is which operating system (OS) to use. Just like your personal computer runs Windows or macOS, your server needs an operating system to manage files, run software, and handle traffic.
Most hosting providers let you choose between Linux and Windows Server—and each has its own strengths.
Linux is the most popular server OS on the internet. It’s free, open-source, fast, and secure. Most websites—including WordPress, Joomla, and Drupal—are built to run on Linux servers.
Linux is also lighter on system resources, which means more of your server’s power can go toward your website or application. If you’re planning to use a popular content management system (CMS), host static files, or build apps in PHP, Python, or Node.js, Linux is usually the right choice.
It’s also the standard choice for hosting control panels like cPanel and Webmin.
Windows Server is built and maintained by Microsoft. It’s ideal if your website or application relies on Microsoft technologies—like ASP.NET, MSSQL (Microsoft SQL Server), or Active Directory.
Windows Server comes with a more familiar interface if you’re used to Microsoft tools, and it integrates tightly with other Microsoft products. However, it usually requires a paid license, making it a bit more expensive than Linux options.
If you’re not sure which one to choose and your site doesn’t require any Microsoft-specific software, Linux is the better starting point—especially for beginners. It’s more widely supported by hosting providers, easier to find tutorials for, and generally more affordable.
But if you’re working with Microsoft technologies or enterprise applications, Windows Server is the right tool for the job.
5. Choose a control panel
Once your server is set up, you’ll need a way to manage it—things like adding websites, uploading files, creating email accounts, and managing databases. While advanced users might use the command line (a text-based interface for typing in server instructions), most beginners prefer a control panel.
A control panel is a user-friendly dashboard that lets you manage your server through a web browser—just like using an app on your computer. Instead of learning complicated commands, you can click buttons and use forms to get things done quickly and safely.
Two of the most popular control panels are cPanel and Plesk:
- cPanel (with WHM): This is the most widely used control panel for Linux servers. It breaks management into two parts—WHM (Web Host Manager) for server-wide settings, and cPanel for individual website control. It lets you easily manage files, domains, databases, email accounts, SSL certificates, and backups with a clean, beginner-friendly interface.
- Plesk: Plesk works on both Linux and Windows servers, making it a flexible option. It offers a simple, modern interface that’s great for beginners. Like cPanel, you can manage files, emails, domains, apps, and databases from one dashboard. It also includes built-in tools for WordPress management, automatic updates, and security scanning—especially helpful if you’re running a WordPress site.
If your hosting provider offers a control panel (and most do), it’s worth adding—especially if you’re new to server management. It makes your life much easier and reduces the risk of accidentally misconfiguring something important.
| Feature | cPanel | Plesk |
|---|---|---|
| OS Compatibility | Linux only | Linux and Windows |
| Interface | Classic layout, easy to learn | Modern, clean design |
| User Roles | WHM for admins, cPanel for individual users | All-in-one interface for both admin and users |
| WordPress Tools | WordPress Toolkit (limited with some hosts) | Full WordPress Toolkit with updates & staging |
| Security Features | AutoSSL, IP blocking, directory protection | Integrated firewall, Fail2Ban, ModSecurity |
| File Management | File Manager, FTP | File Manager, FTP |
| Email Management | Built-in email creation and filtering | Built-in email creation with spam protection |
| Software Management | App installer (Softaculous) | App installer, Docker support |
| Pricing | Paid license required | Paid license required |
| Ideal For | Linux hosting, resellers, beginners with Linux | WordPress users, Windows hosting, modern UI fans |
For more on cPanel and Plesk, see A deep dive into the leading control panel choices →
Understand pricing and costs
Dedicated servers range in price depending on specs and included services. You’ll pay more than shared or VPS hosting, but that’s because you’re getting an entire machine to yourself.
Monthly rental ranges
- Entry-level: $80–$150/month
- Mid-range: $150–$400/month
- High-performance: $400–$1,000+/month
Other costs to expect
- Managed support: If you’re not a server expert, managed hosting is like hiring a team to help. It can include updates, security patches, backups, and technical support. This usually adds $50–$150/month but saves you time and stress.
- Licensing fees: Some software—like Windows Server or control panels such as cPanel—requires a paid license to use. These are usually billed monthly and can add anywhere from $10 to $50+ depending on what you need.
- Security tools: Many providers offer extras like firewalls, malware scanning, and DDoS protection to help keep your server safe. Some measure of security should be included in your rental agreement, but there may be optional add-ons to be aware of.
- Backup storage: Basic server backups may be included, but for full peace of mind, offsite or daily backups often cost extra. This protects your data if something goes wrong or needs to be restored.
- Setup or migration fees: Most hosts will set up your server for free, but some charge for advanced setups or migrating websites from another provider. Always double-check what’s included.
Benefits of renting a dedicated server (vs owning)
Dedicated servers are fast, secure, and scalable, and renting has key advantages for beginners.
Why rent instead of buy?
- Zero maintenance: The hosting provider takes care of the hardware, so you don’t have to worry about housing and securing a server.
- Faster setup: A hosting provider can get your server up and running (usually) in less than an hour. That’s a lot faster than purchasing, installing, and setting up your own machine!
- Flexible upgrades: When the hardware is up to the hosting provider, you can scale up CPU, RAM, or storage without buying and installing new parts yourself.
- No capital expense: Like buying vs renting a house, you pay a monthly fee to rent a server instead of buying hardware upfront.
Why choose dedicated hosting at all?
Whether you’re considering an upgrade from shared or VPS hosting, or looking for a new server for your business or project, there are several distinct advantages to dedicated server hosting:
- Performance: All resources are yours—no sharing
- Security: You set all firewall rules and security policies
- Customization: Install any OS, software, or settings you want
- Reliability: High uptime and consistent performance
- Scalability: Add resources or migrate to a bigger server as your needs grow
Common mistakes to avoid
Renting a dedicated server gives you a lot of power, but it also comes with more responsibility. Here are some common pitfalls to watch out for, especially if this is your first time managing your own server.
- Overprovisioning: It’s easy to assume you need the biggest, fastest server available, but that can lead to paying hundreds more each month for resources you won’t use. Start with a basic or mid-tier configuration and upgrade later if needed.
- Choosing unmanaged without experience: Unmanaged servers are cheaper, but they require you to handle everything from setup to security and troubleshooting. If you’re not familiar with server admin tasks, unmanaged hosting can quickly become overwhelming.
- Skipping backups: Not having backups in place is one of the most costly mistakes you can make. Accidents, software bugs, or even simple misclicks can lead to data loss. Always configure automated backups and store them somewhere off the server—ideally in the cloud.
- Ignoring server location: If your server is in Europe but most of your website traffic comes from the U.S., users will experience slower load times. Always choose a server location that’s geographically close to your audience to keep performance high.
- Not checking support options: Some providers only offer ticket-based support or charge extra for live help. Before signing up, make sure you understand how quickly you can reach someone and whether that support is included or comes at an extra cost.
- Failing to plan for software licenses: Control panels like cPanel or server OS options like Windows Server require monthly licensing fees. If you don’t account for these, you may be surprised by the final bill—or worse, choose tools that aren’t supported by your budget or provider.
- Assuming security is built-in: While many providers include some basic protections, dedicated servers typically require you to configure things like firewalls, malware scanning, and SSL certificates yourself, or opt into a managed security add-on.
- Neglecting monitoring and updates: Servers don’t manage themselves. If you forget to update the OS or software, you could miss critical security patches or cause downtime. Managed hosting can help with this.
Dedicated server rental FAQs
Dedicated server rentals typically start around $100 per month for entry-level configurations and can exceed $500 per month for high-performance setups with more CPU cores, RAM, and bandwidth. Fully managed servers or compliance-ready systems (HIPAA, PCI) often cost more due to added support and security.
Yes, renting a Minecraft server is a smart choice if you want full control, stable performance, and the ability to host multiple players without lag. Renting saves you from managing hardware yourself and gives you dedicated resources, which is ideal for larger communities or modded worlds.
Liquid Web is widely regarded as one of the best dedicated server hosting providers, offering top-tier performance, fully managed and unmanaged options, and unmatched reliability. Their dedicated packages and plans include advanced security, 24/7 support, and a choice of operating systems for complete customization. Liquid Web is also one of the few dedicated server hosting providers audited for multiple compliance standards, including HIPAA and PCI.
To rent servers, choose a provider, select your configuration, and deploy it through their control panel. To resell, partner with a hosting company that offers white-label or reseller programs. This lets you brand and manage servers for clients while your provider handles the backend infrastructure.
Next steps for renting a dedicated server
If you’re just getting started, renting a dedicated server gives you full control and unmatched performance without needing to buy hardware or become an expert overnight. It’s the next level of hosting for serious projects.
When you’re ready to upgrade to a dedicated server—or upgrade your server hosting—Liquid Web can help. Our dedicated server hosting options have been leading the industry for decades, because they’re fast, secure, and completely reliable. Choose your favorite OS and the management tier that works best for you.
Click below to explore dedicated server options or start a chat with one of our experts to learn more.
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Liquid Web is known for providing high-performance dedicated server hosting solutions. Choose from bare metal or a fully manage dedicated server, and get 99.999% uptime, rich security features, and much more.
Additional resources
What is a dedicated server? →
Benefits, use cases, and how to get started
How to estimate the total cost of ownership (TCO) for dedicated servers →
Learn how to accurately estimate the total cost of ownership (TCO) for dedicated server hosting solutions.
Fully managed dedicated hosting →
What it means and what fully managed services cover on dedicated hosting