Slow site loading - try my site pls.

[deathsdoor]

Hi guys im just setting up an install on http://www.unitmodels.com
The site is hosted at media temple (new hosting). The problem im having is extreemly slow speeds can a couple of you verify this for me by checking the site? Im pretty sure this is a server side issue but any ideas are greatfully recived. And yes i know i might have a few too many images on my landing page.

also

has anyone else had bad problems with media temple? I moved to them recently after i read good things about them and the digg effect.

thanks in advance :)

[deathsdoor]

I just ran some tests and heres the results.
Firefox
Parse Time: 7.827 - Number of Queries: 323 - Query Time: 1.1158737466
Parse Time: 9.416 - Number of Queries: 323 - Query Time: 0.330378234818


internet explorer

Parse Time: 2.593 - Number of Queries: 323 - Query Time: 0.902499425079
Parse Time: 7.026 - Number of Queries: 281 - Query Time: 0.873740424866


does this shed any light? im on a 10mbit connection but have tried from another location with similar issues.

[shrimp-gumbo-mmmhhh]

My suggestion: Switch to a Zen Cart certified host.... click on "hosting" at the top of the page.

[shrimp-gumbo-mmmhhh]

I have 12 images on my front page. no issues.

[Website Rob]

Your testing tells the story.

The Server your Hosting account is on is slow. Doubt things will improve so best to start looking for another Hoster.

As to questions in general for a Hoster, start making a list of questions that are important to you. Then keep a list of potential Hosters in Spreadsheet format, easier to track why you like or don't like, someone's Service. Once you have a shortlist of about 5 names you start getting serious. Contact them by eMail, phone, whatever, and ask a few questions about their packages. That should give who to start with now and who to immediately move to, if plan B is required. And don't lose that list!


With any potential Hoster, Features / Price / Support can be checked out before signing up. The last point to consider, Service or Uptime, cannot usually be determined until one actually starts using it or, unless the Hoster has a link to their Uptime stats.

To help overcome that, there are various places that provide Free or Paid uptime monitoring and the following three provide both:

http://easymonitor.com/
http://siteuptime.com/
http://host-tracker.com/

Using a combination of all on one Hoster or each on different Hosters, can give you a good idea on their Service before using them.

Overall, research and patience are two important tools when checking most things, Hosting or otherwise. ;)

[deathsdoor]

hehe yes i know i should go sash but i like the gs idea and was impressed up till now with their performance. I can only assume they are upgrading or something and have submitted a ticket. In an ideal world id be on a dedicated server but at the moment Gs (if it starts to run at acceptable speeds) is a satisfactory Host. If it does not i will have to re-loacet all my sites to another affordable host. Up until now i was at Psychz and to be honest will probably end up back there.

Just wondered if i could verify that its a server issue not something ive messed up. Ow and whilst people are looking a appreciate advice/criticism.

cheers

[deathsdoor]

Hi rob thanks for the reply i replied before i got to read what you wrote. Its a shame but looks like i might have to hop to another server. Ive still got my fingers crossed though.

Ill have a wonder round those sites.

cheers

[deathsdoor]

ow also to give a good comparrison heres the current site

www.unitmodels.co.uk

new site

www.unitmodels.com

eeeeeeeek @ parse figures etc.

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edited
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ow and i just found the edit button lol. sorry :)

[Website Rob]

We have a Client who had the same problems with media host and realized that price is not everything. When checking out a new Host do not always look for the most you can get for your buck. Some Hosters play the numbers game, offering wildly huge packages for cheap but put so many accounts on a Server (because they have to to make any money) that everything slow downs.

Not saying that is case with media temple but if your site loads slow and the situation will not be improving, you now have more information to think about when considering a new Host.

[deathsdoor]

agreed rob size doesnt always matter its what you do with it ;) i thought tech chrunch being on a media temple server was a good enough reference. The next few hours/days will either teach me a lesson or burn me lol. Once again thanks for the advice :)