**Introduction**: This article explains the key resources in your hosting package — CPU, memory (RAM), disk space and bandwidth — and shows how to monitor them using cPanel. Understanding these resources helps you select the right plan and troubleshoot performance issues.
**CPU and Processes**: The central processing unit (CPU) executes scripts and applications that drive your website. Simple static pages use very little CPU while dynamic applications, content management systems and poorly optimised scripts can consume more processing power. You can monitor CPU usage via the “Resource Usage” or “CPU and Concurrent Connection Usage” tools in cPanel, which display graphs and notifications when usage exceeds limits. If you find high CPU usage, consider caching pages, optimising databases, disabling unnecessary plugins and using a content delivery network (CDN).
**Memory (RAM)**: RAM stores data that your applications need quickly. If your site uses scripts that open many processes or uses heavy plugins, memory usage can increase and cause slowdowns. In cPanel, the Resource Usage interface shows current and historical memory consumption. Optimising your code, reducing the number of active plugins or modules, and upgrading your plan when necessary can prevent memory issues.
**Disk Space**: Disk space holds all your website files, databases, emails and logs. Running out of space can stop email delivery or cause failures uploading content. You can check usage from cPanel’s “Disk Usage” tool, which breaks down space usage by directories, and from the “Email Disk Usage” page for individual mailboxes. Keep your account tidy by removing outdated backups, compressing log files, and deleting old emails. For large websites with many media files, consider using an object storage solution.
**Bandwidth**: Bandwidth represents the amount of data transferred to and from your account over a billing period. High traffic, large file downloads, video streaming or frequent backups can increase bandwidth usage. cPanel’s “Bandwidth” interface provides graphs of daily and monthly usage. If you regularly reach your bandwidth allocation, try compressing images and files, enabling HTTP/2 or caching, and moving large downloads to an external CDN. Upgrading to a plan with a higher bandwidth limit may also be necessary.
**Best Practices**: Choose a hosting plan that matches your anticipated resource needs. Regularly review the metrics in cPanel to catch unusual spikes early. Optimise your website to minimise resource consumption, and do not run scripts that violate the Acceptable Use Policy or monopolise server resources. When your site outgrows its current plan, contact Faciotech support to discuss upgrading to a package with more resources.
