Foreword[]
The server was chosen with great care specifically to host Neverwinter Nights. Careful consideration was given to ensure the server would perform without lag EVEN at the stage of selecting the machine itself. NWN does not use nor is it helped by multiple CPU cores, so initially we were hosted on a P4 single core with 2 gigabytes of RAM. Recently, we were able to both improve the hardware and reduce the monthly cost a bit; currently we are hosted on a Xeon Quad Core X3220 2.4GHz, with 8GB Ram and 500GB SATA HD, redundant connections allowing 5TB BW (100Mbps port) and 5 ips (static).
2014 Events[]
The hosting company with which we have been engaged ever since opening the server ( http://hivelocity.net ) had been making noises that they would like me to switch hardware; moving to a more modern rack, MB and such (partly so they could retire the old style rack). Eventually, they made me an offer I could not refuse. Our recent server migration allowed us to reduce monthly cost of hosting AND improve the hardware significantly. We are presently hosted on a Xeon Quad Core X3220 2.4GHz, with 8GB Ram and 500GB SATA HD, redundant connections allowing 5TB BW (100Mbps port) and 5 ips (static).
2012 Events[]
When the server began behaving oddly recently, Eriniel discovered CPU heat alarms in the system log files. We directed our hosts' Technical Support people to review the hardware hands-on. The Techs returned our phone call 20 minutes later, declaring that they had replaced the visibly failing CPU fan and heat sink, ensuring a good contact with the CPU with a surface clean and new thermal gel.
Sadly, about two weeks later, we again found heat warnings in the system logs, so again we telephoned our hosts' Tech Support people and directed them to put hands on the system to resolve the issue. About 20 minutes later, an email arrived notifying us that the server had been replaced as it was the CPU causing the heat issue. An exact match was not available so they transfered the hard drives from the old system into a WHOLE NEW SERVER a faster one with more RAM... no additional charge.
THAT is the kind of service, the kind of on-hand parts that makes leasing a dedicated server for NWN well worth the price. Kudos to the tech support at hivelocity.net
Hardware[]
Presently the hardware is Xeon Quad Core X3220 2.4GHz, with 8GB Ram and 500GB SATA HD, redundant connections allowing 5TB BW (100Mbps port) and 5 ips (static).
Operating System[]
Linux, the only good choice for a NWN server.
Bandwidth[]
This is a very important hosting consideration and one we did not take lightly. Hosting from home means limited bandwidth and ultimately a bottleneck that produces lag when there are more PLAYERS logged in. By leasing this machine, which sits on a super fat connection - bandwidth will not be a lag-maker here at all, regardless of number of PLAYER logins. 5TB limit in our present hosting arrangement is more than enough to run several NWN servers under heavy PLAYER loads without generating any bottleneck-lag issues.
The Net Result[]
Ultimately, all this adds up to a server that does not lag, almost never crashes, and when it does experience that rare bit of down-time, is generally back online within the hour regardless of the cause of the outtage.