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Better server platform Linux or Windows?
Posted 6 years ago
Last updated 6 years ago
#1

I own a company here in the Washington, DC area and we have a small 1/4 server cabinet at Dulles data center. While I'm currently at a game service provider, the long-term plan has always been to move our Rust instances into their own server in our cabinet.

I was hoping to get some opinions on what path we should take here. I'm a Linux guy, having worked for Red Hat in the past, and I'd far prefer to do all of my configurations within that environment. However, I've caught reference to Rust as a server running better on its native Windows OS.

Also very interested in hearing any opinions on hardware architecture. I usually buy Dell Poweredge or SuperMicro machines. I'd like to keep this to a 1u server that can run 2-4 Rust instances. I can go relatively high-end on the hardware. Am I correct in my understanding that we should focus on less cores but with higher processing power for each?

Are we able to assign a given core to a specific Rust instance in Windows or Linux? Appreciate all thoughts!

Posted 6 years ago
Last updated 6 years ago
#2
Well, the question is not about 'Runs better on windows', just it's easier to setup and maintain the windows version of the server. If you feel like you are ok with Linux (considering some negatives such as lack of local console), go for it, but I'd rather stick with windows.
About the hardware: AFAIK server can parrallel up to 2 threads only (this is how it was before), so yes, going for higher clocks is better than going for higher thread count.
I'm sure Linux has some tool to reassign cores for programs l, I'm just unaware of this.
On windows I know about plenty of options - assign affinity in startup arguments, in task manager, or in tools such as Process Lasso (best option).
Posted 6 years ago
Last updated 6 years ago
#3

Been running Rust servers for a couple of years now on both Windows and Linux. Can't say I would prefer Linux for this. Reason is everything is way more convenient to setup on Windows AND the serverside console/terminal doesn't work on Linux, which is a shame. If it did I might recommend it, but honestly Windows servers have been just as stable for me lately.

Recently I went back to set up a server once again on a Linux machine, sad to see there is still no real support for this. I hope this changes in the future.

Posted 6 years ago
Last updated 6 years ago
#4
I would choose to host Rust on Linux any day of the week.

#1 Rust server is very easy to set up and maintain if you use LGSM - https://linuxgsm.com/lgsm/rustserver/

#2 I don't know what you mean by "local console" but I use the Facepunch Rcon tool and it does everything I want. Oxide updates, wipes etc are easy to do with "~/rustserver wipe", "~/rustserver mods-update" etc.

#3 There is a debate to be had for Win vs Linux on desktop I suppose (Linux would win that imo), but when it comes to anything server-related there's no contest, Linux wins hands down.

#4 There is loads of support for Rust server on Linux if you know where to look. Not that you should ever really need it. It just works.

#5 There is no evidence to suggest any performance difference between Rust server on Win vs Linux.

Merged post

Oh lordy, I just noticed this is a necro...

Merged post

@C4talyst what did you do in the end?
Posted 6 months ago
#5

This question is still VERY relevant. (go away necro-criers)

Here are my experiences:  

 

I tried two hosting companies using Linux-based OSes.  One was a gaming service, and then I changed to a VPS. 

  • Both Linux distros gave me strange issues over time.  I ended up getting frustrated and moved the servers over to a box hosting Windows 2019 (server).
  • The issues that the Linux boxes were giving me vanished.  All the data files, all the plugins, etc, were the same.  The only contributing factor would be that some file or files may have been corrupted or had their security changed. 

 

If you have a strong, single-core capable CPU (with a strong base speed of 3.0 or better) and 16/32 GB of RAM, along with NVMe or SSD, Windows will work just fine. 

 

Bottom line: Linux or Windows really comes down to a preference and a comfort level with which OS you prefer.  

 

For a Rust server specifically, the performance differences between Linux and Windows are generally small.  The hardware is the most important part.