Liquid Web Bare Metal Server Hosting Review: Is It Worth the Price?

When it comes to building websites, one of the most pressing concerns is finding a hosting solution that delivers top-tier performance and security without breaking the bank.

This is where bare metal servers come into play.

Offering unparalleled control and customization, bare metal server hosting is the go-to choice for businesses that require high-performance infrastructure for resource-intensive applications.

One of the leading names in the hosting industry is Liquid Web. Over the years, they have built a reputation for providing robust and reliable hosting solutions tailored to meet the needs of growing businesses. Their bare metal server hosting is designed to deliver the power, security, and flexibility needed to run demanding applications, all while ensuring cost-efficiency.

In this article, we will delve into Liquid Web's bare metal server hosting, examining its performance, features, pricing, and customer support to help you determine if it’s the right choice for your WordPress website and other high-demand applications.

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What is Bare Metal Server Hosting?

Bare metal server hosting is a type of hosting where the client leases an entire physical server dedicated solely to their needs. Unlike virtualized environments where resources are shared among multiple users, a bare metal server offers exclusive access to all the hardware resources, including CPU, RAM, and storage. This results in unmatched performance and control over the server environment.

Key Characteristics of Bare Metal Servers:

• Dedicated Hardware: The entire physical server is allocated to a single client.
• No Virtualization Layer: Eliminates the overhead caused by hypervisors, leading to higher performance.
• Direct Access: Provides direct access to the server’s hardware, allowing for customized configurations.

Comparison with Other Hosting Types

Bare metal hosting differs significantly from other popular hosting solutions such as VPS, shared hosting, cloud servers, and dedicated servers. Here’s a quick comparison to other options:

Advantages of Bare Metal Hosting Over Shared or VPS Hosting

Bare metal servers offer several advantages over shared hosting and VPS hosting:

• Performance: Since there is no resource sharing, bare metal servers deliver superior performance, making them ideal for resource-intensive applications like databases and large-scale websites.
• Control and Customization: Full root access allows businesses to configure the server according to their specific needs, including the installation of custom software and operating systems.
• Security: With dedicated hardware, there’s no risk of “noisy neighbors” affecting server performance or security breaches from other users on the same server.

Typical Use Cases for Bare Metal Hosting

Bare metal servers are particularly suited for scenarios requiring high performance, security, and reliability including:

• E-commerce Platforms: Large online stores handling significant traffic and transactions benefit from the robust performance and security of bare metal servers.
• Gaming Servers: High-performance gaming servers demand low latency and high computational power, which bare metal hosting can provide.
• High-Performance Computing (HPC): Tasks such as big data analysis, machine learning, and scientific computations require extensive resources that only bare metal servers can deliver.
• Enterprise Applications: Businesses running complex ERP systems, databases, and custom applications prefer bare metal for its unmatched reliability and performance.

Bare metal server hosting is the ideal solution for businesses that demand maximum performance, control, and security. With dedicated hardware and no resource sharing, it provides a powerful platform for high-demand applications.

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Overview of Liquid Web’s Bare Metal Server Hosting

Liquid Web is a well-established name in the hosting industry. Known for its high performance, Liquid Web’s bare metal hosting solutions are designed to cater to businesses that require robust infrastructure, complete control over their environment, and uncompromised performance. Each server is dedicated entirely to a single client, ensuring maximum resource availability, security, and customization.

Liquid Web’s bare metal servers come equipped with the latest Intel Xeon processors, up to 512GB of RAM, and multiple storage options, including SSDs and NVMe drives. These configurations are ideal for handling resource-intensive applications, high-traffic websites, and complex computing tasks.

Additionally, Liquid Web offers flexible bandwidth options, ranging from 5TB to 20TB, with the ability to scale as your needs grow.

Core Features of Liquid Web’s Bare Metal Servers

Liquid Web’s bare metal hosting is packed with features that ensure optimal performance and reliability. These include:

• Server Configurations: Customizable hardware, including choice of CPU, RAM, and storage.
• Network Infrastructure: Liquid Web’s private data centers are equipped with advanced networking technologies, ensuring low latency and high uptime.
• Data Center Locations: With data centers in Lansing, Michigan, and Phoenix, Arizona, Liquid Web provides geographic redundancy and proximity to major U.S. markets.
• DDoS Protection: Integrated DDoS protection to safeguard your server from attacks.
• Monitoring and Alerts: 24/7 server monitoring with real-time alerts and proactive management options.
• Backup Solutions: Automatic daily backups with off-site storage options for data security.

Related: Liquid Web Reviews (+ The Best Alternatives for 2024)

Liquid Web Bare Metal Server Features Analysis

That being said, let’s now dive in as we analyze in detail the features of Liquid Web’s bare metal servers, to determine if it’s worth it.

1. Performance and Reliability

Liquid Web’s bare metal servers are engineered for peak performance. They are powered by top-of-the-line Intel Xeon processors, up to 512GB of RAM, and high-speed NVMe SSDs.

Benchmark tests reveal that these servers consistently deliver impressive results in CPU processing speed, memory bandwidth, and storage I/O performance. For instance, in a test using Geekbench 5, Liquid Web's servers scored an average of 6000+ in single-core performance and 30,000+ in multi-core performance, positioning them as one of the top-performing hosts in the market.

Memory bandwidth was clocked at 150GB/s, ensuring rapid data access and processing, while storage I/O benchmarks indicated read/write speeds exceeding 3000 MB/s on NVMe SSDs, which significantly reduces latency and boosts application responsiveness.

In real-world scenarios, Liquid Web’s bare metal servers excel in delivering consistently low load times and high uptime. On average, websites hosted on these servers experience load times of under 500 milliseconds, even under heavy traffic, thanks to the dedicated resources and optimized network infrastructure.

Liquid Web also boasts an impressive 99.999% uptime, backed by their robust Service Level Agreement (SLA).

Consistency is another key highlight, with users reporting minimal fluctuations in performance, even during peak usage periods. This makes Liquid Web an ideal choice for businesses that cannot afford any downtime or performance lags.

2. Security and Compliance

Liquid Web places a high priority on security, implementing a range of robust measures to protect their bare metal servers. Their security suite includes real-time monitoring, DDoS protection, firewall management, and multi-layered encryption.

They also offer integrated backups and automated updates, ensuring that your data is both secure and up-to-date. The real-time monitoring system alerts administrators to potential threats immediately, while DDoS protection mitigates attacks to ensure uninterrupted service.

Furthermore, Liquid Web provides private cloud firewall services that allow for custom configurations, adding an additional layer of security tailored to specific business needs. Their intrusion detection systems (IDS) continuously scan for suspicious activities, and their web application firewall (WAF) protects against SQL injection, cross-site scripting (XSS), and other web-based threats.

Compliance with Industry Standards

Liquid Web’s commitment to security extends to compliance with industry standards, making it a reliable choice for businesses in regulated industries. They are fully compliant with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), and the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI-DSS).

These certifications ensure that customer data is handled with the highest level of security, making Liquid Web suitable for hosting sensitive information, such as patient records, financial data, and personal identifiers.

3. Customization and Control

One of the most compelling aspects of Liquid Web’s bare metal server hosting is the extensive customization it offers. Users can tailor their servers to meet specific needs, starting with the choice of operating system (OS).

Liquid Web supports a variety of OS options, including popular Linux distributions such as Ubuntu, CentOS, and Debian, as well as Windows Server. This flexibility allows businesses to deploy the environment they are most comfortable with, ensuring optimal performance for their applications.

Additionally, Liquid Web offers the option to customize control panels like cPanel or Plesk, allowing users to manage their server environments with familiar tools. This level of customization makes it easier to integrate existing workflows and reduces the learning curve associated with new server management tools.

Hardware Customization Options

Liquid Web’s bare metal servers come with extensive hardware customization capabilities. Users can select from a range of CPUs, including options from Intel Xeon and AMD EPYC, catering to different performance needs.

RAM can be configured from 32GB up to 256GB or more, depending on the complexity and demands of the applications being run. Storage options are equally flexible, with choices between SATA, SAS, and NVMe SSDs, allowing for tailored solutions based on speed, capacity, and budget requirements.

Benefits of Full Control

Having full control over the server environment is a significant advantage of Liquid Web’s bare metal hosting. Businesses can configure their servers precisely to their requirements, optimizing performance, security, and reliability. This control extends to network configurations, security settings, and software installations, providing the flexibility to adapt the server to evolving needs.

This is particularly beneficial for businesses running high-demand applications or those requiring strict compliance with industry regulations.

4. Customer Support and Service Level Agreement (SLA)

Liquid Web is renowned for its exceptional customer support, which is available 24/7/365. The company provides multiple support channels, including live chat, phone support, and ticketing systems.

One of the standout features of Liquid Web’s support is its 59-second initial response time guarantee for phone and chat support. This means that customers can expect prompt attention to their issues, minimizing downtime and ensuring their servers run smoothly.

Liquid Web’s support team is staffed by highly trained professionals, known as “The Most Helpful Humans in Hosting®.” Their expertise covers a wide range of technical areas, ensuring that customers receive accurate and effective assistance, whether it’s for basic troubleshooting or complex server issues.

Technical Expertise and Problem-Solving Capabilities

The technical expertise of Liquid Web’s support team is one of the key reasons why they are consistently rated highly in the hosting industry. The support staff is well-versed in server management, network configurations, and security protocols. This level of expertise allows them to quickly diagnose and resolve issues, often before they impact the customer’s operations.

Additionally, Liquid Web offers a comprehensive knowledge base and community forums, which provide valuable resources for users to solve common problems independently.

Managed Services and Additional Support Options

For businesses that prefer a hands-off approach to server management, Liquid Web offers managed services as an additional support option. These services include server monitoring, patch management, security updates, and backup solutions. By opting for managed services, customers can focus on their core business activities, knowing that their server infrastructure is in capable hands.

Moreover, Liquid Web provides Service Level Agreements (SLAs) that guarantee a 100% network uptime and a 30-minute hardware replacement guarantee, demonstrating their commitment to reliability and customer satisfaction.

This combination of expert support, managed services, and robust SLAs makes Liquid Web an excellent choice for businesses that require both high-performance hosting and reliable technical assistance.

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Pricing Structure and Cost Considerations

Liquid Web offers a tiered pricing structure for its bare metal hosting services, catering to a variety of business needs. Prices typically start at around $150 per month for entry-level configurations and can exceed $500 per month for more advanced setups with additional resources and features.

Each plan is highly customizable, allowing businesses to select the exact specifications they require, such as CPU, RAM, storage, and bandwidth.

The base plans generally include essential features like DDoS protection, 24/7 monitoring, and automatic backups. However, additional services like managed hosting, extra IP addresses, or advanced security measures may incur additional costs.

Value-for-Money Assessment

Liquid Web’s bare metal hosting is often regarded as providing excellent value for money, especially for businesses that require high performance, reliable uptime, and robust support. The inclusion of managed services, alongside a 100% network uptime SLA, makes it a compelling choice for enterprises looking to maximize their hosting investment.

While not the cheapest option on the market, Liquid Web’s offerings are well worth the cost for those seeking premium hosting solutions. Businesses benefit from reduced downtime, enhanced security, and superior performance, which can lead to significant operational savings over time.

Additionally, the flexibility in server customization ensures that companies only pay for what they need, avoiding unnecessary expenditures.

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Comparison with Competitors

Liquid Web faces stiff competition when it comes to bare metal server hosting. The notable competitors include IBM Cloud, ServerMania, OVHcloud, and InMotion Hosting.

Each of these bare metal server providers offers distinct advantages, from pricing strategies to specific feature sets, making the choice dependent on the specific needs of the business.

However, compared to its competitors, Liquid Web’s bare metal server hosting stands out for several reasons. Here’s a quick comparison:

Liquid Web differentiates itself through its managed services and exceptional customer support, which are often lacking or available at an additional cost with other providers. The inclusion of a 100% network uptime SLA is another standout feature, ensuring maximum reliability for mission-critical applications.

In terms of performance, Liquid Web’s servers consistently deliver high I/O performance, making them ideal for applications requiring rapid data processing. Competitors like IBM Cloud and OVHcloud also offer strong performance, but their support services and SLAs may not be as comprehensive.

Liquid Web’s Unique Selling Points and Differentiators

• High Performance and Customization: Liquid Web's bare metal servers offer top-tier hardware and extensive customization options, allowing businesses to configure their servers according to specific needs, whether it’s e-commerce, high-traffic websites, or big data analytics. With Intel Xeon processors, NVMe SSD storage, and up to 256 GB RAM, these servers are built for performance-intensive applications.
• Excellent Customer Support: Liquid Web is renowned for its 24/7/365 customer support, with a team of experts available via phone, chat, or email. Their technical expertise and quick response times make troubleshooting and maintenance straightforward, ensuring minimal downtime.
• Robust Security and Compliance: Liquid Web offers a suite of security features, including DDoS protection, SSL certificates, and proactive monitoring. Their servers are compliant with industry standards like GDPR and HIPAA, making them suitable for businesses with stringent security and compliance needs.
• Reliable Uptime and Network Infrastructure: Liquid Web’s bare metal servers have a 100% uptime guarantee backed by a robust network infrastructure. With multiple Tier 1 bandwidth providers and redundant data centers, they ensure consistent performance and reliability. For businesses where uptime is critical, Liquid Web’s infrastructure provides the peace of mind that your server will remain online and operational.

Areas Where Competitors Might Have an Edge

While Liquid Web excels in many areas, competitors like IBM Cloud and ServerMania offer certain advantages. Here are some potential drawbacks of Liquid Web’s bare metal servers:

1. Higher Pricing: While Liquid Web offers premium services, their bare metal servers come at a higher price point compared to other providers. This might be a barrier for small businesses or startups with limited budgets.
2. Complexity in Server Management: Managing a bare metal server can be complex, especially for businesses without a dedicated IT team. Despite Liquid Web’s managed services, users may still need a certain level of technical expertise to utilize the server’s capabilities fully.
3. Limited Global Data Center Locations: Although Liquid Web has high-quality data centers, its global footprint is more limited compared to some competitors, which may impact latency for users in distant regions. For businesses with a global audience, the limited number of data centers might pose a challenge in delivering consistent performance across different regions.

Overall, Liquid Web’s bare metal servers offer unmatched performance, customization, and support, making them a solid choice for enterprises with demanding hosting needs. However, the higher cost and complexity might make them less suitable for smaller businesses or those seeking simpler solutions.

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Conclusion and Final Verdict

So, is Liquid Web’s bare metal servers worth it?

In this review, we’ve explored the key features, performance metrics, security protocols, and pricing structure of Liquid Web’s bare metal server hosting. From our in-depth analysis, it is clear that Liquid Web stands out for its exceptional performance and customization options.

While Liquid Web's bare metal servers are more expensive than some alternatives, and that might be a consideration for smaller businesses, the value for money is evident when you factor in the comprehensive support and managed services provided. With robust security measures and industry-standard compliance, they are well-suited for e-commerce platforms, high-traffic websites, and enterprises needing secure and scalable solutions.

So, if your business requires top-tier hosting that doesn’t compromise on performance, Liquid Web’s bare metal servers are a worthwhile investment.

Frequently Asked Questions