Raidboxes

At first glance, an 8.5 might seem pretty good. But in the world of WordPress hosting, the devil’s in the details. Let’s break it down and see what’s really going on under the hood.

Raidboxes Speed Results

CPU & Memory

Operations with large text data
6.07
Random binary data operations
6.66

Filesystem

Filesystem write ability
8.43
Local file copy and access speed
8.44
Small file IO test
9.87

Database

Importing large amount of data
6.95
Simple queries on single table
10
Complex database queries on multiple tables
10

Network

Network download speed test
9.96

Server Score

Server Score
8.5
Operations with large text data
6.07
Random binary data operations
6.66

Filesystem

Filesystem write ability
8.43
Local file copy and access speed
8.44
Small file IO test
9.87

Database

Importing large amount of data
6.95
Simple queries on single table
10
Complex database queries on multiple tables
10

Network

Network download speed test
9.96

Server Score

Server Score
8.5

CPU & Memory: The Achilles’ Heel

Operations with large text data: 6.07 Random binary data operations: 6.66

These scores are concerning. Here’s what they mean for your WordPress site:

  • Page Builders Beware: If you’re using resource-heavy page builders like Elementor or Divi, prepare for potential slowdowns. Complex pages might take noticeably longer to load in the backend.
  • Plugin Pile-up Problems: Love trying out new plugins? This CPU performance might make you think twice. Each active plugin adds overhead, and with these scores, you’ll feel it sooner rather than later.
  • Concurrent User Caution: Planning on running a membership site or forum? These CPU scores suggest you might hit a wall faster than you’d like when multiple users are active simultaneously.
  • Content Processing Crawl: Tasks like generating thumbnails for uploaded images or processing shortcodes in long posts could take longer than you’d expect.

Real-world impact: Your site might feel snappy with a few simple pages, but as soon as you start pushing the boundaries with complex layouts or functionality, you’ll likely notice the limitations.

Filesystem: Solid, Not Stellar

Filesystem write ability: 8.43 Local file copy and access speed: 8.44 Small file IO test: 9.87

These scores are respectable, but not mind-blowing. Here’s the breakdown:

  • Media Uploads: Uploading images and videos will be smooth for the most part. You won’t be twiddling your thumbs, but it won’t set any speed records either.
  • Backup and Restore: Creating backups and restoring from them won’t be painfully slow, but for larger sites, you might want to grab a coffee during the process.
  • Plugin and Theme Updates: These should process without significant delays, which is crucial for keeping your site secure and up-to-date.

Real-world impact: Day-to-day WordPress management tasks will feel responsive enough, but if you’re working with large media libraries or frequent backups, you might occasionally find yourself wishing for more speed.

Database: The Shining Star

Importing large amount of data: 6.95 Simple queries on single table: 10 Complex database queries on multiple tables: 10

Now we’re talking. These scores are impressive, especially for complex queries. Here’s what it means:

  • WooCommerce Wonder: If you’re running an online store, rejoice. Product searches, cart updates, and checkout processes should be lightning fast.
  • Snappy Admin Area: Navigating your WordPress dashboard, loading lists of posts or pages, and managing comments should feel incredibly responsive.
  • Plugin Paradise: Plugins that rely heavily on database queries (think caching plugins, SEO tools, or advanced custom fields) will likely perform exceptionally well.

Real-world impact: This is where Raidboxes really shines. Your site’s dynamic content and data-driven functionality will be fast and responsive, providing a great user experience for both you and your visitors.

Network: Nearly Perfect

Network download speed test: 9.96

This is excellent news for your site’s front-end performance:

  • Global Reach: Your content will be delivered quickly to users around the world, reducing bounce rates and improving user engagement.
  • Media-Rich Sites: If you’re running a portfolio, news site, or any content-heavy WordPress setup, your images and videos should load without keeping visitors waiting.
  • SEO Boost: With site speed being a ranking factor, this network performance could give you an edge in search results.

Real-world impact: Your visitors will likely have a smooth, fast browsing experience, which is crucial for keeping them on your site and coming back for more.

The Bottom Line

Raidboxes Starter plan is a bit of a mixed bag for WordPress users. Its standout database performance and excellent network speeds are somewhat held back by mediocre CPU and memory scores.

Ideal for:

  • Small to medium-sized WordPress sites with moderate traffic
  • Content-focused blogs or news sites
  • Small e-commerce stores with WooCommerce

Think twice if:

  • You’re heavily reliant on resource-intensive page builders
  • You’re running a high-traffic site with lots of concurrent users
  • Your site requires heavy background processing or complex calculations

In essence, Raidboxes Starter plan offers a solid foundation for many WordPress sites, particularly excelling in data retrieval and content delivery. However, its CPU limitations mean you might find yourself bumping up against performance ceilings sooner than you’d like if your site grows significantly or if you’re pushing the boundaries of what WordPress can do.

For many users, it’ll be more than adequate. But keep an eye on your resource usage as you grow – you might find yourself needing to upgrade sooner rather than later if your site’s demands increase.

My Testing Setup

Clean Wordpress Installation

First things first, I start with a squeaky-clean WordPress install. I want to see how these hosts perform right out of the box. No performance-enhancing drugs here, folks! I use the WordPress Hosting Benchmark Tool to run these tests. It's like a treadmill for your WordPress site, pushing it to its limits.

  • Clean WordPress Installation.
  • No plugins.
  • GeneratePress theme (it is the fastest WordPress theme I've tested).
  • Zero tweaks or optimizations.
  • I've got the Skip persistent object cache option turned ON, because I want to see raw performance, not cached glory.
  • Each test runs for a minimum of 10 cycles.

Why Trust This Guy?

Look, I'm just a WordPress nerd with an unhealthy obsession for speed. I've been breaking and fixing WordPress sites longer than I care to admit. These tests? They're the result of countless hours of trial and error, fueled by way too much coffee and a burning desire to find the fastest WordPress setup possible.

I'm not here to sell you anything. No hosting company is lining my pockets other than affiliate links. What you see is what I got - unbiased, unfiltered results.

So, whether you're a casual blogger or a WordPress pro, you can trust that these numbers come from a place of geeky passion and a genuine desire to help you find the best hosting for your needs.

Got questions about my process? Think you've got a better way to test? Drop a comment below. I'm always up for a good WordPress performance debate!

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