December 10, 2009 by sharky
Few can dispute the fact that OVH dominates the torrent landscape on many different levels. Whether it’s seedbox providers, resellers, trackers that use OVH, or savvy seedbox owners who do it on their own; OVH is reported to possess up to 70% of the seedbox/torrent market & traffic throughout private trackers. A simple peek into the peerlist on a popular torrent on a good private tracker easily concludes this - OVH is everywhere. Now that the Kimsufi C-05G comes with a €50 installation setup cost, we’ve found a few alternative providers that are more affordable (at least initially).
Leaseweb
After digging around on dozens of dedicated server providers, we can confidently avow that not many can compete with Leaseweb. Leaseweb.com offers a variety of Linux (and Windows) dedicated servers, starting at €19/mo. Typically there are two methods of selecting servers: "Ready To Use" and "Start Building".
"Ready To Use" — From €19/mo. and up.
- • All servers in "Ready To Use" currently come without an installation fee.
- • These are not unmetered (bandwidth is capped at 4 TB/mo). Bandwidth can be upgraded for about €20 more per additional 2 TB.
- • All come with 2 IPs; additional IPs are €1 each.
"Start Building" — From €99/mo. and up.
- • The "Unmetered 1" plan is €99/mo. - and is the only current server in "Start Building" that comes with no setup fee (aslo includes unlimited bandwidth on a 100 Mbit full-duplex uplink port).
- • For packages that have a €50 setup fee: these can be configured, such as by changing the upload link from 100 Mbit to 1 Gbit for €25/mo, and changing server specs (HDD, RAM, more OS options).
Leaseweb for Tracker Hosting? We wouldn’t recommend it, although scores of private trackers (mostly smaller ones) continue unabated to successfully use Leaseweb to host their sites, despite being located in BREIN’s backyard. However, we still feel this is unnecessarily risky.
Leaseweb for Seedbox Hosting? Recommended. We’ve been running stable boxes on Leaseweb for what seems like forever now, without a hitch.
Carat Networks
Carat Networks offers mostly high-end dedicated servers, starting at $69/month - as well as Virtual Private Servers. Most dedi packages are on metered bandwidth (1 TB/mo. and up), although a robust selection of additional resources can be added on during configuration.
Carat Networks for Tracker Hosting? Recommended. Dozens of trackers are using Carat as their IT hosting solution - so far, we’ve heard nothing but good things.
Carat Networks for Seedbox Hosting? Not recommended (due to bandwidth cost). Because Carat uses premium Canadian bandwidth (which is metered) they won’t exactly become well-known as a company that can directly compete with other "seedbox" providers. Having said that, running a seedbox here is completely allowable. But seedboxes are not what Carat Networks is all about; they specialize in top-quality hardware, reliability, great customer support & affordable solutions - criteria that are far more important to customers who are hosting a website.
Server.lu
Both tracker and seedbox friendly, Luxembourg-based Server.lu only has a few options for servers without installation fees added on; typically these are their refurbished plans (with a €10/month option to waive the setup fee).
Server.lu for Tracker Hosting? Recommended (as safe), although customer service has been said to be sporatic.
Server.lu for Seedbox Hosting? Recommended. Server.lu has quickly become one of the Internet’s hotspots for seedbox providers, resellers and DIYers.
Other Notables (without Installation Fees):
Giga-International / Giga-Hosting — has dedicated servers starting at €50/month, which includes unlimited bandwidth and no setup fees.
NetDirekt — Offers a dedibox for €33.50 which includes 1 TB bandwidth/month and a 250 GB drive; very appropriate for torrent site hosting.
RapidSwitch — Has a £45/mo. dedi, comes with a 160 GB drive and 5 TB monthly traffic (suitable for a mid-range seedbox).
FDCServers — Lists a $49 dedicated server, comes with a 200 GB HDD and just a 10 MBit unmetered connection; not recommended as a seedbox.
For a more complete list, check out Dedicated Servers & VPS Providers.
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