Bare metal servers present a powerful solution for individuals or businesses seeking unmatched performance and reliability. These servers—unlike shared hosting services—are exclusively allocated to a single user or tenant, providing dedicated resources for tasks that require top-tier performance, customization, and dependability. In this in-depth exploration of bare metal servers, we’ll explore their function, benefits, and potential applications, helping you decide whether this robust computing solution is the right fit for your business, project, or client needs.
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What Are the Key Features of Bare Metal Servers?
A bare metal server is a physical server that is accessed via the cloud. It offers a unique degree of control to a single user over the equipment, unlike shared services. When using a bare metal server, the client has complete management over the hardware resources and server’s load. This results in the following key features:
- High performance. Bare metal provides robust performance capabilities, as the entire server’s resources are dedicated to a single user. This results in faster data processing, reduced latency, and improved overall performance.
- Dedicated resources. Bare metal servers offer dedicated hardware resources such as CPU, RAM, storage, and network interfaces. This means you have exclusive access to these resources, ensuring optimal performance for your applications.
- Enhanced security. Enhanced security is available with bare metal, compared to shared or virtualized environments. Users have complete control over the server’s security measures, ensuring the option of implementing stringent protection protocols. This makes bare metal an ideal solution for sensitive data.
- Scalability. Bare metal offers scalability options to accommodate growing demands. Users can easily upgrade or expand server resources to meet changing requirements without any disruption.
These are just a few of bare metal’s key features. In the next section, let’s take a closer look at how a bare metal server works and explore its benefits in more detail.
How Do Bare Metal Servers Work?
Bare metal servers operate by granting direct access to the underlying physical hardware; they eliminate unnecessary layers and complexities regarding server access, resulting in a more efficient system. Here’s a breakdown of a bare metal server’s operation.
1. Operating System Installation
Users have the flexibility to choose their preferred operating system (OS) and install it directly on the bare metal server. This eliminates the need for virtualization software and provides greater control and customization options. Additionally, keeping the operating system up to date is crucial for optimal server performance as it helps protect data and defend against external threats.
2. Resource Allocation and Management
Resource allocation on a bare metal server gives users full control over computing resources. After the operating system is installed, users can customize the allocation of CPU cores, assign the desired amount of RAM, and determine the storage capacity based on their specific requirements.
This level of control enables optimized utilization of server resources, allowing users to allocate the right amount of computing power, memory, and storage to different applications and workloads. Users can ensure efficient performance and responsiveness for their specific tasks by tailoring the resource allocation to their needs, maximizing the server’s capabilities.
3. Hardware Provisioning and Configuration
The process of hardware provisioning involves assigning and configuring specific physical components of a bare metal server, such as the CPU, RAM, storage, and network interfaces, for exclusive use by the server. This ensures that the user has complete access to the allocated resources and can make the most of them.
What Is the Difference Between Bare Metal Servers and Shared Hosting Servers?
If you own a website, you’re probably familiar with shared hosting servers, where users share resources to save costs. However, there are downsides. Shared hosting is limited in terms of performance and reliability because resources are distributed among multiple users, leading to potential slowdowns during peak usage or when other users’ needs increase. As such, businesses or individuals with resource-intensive applications, growing traffic, or high-performance requirements might encounter performance problems when using shared hosting.
Enter bare metal servers. A bare metal server is a physical server that is exclusively allocated to a single user or tenant. You have your own private space, where you can enjoy all the resources and benefits of having an entire server just for yourself. Unlike shared hosting servers, bare metal servers are not shared with other users, providing dedicated resources for enhanced performance and reliability—this means that bare metal is a serious upgrade for serious users. Bare metal is perfect for tasks that need top-notch performance, reliability, and customization.
What is the Difference Between Bare Metal Servers and Dedicated Server?
While there are similarities between bare metal and dedicated servers—such as being dedicated to a single user and not sharing resources with other users—bare metal servers use more advanced technology in terms of hardware. The main difference lies in how they operate. A bare metal server offers direct access to the hardware and allows for greater customization, while a dedicated server operates within a virtualized environment, sacrificing performance for the benefits of scalability and resource sharing. Dedicated servers can be challenging to operate. On the other hand, bare metal servers operate seamlessly with the assistance of a software called a hypervisor.
This means that a bare metal server is a significantly more powerful solution compared to a dedicated server. A dedicated server can get the job done for certain use cases, but it is worth noting that a bare metal server gives you complete control. It offers superior hardware and greater flexibility for customization to suit your particular requirements to your business.
Who Should Use Bare Metal Servers?
Bare metal servers provide flexible usage options to meet diverse needs. However, the question arises: Who should consider using a bare metal server? Is it suitable for everyone? To help you find the answer, we have compiled a list of who can benefit from using bare metal servers with real examples from across industries.
1. Businesses That Need High Bandwidth to Meet Growing Demands
If you’re a business owner and your online service requires significant processing power and memory to handle demanding workloads like high-traffic websites, gaming servers, or video streaming platforms, it is worth considering using bare metal servers. These servers are designed to provide the necessary resources and performance capabilities to support such intensive tasks.
Case Study: TV Streaming Services
Based on the Digital 2023: Global Overview Report, it is observed that the latest findings show that popular streaming services like Netflix and Disney+ have gained significant traction, capturing over 45% of the total TV viewing time among internet users of working age. This represents an increase of 10% since Q3 2019, indicating that users are now spending more than 1.5 hours per day on streaming services and online TV.
In order to meet the rising expectations of users and stay competitive in the media industry, content providers need to ensure fast and high-quality content delivery. This is particularly important when facing competition from established platforms like Netflix. To achieve this, having an infrastructure with sufficient bandwidth is crucial; this is where bare metal servers come into play. These servers offer the capability to deliver content at high speeds, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable user experience. Gcore offers an exclusive infrastructure tailored for streaming video, which can be combined with Gcore Bare Metal for a top-of-the-line streaming solution.
2. Services Handling Highly Sensitive Data
Many websites and applications handle highly sensitive information and require enhanced protection options.
Case Study: Fintech, Healthcare, and E-Commerce
In the high-stakes world of fintech, bare metal servers provide the robust security measures required for the safe handling and storage of sensitive financial documents. Similarly, healthcare institutions such as hospitals can use the advanced security features of bare metal servers to protect vital medical records. E-commerce sites, social media platforms, and streaming services continuously handle large volumes of confidential data, such as credit card numbers or social security details.
To ensure the protection of sensitive data, bare metal is a wise choice. Some bare metal server providers, like Gcore, offer built-in defenses against common security threats like DDoS attacks. It’s important to examine these security features available in bare metal servers. We’ll get into this in more detail in the next section.
3. Gaming Companies
By utilizing bare metal servers, gaming companies and their developers can meet the performance demands of modern games, ensuring fast processing speeds and low latency. This is especially crucial for AAA games that require high-performance capabilities.
Additionally, in multiplayer gaming, low latency is essential to provide a seamless and immersive experience for players. Bare metal servers contribute to low latency by reducing network latency, minimizing delays, and enhancing overall gameplay quality. Bare metal servers also help to ensure the security of user data, which is critical in the gaming industry where personal information and payment details are handled.
4. AI and Machine Learning Developers
With 2023’s focus on AI, numerous companies—from tech giants to individual entrepreneurs—are jumping on board to create an impact and take advantage of this growing industry. However, these types of projects require substantial processing capabilities to handle complex algorithms and large datasets. By utilizing bare metal servers, developers can access dedicated hardware resources, such as powerful CPUs and ample RAM, which are crucial for running resource-intensive AI and machine learning workloads.
In addition, the dedicated nature of bare metal servers ensures enhanced data security and privacy. AI and machine learning applications often deal with sensitive data, such as customer information or proprietary datasets. Developers can isolate their workloads on bare metal and maintain complete control over security measures, reducing the risk of unauthorized access or data breaches.
Here’s a helpful table that summarizes the various use cases of bare metal servers by industry or sector:
| Sector/industry | Use cases | Real-life example |
| Technology | Hosting high performance applications Virtualization platforms Big data workloads AI/Machine learning | Hosting a high-traffic website Creating an AI tool Running a data analytics platform |
| Finance | Secure and high-performance applications Banking systems, including financial transaction processing Data management | Hosting a banking system Processing financial transactions securely |
| Healthcare | Electronic health records Healthcare applications Data security and privacy Medical research | Hosting an electronic health record system Running medical research simulations |
| Gaming and media entertainment | Online gaming servers Media streaming platforms Content distribution | Multiplayer game servers like Minecraft and Counter-Strike Media streaming platforms such as Netflix and Apple TV |
| E-commerce | Hosting online platforms Managing high-traffic websites Processing secure transactions | Online marketplaces such as Amazon and Alibaba Processing customer orders securely |
| Research and data science | Complex simulations Large dataset analysis Scientific research Machine learning training | Running scientific simulations Training machine learning models |
It’s important to keep in mind that the way bare metal servers are used can differ depending on specific business needs and requirements. Additionally, there may be other industries that use bare metal servers that are not included in our list.
After learning about the different use cases that can benefit from using a bare metal server, you might be interested in acquiring one for either business or personal use. Let’s discuss the essential factors you should consider before purchasing.
Factors to consider when purchasing a bare metal server
Suppose you’re considering using a bare metal server for your business or project. In that case, there are several necessary factors to consider in order to make an informed decision when purchasing. Let’s take a closer look at them:
1. Cost
Cost is a significant factor to consider when purchasing a bare metal server, and here’s why. First, you need to find a server that fits your budget. Setting a budget and exploring different pricing options allows you to choose a server that offers excellent value without breaking the bank. Secondly, considering pricing allows you to compare the costs and benefits of different service providers. You can evaluate features, performance, and support to find the best deal for your budget.
Taking pricing and your budget into account helps you plan for the future. You can budget for the initial purchase and any ongoing expenses, like maintenance and future upgrades. You should make a purchase confident that you can afford the server and any additional services you need—not only now, but for the foreseeable future.
2. Resources and Performance
Understanding the resources available on a server helps you make sure that it can handle your specific capacity and power requirements. Different applications and workloads have different demands for CPU, RAM, storage and networking capabilities.
Performance is vital in delivering a smooth and great experience for your apps and services, but purchasing a bare metal server is a significant investment. That is why it becomes crucial to carefully assess which resources you actually need to achieve your performance goals, and purchase accordingly. By carefully evaluating the resources and performance of a bare metal server, you can ensure that it aligns with your specific needs, delivers the desired performance level, and provides the scalability required for future growth.
3. Support and Maintenance Services
It is essential to take note of the service provider’s support and maintenance services. Reliable support means that any issues or technical difficulties can be promptly addressed and resolved, minimizing downtime and disruptions to your operations. Regular maintenance and updates are also essential to keep your server running smoothly and securely, protecting your data and ensuring optimal performance. So, choosing a provider that offers comprehensive support and maintenance services can provide you with peace of mind and minimize potential risks and challenges associated with server management.
With all of these considerations in mind, let’s explore how Gcore’s bare metal server can benefit businesses and various sectors with its reliable bare metal service.
How Does a Gcore Bare Metal Server Fit Your Needs?
At Gcore, we recognize the importance of balancing affordability, effectiveness, security, and high performance when it comes to servers. That’s why our clients can benefit from our range of cloud services, including our bare metal servers. We prioritize value for money, performance, and top-of-the-line support to ensure a seamless experience for your business.
Let’s take a look at the advantages of Gcore Bare Metal:
- 99.95% SLA with financial guarantees. We provide a production-ready platform that guarantees uptime and provides comprehensive support service level agreements (SLAs.) Our platform is designed to ensure uninterrupted operation and maximum availability for your critical applications and services. With our reliable infrastructure and dedicated support team, you rest assured that your business will maintain a high level of uptime to meet your operational requirements.
- Vast computing resources. At Gcore, we provide unrestricted access to a vast global network of computing power. With our presence in 23 locations worldwide, we offer a low-latency infrastructure that ensures your applications and services can reach users globally with minimal delays. Take advantage of the benefits of our extensive global reach and leverage our infrastructure to deliver optimal performance and user experience.
- Security and reliability. We offer DDoS protection against DDoS attacks at the network and transport layers. Our comprehensive security measures ensure that your infrastructure remains safeguarded from malicious traffic and potential disruptions caused by DDoS attacks. In addition, we offer integration with CDN. You can connect our CDN to the cloud to speed up content delivery to end users in any point of the world. You can also connect our other products: Streaming Platform and Storage.
- Dedicated 24/7 support. We provide round-the-clock, expert technical support. Our dedicated support team is always ready to assist you with any technical issues or inquiries you may have, ensuring that you receive timely and reliable support whenever you need it. We are committed to delivering excellent customer service, day and night.
Learn more about the features, benefits and pricing about Gcore Bare Metal.
Conclusion
A bare metal server is a powerful and versatile hosting solution for businesses and individuals seeking high performance, security, and control over their infrastructure. Its use cases span various industries, including online services, media streaming, gaming, and AI. When buying bare metal servers, it’s crucial to take into account the cost, necessary resources, and available support.
Here at Gcore, we understand the importance of bridging affordability, security, and high performance. With our bare metal server offering, we prioritize cost-efficiency, performance, and reliable support. Our global platform ensures protection against DDoS attacks and provides a production-ready environment with guaranteed uptime and 24/7 support.
Interested in trying out Gcore bare metal service for your business or big project? Want to learn more about how bare metal works? Talk to our experts today. We’re ready to help and hear from you!
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Pre-configure your dev environment with Gcore VM init scripts
Provisioning new cloud instances can be repetitive and time-consuming if you’re doing everything manually: installing packages, configuring environments, copying SSH keys, and more. With cloud-init, you can automate these tasks and launch development-ready instances from the start.Gcore Edge Cloud VMs support cloud-init out of the box. With a simple YAML script, you can automatically set up a development-ready instance at boot, whether you’re launching a single machine or spinning up a fleet.In this guide, we’ll walk through how to use cloud-init on Gcore Edge Cloud to:Set a passwordInstall packages and system updatesAdd users and SSH keysMount disks and write filesRegister services or install tooling like Docker or Node.jsLet’s get started.What is cloud-init?cloud-init is a widely used tool for customizing cloud instances during the first boot. It reads user-provided configuration data—usually YAML—and uses it to run commands, install packages, and configure the system. In this article, we will focus on Linux-based virtual machines.How to use cloud-init on GcoreFor Gcore Cloud VMs, cloud-init scripts are added during instance creation using the User data field in the UI or API.Step 1: Create a basic scriptStart with a simple YAML script. Here’s one that updates packages and installs htop:#cloud-config package_update: true packages: - htop Step 2: Launch a new VM with your scriptGo to the Gcore Customer Portal, navigate to VMs, and start creating a new instance (or just click here). When you reach the Additional options section, enable the User data option. Then, paste in your YAML cloud-init script.Once the VM boots, it will automatically run the script. This works the same way for all supported Linux distributions available through Gcore.3 real-world examplesLet’s look at three examples of how you can use this.Example 1: Add a password for a specific userThe below script sets the for the default user of the selected operating system:#cloud-config password: <password> chpasswd: {expire: False} ssh_pwauth: True Example 2: Dev environment with Docker and GitThe following script does the following:Installs Docker and GitAdds a new user devuser with sudo privilegesAuthorizes an SSH keyStarts Docker at boot#cloud-config package_update: true packages: - docker.io - git users: - default - name: devuser sudo: ALL=(ALL) NOPASSWD:ALL groups: docker shell: /bin/bash ssh-authorized-keys: - ssh-rsa AAAAB3Nza...your-key-here runcmd: - systemctl enable docker - systemctl start docker Example 3: Install Node.js and clone a repoThis script installs Node.js and clones a GitHub repo to your Gcore VM at launch:#cloud-config packages: - curl runcmd: - curl -fsSL https://deb.nodesource.com/setup_18.x | bash - - apt-get install -y nodejs - git clone https://github.com/example-user/dev-project.git /home/devuser/project Reusing and versioning your scriptsTo avoid reinventing the wheel, keep your cloud-init scripts:In version control (e.g., Git)Templated for different environments (e.g., dev vs staging)Modular so you can reuse base blocks across projectsYou can also use tools like Ansible or Terraform with cloud-init blocks to standardize provisioning across your team or multiple Gcore VM environments.Debugging cloud-initIf your script doesn’t behave as expected, SSH into the instance and check the cloud-init logs:sudo cat /var/log/cloud-init-output.log This file shows each command as it ran and any errors that occurred.Other helpful logs:/var/log/cloud-init.log /var/lib/cloud/instance/user-data.txt Pro tip: Echo commands or write log files in your script to help debug tricky setups—especially useful if you’re automating multi-node workflows across Gcore Cloud.Tips and best practicesIndentation matters! YAML is picky. Use spaces, not tabs.Always start the file with #cloud-config.runcmd is for commands that run at the end of boot.Use write_files to write configs, env variables, or secrets.Cloud-init scripts only run on the first boot. To re-run, you’ll need to manually trigger cloud-init or re-create the VM.Automate it all with GcoreIf you're provisioning manually, you're doing it wrong. Cloud-init lets you treat your VM setup as code: portable, repeatable, and testable. Whether you’re spinning up ephemeral dev boxes or preparing staging environments, Gcore’s support for cloud-init means you can automate it all.For more on managing virtual machines with Gcore, check out our product documentation.Explore Gcore VM product docs
How to cut egress costs and speed up delivery using Gcore CDN and Object Storage
If you’re serving static assets (images, videos, scripts, downloads) from object storage, you’re probably paying more than you need to, and your users may be waiting longer than they should.In this guide, we explain how to front your bucket with Gcore CDN to cache static assets, cut egress bandwidth costs, and get faster TTFB globally. We’ll walk through setup (public or private buckets), signed URL support, cache control best practices, debugging tips, and automation with the Gcore API or Terraform.Why bother?Serving directly from object storage hits your origin for every request and racks up egress charges. With a CDN in front, cached files are served from edge—faster for users, and cheaper for you.Lower TTFB, better UXWhen content is cached at the edge, it doesn’t have to travel across the planet to get to your user. Gcore CDN caches your assets at PoPs close to end users, so requests don’t hit origin unless necessary. Once cached, assets are delivered in a few milliseconds.Lower billsMost object storage providers charge $80–$120 per TB in egress fees. By fronting your storage with a CDN, you only pay egress once per edge location—then it’s all cache hits after that. If you’re using Gcore Storage and Gcore CDN, there’s zero egress fee between the two.Caching isn’t the only way you save. Gcore CDN can also compress eligible file types (like HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and JSON) on the fly, further shrinking bandwidth usage and speeding up file delivery—all without any changes to your storage setup.Less origin traffic and less data to transfer means smaller bills. And your storage bucket doesn’t get slammed under load during traffic spikes.Simple scaling, globallyThe CDN takes the hit, not your bucket. That means fewer rate-limit issues, smoother traffic spikes, and more reliable performance globally. Gcore CDN spans the globe, so you’re good whether your users are in Tokyo, Toronto, or Tel Aviv.Setup guide: Gcore CDN + Gcore Object StorageLet’s walk through configuring Gcore CDN to cache content from a storage bucket. This works with Gcore Object Storage and other S3-compatible services.Step 1: Prep your bucketPublic? Check files are publicly readable (via ACL or bucket policy).Private? Use Gcore’s AWS Signature V4 support—have your access key, secret, region, and bucket name ready.Gcore Object Storage URL format: https://<bucket-name>.<region>.cloud.gcore.lu/<object> Step 2: Create CDN resource (UI or API)In the Gcore Customer Portal:Go to CDN > Create CDN ResourceChoose "Accelerate and protect static assets"Set a CNAME (e.g. cdn.yoursite.com) if you want to use your domainConfigure origin:Public bucket: Choose None for authPrivate bucket: Choose AWS Signature V4, and enter credentialsChoose HTTPS as the origin protocolGcore will assign a *.gcdn.co domain. If you’re using a custom domain, add a CNAME: cdn.yoursite.com CNAME .gcdn.co Here’s how it works via Terraform: resource "gcore_cdn_resource" "cdn" { cname = "cdn.yoursite.com" origin_group_id = gcore_cdn_origingroup.origin.id origin_protocol = "HTTPS" } resource "gcore_cdn_origingroup" "origin" { name = "my-origin-group" origin { source = "mybucket.eu-west.cloud.gcore.lu" enabled = true } } Step 3: Set caching behaviorSet Cache-Control headers in your object metadata: Cache-Control: public, max-age=2592000 Too messy to handle in storage? Override cache logic in Gcore:Force TTLs by path or extensionIgnore or forward query strings in cache keyStrip cookies (if unnecessary for cache decisions)Pro tip: Use versioned file paths (/img/logo.v3.png) to bust cache safely.Secure access with signed URLsWant your assets to be private, but still edge-cacheable? Use Gcore’s Secure Token feature:Enable Secure Token in CDN settingsSet a secret keyGenerate time-limited tokens in your appPython example: import base64, hashlib, time secret = 'your_secret' path = '/videos/demo.mp4' expires = int(time.time()) + 3600 string = f"{expires}{path} {secret}" token = base64.urlsafe_b64encode(hashlib.md5(string.encode()).digest()).decode().strip('=') url = f"https://cdn.yoursite.com{path}?md5={token}&expires={expires}" Signed URLs are verified at the CDN edge. Invalid or expired? Blocked before origin is touched.Optional: Bind the token to an IP to prevent link sharing.Debug and cache tuneUse curl or browser devtools: curl -I https://cdn.yoursite.com/img/logo.png Look for:Cache: HIT or MISSCache-ControlX-Cached-SinceCache not working? Check for the following errors:Origin doesn’t return Cache-ControlCDN override TTL not appliedCache key includes query strings unintentionallyYou can trigger purges from the Gcore Customer Portal or automate them via the API using POST /cdn/purge. Choose one of three ways:Purge all: Clear the entire domain’s cache at once.Purge by URL: Target a specific full path (e.g., /images/logo.png).Purge by pattern: Target a set of files using a wildcard at the end of the pattern (e.g., /videos/*).Monitor and optimize at scaleAfter rollout:Watch origin bandwidth dropCheck hit ratio (aim for >90%)Audit latency (TTFB on HIT vs MISS)Consider logging using Gcore’s CDN logs uploader to analyze cache behavior, top requested paths, or cache churn rates.For maximum savings, combine Gcore Object Storage with Gcore CDN: egress traffic between them is 100% free. That means you can serve cached assets globally without paying a cent in bandwidth fees.Using external storage? You’ll still slash egress costs by caching at the edge and cutting direct origin traffic—but you’ll unlock the biggest savings when you stay inside the Gcore ecosystem.Save money and boost performance with GcoreStill serving assets direct from storage? You’re probably wasting money and compromising performance on the table. Front your bucket with Gcore CDN. Set smart cache headers or use overrides. Enable signed URLs if you need control. Monitor cache HITs and purge when needed. Automate the setup with Terraform. Done.Next steps:Create your CDN resourceUse private object storage with Signature V4Secure your CDN with signed URLsCreate a free CDN resource now
Bare metal vs. virtual machines: performance, cost, and use case comparison
Choosing the right type of server infrastructure is critical to how your application performs, scales, and fits your budget. For most workloads, the decision comes down to two core options: bare metal servers and virtual machines (VMs). Both can be deployed in the cloud, but they differ significantly in terms of performance, control, scalability, and cost.In this article, we break down the core differences between bare metal and virtual servers, highlight when to choose each, and explain how Gcore can help you deploy the right infrastructure for your needs. If you want to learn about either BM or VMs in detail, we’ve got articles for those: here’s the one for bare metal, and here’s a deep dive into virtual machines.Bare metal vs. virtual machines at a glanceWhen evaluating whether bare metal or virtual machines are right for your company, consider your specific workload requirements, performance priorities, and business objectives. Here’s a quick breakdown to help you decide what works best for you.FactorBare metal serversVirtual machinesPerformanceDedicated resources; ideal for high-performance workloadsShared resources; suitable for moderate or variable workloadsScalabilityOften requires manual scaling; less flexibleHighly elastic; easy to scale up or downCustomizationFull control over hardware, OS, and configurationLimited by hypervisor and provider’s environmentSecurityIsolated by default; no hypervisor layerShared environment with strong isolation protocolsCostHigher upfront cost; dedicated hardwarePay-as-you-go pricing; cost-effective for flexible workloadsBest forHPC, AI/ML, compliance-heavy workloadsStartups, dev/test, fast-scaling applicationsAll about bare metal serversA bare metal server is a single-tenant physical server rented from a cloud provider. Unlike virtual servers, the hardware is not shared with other users, giving you full access to all resources and deeper control over configurations. You get exclusive access and control over the hardware via the cloud provider, which offers the stability and security needed for high-demand applications.The benefits of bare metal serversHere are some of the business advantages of opting for a bare metal server:Maximized performance: Because they are dedicated resources, bare metal servers provide top-tier performance without sharing processing power, memory, or storage with other users. This makes them ideal for resource-intensive applications like high-performance computing (HPC), big data processing, and game hosting.Greater control: Since you have direct access to the hardware, you can customize the server to meet your specific requirements. This is especially important for businesses with complex, specialized needs that require fine-tuned configurations.High security: Bare metal servers offer a higher level of security than their alternatives due to the absence of virtualization. With no shared resources or hypervisor layer, there’s less risk of vulnerabilities that come with multi-tenant environments.Dedicated resources: Because you aren’t sharing the server with other users, all server resources are dedicated to your application so that you consistently get the performance you need.Who should use bare metal servers?Here are examples of instances where bare metal servers are the best option for a business:High-performance computing (HPC)Big data processing and analyticsResource-intensive applications, such as AI/ML workloadsGame and video streaming serversBusinesses requiring enhanced security and complianceAll about virtual machinesA virtual server (or virtual machine) runs on top of a physical server that’s been partitioned by a cloud provider using a hypervisor. This allows multiple VMs to share the same hardware while remaining isolated from each other.Unlike bare metal servers, virtual machines share the underlying hardware with other cloud provider customers. That means you’re using (and paying for) part of one server, providing cost efficiency and flexibility.The benefits of virtual machinesHere are some advantages of using a shared virtual machine:Scalability: Virtual machines are ideal for businesses that need to scale quickly and are starting at a small scale. With cloud-based virtualization, you can adjust your server resources (CPU, memory, storage) on demand to match changing workloads.Cost efficiency: You pay only for the resources you use with VMs, making them cost-effective for companies with fluctuating resource needs, as there is no need to pay for unused capacity.Faster deployment: VMs can be provisioned quickly and easily, which makes them ideal for anyone who wants to deploy new services or applications fast.Who should use virtual machines?VMs are a great fit for the following:Web hosting and application hostingDevelopment and testing environmentsRunning multiple apps with varying demandsStartups and growing businesses requiring scalabilityBusinesses seeking cost-effective, flexible solutionsWhich should you choose?There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Your choice should depend on the needs of your workload:Choose bare metal if you need dedicated performance, low-latency access to hardware, or tighter control over security and compliance.Choose virtual servers if your priority is flexible scaling, faster deployment, and optimized cost.If your application uses GPU-based inference or AI training, check out our dedicated guide to VM vs. BM for AI workloads.Get started with Gcore BM or VMs todayAt Gcore, we provide both bare metal and virtual machine solutions, offering flexibility, performance, and reliability to meet your business needs. Gcore Bare Metal has the power and reliability needed for demanding workloads, while Gcore Virtual Machines offers customizable configurations, free egress traffic, and flexibility.Compare Gcore BM and VM pricing now
Optimize your workload: a guide to selecting the best virtual machine configuration
Virtual machines (VMs) offer the flexibility, scalability, and cost-efficiency that businesses need to optimize workloads. However, choosing the wrong setup can lead to poor performance, wasted resources, and unnecessary costs.In this guide, we’ll walk you through the essential factors to consider when selecting the best virtual machine configuration for your specific workload needs.﹟1 Understand your workload requirementsThe first step in choosing the right virtual machine configuration is understanding the nature of your workload. Workloads can range from light, everyday tasks to resource-intensive applications. When making your decision, consider the following:Compute-intensive workloads: Applications like video rendering, scientific simulations, and data analysis require a higher number of CPU cores. Opt for VMs with multiple processors or CPUs for smoother performance.Memory-intensive workloads: Databases, big data analytics, and high-performance computing (HPC) jobs often need more RAM. Choose a VM configuration that provides sufficient memory to avoid memory bottlenecks.Storage-intensive workloads: If your workload relies heavily on storage, such as file servers or applications requiring frequent read/write operations, prioritize VM configurations that offer high-speed storage options, such as SSDs or NVMe.I/O-intensive workloads: Applications that require frequent network or disk I/O, such as cloud services and distributed applications, benefit from VMs with high-bandwidth and low-latency network interfaces.﹟2 Consider VM size and scalabilityOnce you understand your workload’s requirements, the next step is to choose the right VM size. VM sizes are typically categorized by the amount of CPU, memory, and storage they offer.Start with a baseline: Select a VM configuration that offers a balanced ratio of CPU, RAM, and storage based on your workload type.Scalability: Choose a VM size that allows you to easily scale up or down as your needs change. Many cloud providers offer auto-scaling capabilities that adjust your VM’s resources based on real-time demand, providing flexibility and cost savings.Overprovisioning vs. underprovisioning: Avoid overprovisioning (allocating excessive resources) unless your workload demands peak capacity at all times, as this can lead to unnecessary costs. Similarly, underprovisioning can affect performance, so finding the right balance is essential.﹟3 Evaluate CPU and memory considerationsThe central processing unit (CPU) and memory (RAM) are the heart of a virtual machine. The configuration of both plays a significant role in performance. Workloads that need high processing power, such as video encoding, machine learning, or simulations, will benefit from VMs with multiple CPU cores. However, be mindful of CPU architecture—look for VMs that offer the latest processors (e.g., Intel Xeon, AMD EPYC) for better performance per core.It’s also important that the VM has enough memory to avoid paging, which occurs when the system uses disk space as virtual memory, significantly slowing down performance. Consider a configuration with more RAM and support for faster memory types like DDR4 for memory-heavy applications.﹟4 Assess storage performance and capacityStorage performance and capacity can significantly impact the performance of your virtual machine, especially for applications requiring large data volumes. Key considerations include:Disk type: For faster read/write operations, opt for solid-state drives (SSDs) over traditional hard disk drives (HDDs). Some cloud providers also offer NVMe storage, which can provide even greater speed for highly demanding workloads.Disk size: Choose the right size based on the amount of data you need to store and process. Over-allocating storage space might seem like a safe bet, but it can also increase costs unnecessarily. You can always resize disks later, so avoid over-allocating them upfront.IOPS and throughput: Some workloads require high input/output operations per second (IOPS). If this is a priority for your workload (e.g., databases), make sure that your VM configuration includes high IOPS storage options.﹟5 Weigh up your network requirementsWhen working with cloud-based VMs, network performance is a critical consideration. High-speed and low-latency networking can make a difference for applications such as online gaming, video conferencing, and real-time analytics.Bandwidth: Check whether the VM configuration offers the necessary bandwidth for your workload. For applications that handle large data transfers, such as cloud backup or file servers, make sure that the network interface provides high throughput.Network latency: Low latency is crucial for applications where real-time performance is key (e.g., trading systems, gaming). Choose VMs with low-latency networking options to minimize delays and improve the user experience.Network isolation and security: Check if your VM configuration provides the necessary network isolation and security features, especially when handling sensitive data or operating in multi-tenant environments.﹟6 Factor in cost considerationsWhile it’s essential that your VM has the right configuration, cost is always an important factor to consider. Cloud providers typically charge based on the resources allocated, so optimizing for cost efficiency can significantly impact your budget.Consider whether a pay-as-you-go or reserved model (which offers discounted rates in exchange for a long-term commitment) fits your usage pattern. The reserved option can provide significant savings if your workload runs continuously. You can also use monitoring tools to track your VM’s performance and resource usage over time. This data will help you make informed decisions about scaling up or down so you’re not paying for unused resources.﹟7 Evaluate security featuresSecurity is a primary concern when selecting a VM configuration, especially for workloads handling sensitive data. Consider the following:Built-in security: Look for VMs that offer integrated security features such as DDoS protection, web application firewall (WAF), and encryption.Compliance: Check that the VM configuration meets industry standards and regulations, such as GDPR, ISO 27001, and PCI DSS.Network security: Evaluate the VM's network isolation capabilities and the availability of cloud firewalls to manage incoming and outgoing traffic.﹟8 Consider geographic locationThe geographic location of your VM can impact latency and compliance. Therefore, it’s a good idea to choose VM locations that are geographically close to your end users to minimize latency and improve performance. In addition, it’s essential to select VM locations that comply with local data sovereignty laws and regulations.﹟9 Assess backup and recovery optionsBackup and recovery are critical for maintaining data integrity and availability. Look for VMs that offer automated backup solutions so that data is regularly saved. You should also evaluate disaster recovery capabilities, including the ability to quickly restore data and applications in case of failure.﹟10 Test and iterateFinally, once you've chosen a VM configuration, testing its performance under real-world conditions is essential. Most cloud providers offer performance monitoring tools that allow you to assess how well your VM is meeting your workload requirements.If you notice any performance bottlenecks, be prepared to adjust the configuration. This could involve increasing CPU cores, adding more memory, or upgrading storage. Regular testing and fine-tuning means that your VM is always optimized.Choosing a virtual machine that suits your requirementsSelecting the best virtual machine configuration is a key step toward optimizing your workloads efficiently, cost-effectively, and without unnecessary performance bottlenecks. By understanding your workload’s needs, considering factors like CPU, memory, storage, and network performance, and continuously monitoring resource usage, you can make informed decisions that lead to better outcomes and savings.Whether you're running a small application or large-scale enterprise software, the right VM configuration can significantly improve performance and cost. Gcore offers a wide range of virtual machine options that can meet your unique requirements. Our virtual machines are designed to meet diverse workload requirements, providing dedicated vCPUs, high-speed storage, and low-latency networking across 30+ global regions. You can scale compute resources on demand, benefit from free egress traffic, and enjoy flexible pricing models by paying only for the resources in use, maximizing the value of your cloud investments.Contact us to discuss your VM needs
How to get the size of a directory in Linux
Understanding how to check directory size in Linux is critical for managing storage space efficiently. Understanding this process is essential whether you’re assessing specific folder space or preventing storage issues.This comprehensive guide covers commands and tools so you can easily calculate and analyze directory sizes in a Linux environment. We will guide you step-by-step through three methods: du, ncdu, and ls -la. They’re all effective and each offers different benefits.What is a Linux directory?A Linux directory is a special type of file that functions as a container for storing files and subdirectories. It plays a key role in organizing the Linux file system by creating a hierarchical structure. This arrangement simplifies file management, making it easier to locate, access, and organize related files. Directories are fundamental components that help ensure smooth system operations by maintaining order and facilitating seamless file access in Linux environments.#1 Get Linux directory size using the du commandUsing the du command, you can easily determine a directory’s size by displaying the disk space used by files and directories. The output can be customized to be presented in human-readable formats like kilobytes (KB), megabytes (MB), or gigabytes (GB).Check the size of a specific directory in LinuxTo get the size of a specific directory, open your terminal and type the following command:du -sh /path/to/directoryIn this command, replace /path/to/directory with the actual path of the directory you want to assess. The -s flag stands for “summary” and will only display the total size of the specified directory. The -h flag makes the output human-readable, showing sizes in a more understandable format.Example: Here, we used the path /home/ubuntu/, where ubuntu is the name of our username directory. We used the du command to retrieve an output of 32K for this directory, indicating a size of 32 KB.Check the size of all directories in LinuxTo get the size of all files and directories within the current directory, use the following command:sudo du -h /path/to/directoryExample: In this instance, we again used the path /home/ubuntu/, with ubuntu representing our username directory. Using the command du -h, we obtained an output listing all files and directories within that particular path.#2 Get Linux directory size using ncduIf you’re looking for a more interactive and feature-rich approach to exploring directory sizes, consider using the ncdu (NCurses Disk Usage) tool. ncdu provides a visual representation of disk usage and allows you to navigate through directories, view size details, and identify large files with ease.For Debian or Ubuntu, use this command:sudo apt-get install ncduOnce installed, run ncdu followed by the path to the directory you want to analyze:ncdu /path/to/directoryThis will launch the ncdu interface, which shows a breakdown of file and subdirectory sizes. Use the arrow keys to navigate and explore various folders, and press q to exit the tool.Example: Here’s a sample output of using the ncdu command to analyze the home directory. Simply enter the ncdu command and press Enter. The displayed output will look something like this:#3 Get Linux directory size using 1s -1aYou can alternatively opt to use the ls command to list the files and directories within a directory. The options -l and -a modify the default behavior of ls as follows:-l (long listing format)Displays the detailed information for each file and directoryShows file permissions, the number of links, owner, group, file size, the timestamp of the last modification, and the file/directory name-a (all files)Instructs ls to include all files, including hidden files and directoriesIncludes hidden files on Linux that typically have names beginning with a . (dot)ls -la lists all files (including hidden ones) in long format, providing detailed information such as permissions, owner, group, size, and last modification time. This command is especially useful when you want to inspect file attributes or see hidden files and directories.Example: When you enter ls -la command and press Enter, you will see an output similar to this:Each line includes:File type and permissions (e.g., drwxr-xr-x):The first character indicates the file type- for a regular filed for a directoryl for a symbolic linkThe next nine characters are permissions in groups of three (rwx):r = readw = writex = executePermissions are shown for three classes of users: owner, group, and others.Number of links (e.g., 2):For regular files, this usually indicates the number of hard linksFor directories, it often reflects subdirectory links (e.g., the . and .. entries)Owner and group (e.g., user group)File size (e.g., 4096 or 1045 bytes)Modification date and time (e.g., Jan 7 09:34)File name (e.g., .bashrc, notes.txt, Documents):Files or directories that begin with a dot (.) are hidden (e.g., .bashrc)ConclusionThat’s it! You can now determine the size of a directory in Linux. Measuring directory sizes is a crucial skill for efficient storage management. Whether you choose the straightforward du command, use the visual advantages of the ncdu tool, or opt for the versatility of ls -la, this expertise enhances your ability to uphold an organized and efficient Linux environment.Looking to deploy Linux in the cloud? With Gcore Edge Cloud, you can choose from a wide range of pre-configured virtual machines suitable for Linux:Affordable shared compute resources starting from €3.2 per monthDeploy across 50+ cloud regions with dedicated servers for low-latency applicationsSecure apps and data with DDoS protection, WAF, and encryption at no additional costGet started today
How to Run Hugging Face Spaces on Gcore Inference at the Edge
Running machine learning models, especially large-scale models like GPT 3 or BERT, requires a lot of computing power and comes with a lot of latency. This makes real-time applications resource-intensive and challenging to deliver. Running ML models at the edge is a lightweight approach offering significant advantages for latency, privacy, and resource optimization. Gcore Inference at the Edge makes it simple to deploy and manage custom models efficiently, giving you the ability to deploy and scale your favorite Hugging Face models globally in just a few clicks. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how easy it is to harness the power of Gcore’s edge AI infrastructure to deploy a Hugging Face Space model. Whether you’re developing NLP solutions or cutting-edge computer vision applications, deploying at the edge has never been simpler—or more powerful. Step 1: Log In to the Gcore Customer PortalGo to gcore.com and log in to the Gcore Customer Portal. If you don’t yet have an account, go ahead and create one—it’s free. Step 2: Go to Inference at the EdgeIn the Gcore Customer Portal, click Inference at the Edge from the left navigation menu. Then click Deploy custom model. Step 3: Choose a Hugging Face ModelOpen huggingface.com and browse the available models. Select the model you want to deploy. Navigate to the corresponding Hugging Face Space for the model. Click on Files in the Space and locate the Docker option. Copy the Docker image link and startup command from Hugging Face Space. Step 4: Deploy the Model on GcoreReturn to the Gcore Customer Portal deployment page and enter the following details: Model image URL: registry.hf.space/ethux-mistral-pixtral-demo:latest Startup command: python app.py Container port: 7860 Configure the pod as follows: GPU-optimized: 1x L40S vCPUs: 16 RAM: 232GiB For optimal performance, choose any available region for routing placement. Name your deployment and click Deploy.Step 5: Interact with Your ModelOnce the model is up and running, you’ll be provided with an endpoint. You can now interact with the model via this endpoint to test and use your deployed model at the edge.Powerful, Simple AI Deployment with GcoreGcore Inference at the Edge is the future of AI deployment, combining the ease of Hugging Face integration with the robust infrastructure needed for real-time, scalable, and global solutions. By leveraging edge computing, you can optimize model performance and simultaneously futureproof your business in a world that increasingly demands fast, secure, and localized AI applications. Deploying models to the edge allows you to capitalize on real-time insights, improve customer experiences, and outpace your competitors. Whether you’re leading a team of developers or spearheading a new AI initiative, Gcore Inference at the Edge offers the tools you need to innovate at the speed of tomorrow. Explore Gcore Inference at the Edge
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