What level of VPS do I need -- will using cpanel or plesk use too much RAM?

I'm currently on a shared host, but they think I am causing CPU spikes, so they will likely ask me to move.

My vB stats are:

Threads: 3,210, Posts: 31,764, Members: 208, Active Members: 171
Most ever online: 58
Typically online at the same time 15-35 (logged in + guests)
Daily new posts range from typically 400-700 (I have had a few 1,000 post days - every 10 days or so)
Daily new threads range from 30-100
The user activity stat typically shows about 100 people each day

Currently no hacks installed, but may install the Post Thanks hack and could possibly install a couple others. However, I don't anticipate more than 2-4 at most.

I have no stats as to server load.

Based on posts here, vBulletin.com and webhostingtalk.com, I am leaning towards a Servint VPS. My site is non-income generating, so I really need to keep it sub $100, and even less would be preferable. With ServInt, the two options in my budget are the 256mb and 512mb options https://www.servint.net/vps/compare.php

So, a couple questions:

First, based on my stats above, will 256mb cut it, or do I need 512mb, or will a 512mb VPS not even be sufficient?

Second, I have minimal linux experience. I have used telnet to install hacks on my Tivo, and stuff like that, but it was always following detailed instructions. Hence, I think I need a control panel. My shared hosts have always used cPanel, but I am not shy about learning a different CP. ServInt offers cPanel and Plesk. My concern here is that I have read that a control panel (especially cPanel) will use a healthy amount of the RAM, so do the above 256mb and 512mb VPS solutions become unacceptable if I have a control panel installed?

Since the server will be a vBulletin only server, except for some email accounts (such as webmaster, admin, etc. for the domain the vB is installed on), the main thing I would use the control panel for is setting up email accounts, possibly generating a backup (but I know I could do this with shell access and download via ftp), getting access to MyPHPAdmin, etc. I think I could get by without a control panel, but life would be easier with one.

Third, other there other VPS hosts that I should be considering? I am trying to only go with hosts that I can find a fair number of positive reviews on, and I need one that is close to fully managed (as ServInt is) and provides backup options (included or nominal fee).

As I said before, my budget is under $100, with $50-60 being preferable.

Thanks

[Lord.Khalid]

If your site is just forum, I think the shared host SHOULD work with you!

When I was on shared host my site was look like:
Threads: 25,000, Posts: 300,000 Members: 17,000
Online user: 60-90 with 450-550 users logged daily.
~20K hit daily.

I suggest you to try switching your host.

Good Luck

[eUKhost.com]

Originally Posted by tnedator

As I said before, my budget is under $100, with $50-60 being preferable.

Thanks

I dont think you will face any problems for finding a fully managed VPS as you have good budget in mind.

[Dankness]

Originally Posted by eUKhost.com

I dont think you will face any problems for finding a fully managed VPS as you have good budget in mind.

Knownhost has execellent plans starting at 20 USD a month I highly highly suggest them. I think there url is

www.knownhost.com


I have been using them for along time now and have no complaints at all, and there tech support team is awesome. In your situtation I would go with the 20 a Month plan and you can upgrade from there with No problems at all. Just make sure you pick you Control Panel you want to staywith from the start

they offer DirectAdmin? Plesk ( I personally feel its hard to use ) and CPanel which with the New CPanel 11 i love it now. Plus it finally supports Apache 2 and has a nice Ajaxy Interface.

If you have any questions about it i would be glad to help you just PM me

[lighti]

Your sites activity at only 200 members I would assume its safe to remain on a quality shared hosting account without much problems. A site that size you shouldn't be spending more then 20-40$ a month on.