Hetzner Cloud is a popular choice for developers, businesses, and individuals looking for cloud computing solutions. The CPX series offers virtual server options that combine performance, scalability, and cost-effectiveness. In this article, we will compare the different models of the Hetzner CPX series (CPX 11, CPX 21, CPX 31, CPX 41, CPX 51) in detail, examining the features, performance, use cases, and cost of each model. We will also provide practical information on the installation, configuration, and management of these servers.

1. Introduction: What is the Hetzner Cloud CPX Series?

The Hetzner Cloud CPX series is part of the cloud server solutions offered by Hetzner. The CPX (Cloud Performance eXtreme) series is specifically designed for applications that require high performance. The servers in this series are equipped with fast processors, high-speed SSD storage, and wide bandwidth. This makes them an ideal platform for websites, applications, databases, and other intensive workloads.

1.1. Advantages of the CPX Series

High Performance: Offers high performance thanks to fast processors and SSD storage.
Scalability: You can easily increase or decrease resources as needed.
Cost-Effectiveness: Affordable for its performance.
Ease of Use: You can easily manage servers thanks to the Hetzner Cloud interface.
Reliability: Offers high uptime guarantee thanks to Hetzner's reliable infrastructure.

1.2. Disadvantages of the CPX Series

Complexity: Cloud servers can be a bit complex, especially for beginners.
Management Requirement: Regular maintenance and management are required for the security and performance of the servers.

2. Detailed Comparison of CPX Models

The CPX series offers various models for different needs. These models differ in terms of processor core count, RAM amount, storage space, and network bandwidth. In the following sections, we will examine the CPX 11, CPX 21, CPX 31, CPX 41, and CPX 51 models in detail.

2.1. CPX 11: Entry-Level Solution

CPX 11 is the model with the lowest specifications in the CPX series. It is ideal for small-scale websites, test environments, or development projects.

Processor: 2 vCPU
RAM: 2 GB
Storage: 40 GB NVMe SSD
Network Bandwidth: 1 Gbit/s

2.2. CPX 21: Mid-Level Performance

CPX 21 is a suitable option for applications that require more resources. It is ideal for medium-sized websites, blogs, or small databases.

Processor: 4 vCPU
RAM: 4 GB
Storage: 80 GB NVMe SSD
Network Bandwidth: 1 Gbit/s

2.3. CPX 31: High-Performance Option

CPX 31 is designed for more intensive workloads such as high-traffic websites, e-commerce sites, or medium-sized databases.

Processor: 6 vCPU
RAM: 8 GB
Storage: 160 GB NVMe SSD
Network Bandwidth: 1 Gbit/s

2.4. CPX 41: More Resources

CPX 41 is ideal for large-scale websites, complex applications, or large databases. It offers more processor and RAM capacity.

Processor: 8 vCPU
RAM: 16 GB
Storage: 320 GB NVMe SSD
Network Bandwidth: 1 Gbit/s

2.5. CPX 51: Highest Performance

CPX 51 is designed for applications that require the highest performance. It is suitable for large-scale e-commerce sites, high-traffic APIs, or intensive databases.

Processor: 10 vCPU
RAM: 20 GB
Storage: 400 GB NVMe SSD
Network Bandwidth: 1 Gbit/s

3. Comparison of Technical Specifications (Table)

The following table compares the technical specifications of different models in the CPX series.

Model	vCPU	RAM (GB)	Storage (NVMe SSD, GB)	Network Bandwidth
CPX 11	2	2	40	1 Gbit/s
CPX 21	4	4	80	1 Gbit/s
CPX 31	6	8	160	1 Gbit/s
CPX 41	8	16	320	1 Gbit/s
CPX 51	10	20	400	1 Gbit/s

4. Performance Tests and Benchmark Results

Various benchmark tests can be performed to evaluate the performance of the CPX series. These tests provide results in different areas such as processor performance, memory performance, storage performance, and network performance.

4.1. Processor Performance (sysbench)

sysbench is a popular tool used to measure processor performance. The following command can be used to test processor performance:


sysbench --threads=8 --time=60 cpu run

4.2. Storage Performance (fio)

fio is another tool used to measure storage performance. The following command can be used to test random read and write performance:


fio --name=randread --ioengine=libaio --direct=1 --bs=4k --size=4G --numjobs=16 --iodepth=16 --runtime=60 --readwrite=randread
fio --name=randwrite --ioengine=libaio --direct=1 --bs=4k --size=4G --numjobs=16 --iodepth=16 --runtime=60 --readwrite=randwrite

Benchmark results can help you determine which CPX model is most suitable for your application.

5. Use Cases and Real-Life Examples

The CPX series is suitable for various use cases. Here are some examples:

5.1. Web Hosting

The CPX series offers a reliable and high-performance hosting platform for websites. Especially for high-traffic websites, CPX 31, CPX 41, or CPX 51 models can be preferred.

Example: An e-commerce site can operate smoothly even during high-traffic periods by using the CPX 41 model.

5.2. Application Hosting

The CPX series offers an ideal platform for web applications, APIs, and other applications. Especially for resource-intensive applications, CPX 41 or CPX 51 models can be preferred.

Example: A video streaming application can stream high-resolution videos smoothly by using the CPX 51 model.

5.3. Database Hosting

The CPX series offers a reliable and high-performance hosting platform for databases. Especially for large and intensive databases, CPX 41 or CPX 51 models can be preferred.

Example: A finance application can process a large amount of financial data quickly and securely by using the CPX 51 model.

5.4. Game Servers

The CPX series is a suitable option for online game servers. It improves the gaming experience thanks to low latency and high bandwidth.

Example: A multiplayer online game server can offer players a smooth gaming experience by using the CPX 31 or CPX 41 model.

6. Installation and Configuration Steps

The installation and configuration of CPX series servers are quite simple. The Hetzner Cloud interface allows you to easily create and manage servers.

6.1. Server Creation

Log in to your Hetzner Cloud account.
Create a new project by clicking the "Add Project" button.
Give your project a name and select a location (e.g., Hetzner Cloud Germany Location Servers).
Create a new server by clicking the "Add Server" button.
Select a model from the CPX series (e.g., CPX 21).
Select an operating system (e.g., Ubuntu 20.04).
Set a password or add an SSH key.
Create the server.

6.2. Connecting to the Server

After the server is created, you can connect to the server using SSH.


ssh root@server_ip_address

6.3. Basic Security Settings

Follow the steps below to ensure the security of your server:

Change the password.
Disable unnecessary services.
Configure a firewall (e.g., UFW).
Restrict SSH access (e.g., use SSH keys).

7. Cost and Pricing

The pricing of the CPX series depends on the model you choose and the duration of use. Hetzner Cloud offers hourly or monthly billing options.

The following table shows the approximate monthly prices of different models in the CPX series (prices may vary):

Model	Monthly Price (approximate)
CPX 11	€4.19
CPX 21	€8.39
CPX 31	€12.59
CPX 41	€16.79
CPX 51	€20.99

8. Frequently Asked Questions

8.1. Which operating systems does the CPX series support?
The CPX series supports various Linux distributions (Ubuntu, Debian, CentOS, Fedora) and Windows Server.
8.2. How can I back up CPX series servers?
Hetzner Cloud offers a snapshot feature to back up your servers. You can also use external backup solutions.
8.3. How is the performance of CPX series servers monitored?
Hetzner Cloud offers a monitoring panel to monitor the performance of your servers. You can also use third-party monitoring tools (e.g., Grafana, Prometheus).
8.4. How can I scale CPX series servers?
You can easily change the size of your server through the Hetzner Cloud interface. If you need more resources, you can switch to a larger CPX model.

9. Conclusion and Summary

The Hetzner CPX series offers high-performance and scalable cloud server solutions. The CPX 11, CPX 21, CPX 31, CPX 41, and CPX 51 models offer a variety of options for different needs. In this article, we compared the different models of the CPX series in detail, examining the features, performance, use cases, and cost of each model. We also provided practical information on the installation, configuration, and management of these servers.

To determine which CPX model is best for you, it is important to consider your application's requirements and your budget. CPX 11 or CPX 21 may be sufficient for small-scale projects, while CPX 31, CPX 41, or CPX 51 models may be more suitable for larger and more intensive workloads.