Choosing the right server is one of the decisions with the biggest impact on your project's performance. This guide focuses on the two key components - **CPU and RAM** - for both Linux and Windows environments.

## The CPU: the server's brain

The CPU executes every instruction of your applications. When comparing servers, look at two factors:

### 1. Frequency and number of cores

- Frequency is measured in **gigahertz (GHz)** and indicates how many billions of cycles per second the processor can execute.
- Higher frequency means faster processing: a CPU running at **3.50 GHz** processes instructions faster than one at **2.40 GHz**, which matters for latency-sensitive tasks (web requests, database queries...).
- Additional cores let you run more tasks **in parallel**; frequency determines how fast each individual task runs.

### 2. Processor generation

- CPU technology evolves quickly: every generation improves per-cycle performance and power efficiency.
- Always ask your provider to specify the **exact CPU model**. A modern 1-core CPU can outperform a 10-year-old 4-core CPU thanks to architectural improvements.

:::tip
Do not compare servers by "core count" alone: a VPS with fewer cores but a modern, high-frequency CPU usually performs better for most web workloads.
:::

## Shared hosting and Linux VPS

### Understand your project's real usage

Resource usage varies enormously between projects: the site's code, its level of optimization and the traffic volume all play a role. Measure before over-provisioning.

### Tools available on our hosting

- **Real-time usage graphs**: monitor your account's CPU, RAM and I/O usage.
- **PHP X-Ray**: a debugging tool that pinpoints bottlenecks and inefficiencies in your code.
- **Caching systems**: solutions such as **LiteSpeed** or **WP Rocket** reduce resource usage and improve response times.

![CloudLinux resource usage graphs](/api/help/media/0c17f90b-3e16-4b7d-b032-1ad0a462e7dd)

## Windows VPS

### The operating system's own usage

Windows VPS are commonly used to run applications continuously. Keep in mind that the operating system itself consumes resources, including **automatic updates**, which require extra CPU.

### Capacity planning per application

As a rule of thumb, allocate **1 CPU core per application** (some may require more). Spreading applications across several VPS can improve both efficiency and security.

### Monitor usage with the Task Manager

To check CPU and RAM usage on Windows, use the **Task Manager**: right-click the taskbar and select "Task Manager". You will see every application and process with its CPU and RAM percentage, which helps identify applications consuming a disproportionate amount of resources.

![Windows Task Manager showing per-process usage](/api/help/media/6d5b147c-6dba-4d26-91af-a55f1009ddee)

:::info
Not sure which plan fits your project? Tell us what it is about and we will recommend the best option, no strings attached.
:::