This video provides a detailed performance review and benchmark of Hetzner's cheapest cloud server, the cost-optimized CX23 model, as part of a series comparing low-cost virtual servers. The review begins by highlighting the strengths of Hetzner's cloud platform, including rapid server provisioning, a feature-rich management interface with console access, a rescue system, and an integrated firewall, which sets it apart from traditional VPS providers.
Performance testing reveals the server runs on an AMD EPYC CPU under KVM virtualization. It delivers strong CPU and RAM performance, placing it in the upper tier among its competitors. The network connectivity is exceptionally fast, with benchmarked speeds exceeding 15 Gbit/s for sending data. A critical point in the review is the discovery and correction of disk I/O benchmarks; initial tests on the /tmp directory showed misleadingly high speeds due to it being a tmpfs (RAM disk). After re-testing on the actual root file system, the server showed competitive write speeds but a noticeably lower read performance compared to other providers in the series. The final conclusion positions the server as a high-value option for its features, network, and CPU power, though its disk read speed is a potential drawback for I/O-intensive workloads.
Benchmarking Hetzner's Cheapest Cloud Server (CX23)
0:21 Server Configuration & Price: The test focuses on Hetzner's cheapest cloud server, the CX23, which is a "cost-optimized" x86 machine. It includes 2 CPU cores, 4 GB of RAM, and 40 GB of SSD storage for a base price of €3.56/month, or €4.15/month with an included IPv4 address.
0:46 Cloud Features & Management: The video praises the cloud platform for its superior features compared to standard VPS providers. Key advantages include instant provisioning, a web console, a dedicated rescue system, and a configurable firewall, all of which are included and easily accessible.
11:34 System Specifications: Upon inspection, the virtual machine is identified as running on KVM virtualization with an AMD EPYC processor.
13:00 Outstanding Network Performance: Network speed tests show excellent connectivity. The server achieves receive speeds of around 3.4 Gbit/s and exceptional send speeds surpassing 15 Gbit/s.
14:16 Strong CPU Performance: The Sysbench CPU test records approximately 36,000 events/second on a single core and 72,000 events/second using both cores. This places it in the upper range of performance compared to competitors, though slightly behind the top performers like Ionos and Strato.
17:01 Good RAM Performance: The memory benchmark shows a transfer rate of 5.4 GB/s, which is considered a solid, upper-tier result, likely indicating DDR4 RAM.
22:15 Benchmark Correction - The tmpfs Trap: A crucial discovery is made when initial disk I/O tests show impossibly high speeds (8.3 GB/s write, 11.4 GB/s read). The creator realizes these tests were running in the /tmp directory, which is configured as a tmpfs (a temporary file system residing in RAM), not on the actual SSD.
22:45 Corrected Disk Performance: After re-running the FIO benchmark on the root filesystem, the realistic performance is revealed:
Write Speed: A solid 488 MB/s, which is competitive with other providers.
Read Speed: A significantly lower 182-200 MB/s, which is described as "thin" and a notable weakness compared to competitors.
25:49 Final Conclusion: The Hetzner cloud server is an excellent choice for its robust feature set, fast provisioning, and powerful CPU and network performance. However, while its disk write speed is good, its relatively low disk read speed could be a limiting factor for read-intensive applications.