Hyper Layer Game Panel | Understanding CPU Priority, Limits, and Optimization for Game Servers

Introduction

In order to provide our clients with a smooth and optimal game server experience, we implement CPU priority settings and enforce certain limits to ensure efficient resource allocation. This guide aims to explain the concept of CPU priority, the 30% CPU limit, and 15-minute intervals for game servers. We'll also provide guidelines on optimizing CPU usage and making informed decisions regarding CPU priority options.

CPU Priority Levels

CPU priority determines the importance and execution order of processes running on a server. At our hosting service, game server processes are set to Above Normal CPU priority by default. This grants them higher priority compared to the operating system tasks running on the machine, ensuring dedicated resources for game servers.

30% CPU Limit

To prevent any single game server from monopolizing the CPU resources of the server, we have implemented a 30% CPU limit over a continuous 15-minute period. It's important to note that we allow CPU bursts, meaning your game server can temporarily exceed the 30% CPU usage as long as it doesn't remain at a constant 30% for the entire 15-minute duration. However, if your server consistently exceeds 30% CPU usage for the full 15 minutes, it will trigger the rule and result the server will be stopped. This measure is in place to ensure fair resource allocation and avoid situations where a single game server consumes an excessive amount of CPU power, causing performance issues for other servers on the machine.

Please keep in mind the importance of maintaining CPU usage below the 30% threshold on a continuous basis to avoid triggering the rule and potential server deactivation.

tip

If your game server experiences random shutdowns, it is possible that the 30% CPU limit is being triggered. To verify this, you can access the Log Viewer and navigate to the Service Logs section.

You will see the message in the log Monitoring (rule detected: HighResources=True)

High CPU Priority Option

When purchasing the High CPU Priority option, your game server process is given even higher priority above other customers' processes. This can provide additional performance benefits when the machine is under heavy load and resources need to be distributed efficiently among multiple processes.

Real-Time CPU Priority Option

Customers who choose the Real-Time CPU Priority option will have their game server processes in the highest priority category on the machine. This option is recommended for cases where the utmost priority is required and budgetary constraints are not a concern.

Optimizing CPU Usage

To ensure your game server operates smoothly and doesn't exceed the CPU limits, it's essential to optimize CPU usage. Here are some best practices:

• Efficient Plugin and Mod Usage: Carefully choose and limit the number of plugins and mods running on your server, as they can significantly impact CPU usage.
• Regular Maintenance: Keep your game server software up to date, as updates often include optimizations and performance enhancements.
• Monitoring and Adjustments: Regularly monitor CPU usage and player activity to identify any excessive resource consumption. Consider adjusting your server settings or removing resource-intensive plugins/mods if necessary.

Choosing the Right CPU Priority

Consider the following factors when selecting the CPU priority option:

• Performance Needs: Assess your specific performance requirements. If your game server typically operates under normal load conditions, the default Above Normal CPU priority should suffice. Reserve High CPU Priority or Real-Time CPU Priority for high-demand scenarios.
• Budget Considerations: Keep in mind that higher CPU priority options may incur additional costs. If budget is a concern, evaluate your server's needs and the impact of CPU priority on overall performance.

Flexibility and Upgrades

We provide the flexibility to upgrade or downgrade your CPU priority settings as needed. Evaluate your server's performance periodically and make adjustments accordingly.

Conclusion

Understanding CPU priority, limits, and optimization is crucial for maintaining a balanced game server environment. By following the guidelines outlined in this article and making informed decisions about CPU priority options, you can ensure your game server operates smoothly within the designated CPU limits and provides an enjoyable gaming experience for your players. If you have any further questions or require assistance, our support team is always here to help.