I'm interested in creating a niche social networking site that will contain the following:

-forum
-member profiles (with picture gallery and about me section plus some ad blocks for banner scripts)
-member blogs

Member customization will be extremely limited on profiles (i.e. no html coding allowed) to prevent people from messing up the layout of profiles like they do on Myspace, or dropping viruses and crap.  So that means there won't be a lot of video content to worry about dragging down bandwidth.

That being said, this site concept has potential to break into the tens of thousands of users within the first 6 months.  And could eventually break into the hundreds of thousands or perhaps even break the million mark.

So I want to ensure that the dedicated server I purchase can handle the initial signups so we don't lose conversion because of slow page loads or downtime.  The biggest concern will likely be emails going to users, since they'd be notified of any of the following:

-replies to their posts in the forum
-comments on their profile
-comments on their blog
-friends blog updates
-comments on their pictures
-new buddy requests
-etc.

I have no idea what level of server I should start with, the CPU, the RAM, hard drive space, etc.  Any recommendations greatly appreciated.  There will likely be extensive MySQL database customization and usage for a system that rewards members with points based on activity (i.e. after 100 posts they earn 100 points and those can be used to enter random drawings for prizes, same with blogs, pictures, buddy additions, etc)

Hi Mitch,

I was definetely going with a dedicated plan, don't want someone elses website messing up mine because they share the same server.

That being said, I'm not sure what level of CPU, RAM, hard drive space, etc. will suffice?

Do I go with the P4 2.8Ghz, or upgrade to a Core2Duo?  1GB, 2GB of Ram, etc?  We'll be using the Linux hosting, not windows as far as I'm aware.

Ok, so I shouldn't have to worry about xenon processors, 4GB of RAM and 500GB hard drive space for awhile then?

I was thinking:

Core2Duo
2GB Ram
160GB Hard Drive

Sounds like a good pick to me.   If you go here:

http://www.lpdedicated.com/

Then go down to request a quote, we could get one of our sales people to give you a call. 

Not a problem, if there is anything else we can assist you with in the mean time please feel free to let us know.