I currently have a vB 4.2.4 forum with over 2M posts. Vanilla forum only, no CMS/blog or other major addons. Only a handful of plugins remain, including Post Thank you Hack, Tapatalk and a few advertising and anti-spam ones. None are essential to keep and hopefully I can get rid of Tapatalk with the more robust Xenforo mobile design. Currently still on PHP and MySQL 5.6 but want to switch to a forum software updated for recent server software, ideally one with fast mobile design and less of a resource hog on traffic spikes. Database is over 4GB and total disk space almost 40GB with file system attachments and some backups. Traffic is usually 200GB/mo or less but can spike to well above in November/December. Averaging about 200 visitors in last 60 min, but can be up to 300 or more at peak times. Server load averages are always very low and memory use is under 3GB but that includes another account with a very low traffic website mainly used for email.
So, main issue is upgrading to Xenforo or other forum software, which is only a question of when. Second issue is if I can move to a less expensive semi-dedicated or premium shared server as current revenues may not support VPS for much longer. A few questions-
1) Can a premium shared litespeed plan like A2hosting Turbo or Veerotech Business handle a Xenforo forum of this size? Other recommendations for host and plan would be great. Must be considerably less than $50 to warrant a move and needs to be managed with great tech support, preferably with cPanel and a dedicated IP like I have now. Ideally ~$30 or less per month.
2) Anyone have recommendations for migration/import services? Cost is a factor. Already in contact with one that I will likely use but other suggestions appreciated just in case timing doesn't work out or something unforseen.
3) Currently thinking I will upgrade on my current VPS and see how things go with resource use, then move to new server later if absolutely necessary. Current VPS does not have litespeed or nginx at this time but is otherwise a decent SSD setup with I believe 6 cores and 5GB. Is there any major advantage to migrating to new host server first, then updating to Xenforo? Or, having both servers available for a few weeks during the update?
4) If I remain on current VPS for a while after Xenforo update, what server improvements would be ideal? PHP 7.3/7.4 I know. Perhaps SQL 5.7 or 8? Is there a free nginx or similar cpanel plugin that works well? I've used these in the past with vB but the free ones became problematic with SSL/https and I haven't tried since.
5) Is there a good post or manual entry on setting up ad script locations like Adsense or Doubleclick? I have some contractual obligations and am using vB4 ad templates now, and basically need to have something similar after switching. Preferably something not completely custom so it won't affect forum software updates in the future. I am not familiar with the Xenforo admin options at all but will pick it up quickly I'm sure, but getting the sponsor stuff running is a top priority.
6) Any other suggestions? Any other essential server or Xenforo addons?
Thank you in advance!
So, main issue is upgrading to Xenforo or other forum software, which is only a question of when. Second issue is if I can move to a less expensive semi-dedicated or premium shared server as current revenues may not support VPS for much longer. A few questions-
1) Can a premium shared litespeed plan like A2hosting Turbo or Veerotech Business handle a Xenforo forum of this size? Other recommendations for host and plan would be great. Must be considerably less than $50 to warrant a move and needs to be managed with great tech support, preferably with cPanel and a dedicated IP like I have now. Ideally ~$30 or less per month.
2) Anyone have recommendations for migration/import services? Cost is a factor. Already in contact with one that I will likely use but other suggestions appreciated just in case timing doesn't work out or something unforseen.
3) Currently thinking I will upgrade on my current VPS and see how things go with resource use, then move to new server later if absolutely necessary. Current VPS does not have litespeed or nginx at this time but is otherwise a decent SSD setup with I believe 6 cores and 5GB. Is there any major advantage to migrating to new host server first, then updating to Xenforo? Or, having both servers available for a few weeks during the update?
4) If I remain on current VPS for a while after Xenforo update, what server improvements would be ideal? PHP 7.3/7.4 I know. Perhaps SQL 5.7 or 8? Is there a free nginx or similar cpanel plugin that works well? I've used these in the past with vB but the free ones became problematic with SSL/https and I haven't tried since.
5) Is there a good post or manual entry on setting up ad script locations like Adsense or Doubleclick? I have some contractual obligations and am using vB4 ad templates now, and basically need to have something similar after switching. Preferably something not completely custom so it won't affect forum software updates in the future. I am not familiar with the Xenforo admin options at all but will pick it up quickly I'm sure, but getting the sponsor stuff running is a top priority.
6) Any other suggestions? Any other essential server or Xenforo addons?
Thank you in advance!
