We need to find a reliable and high-quality dedicated server provider that can handle hosting ark servers with over 80 players. Our current servers are inadequate as they cannot handle more than 40 players, resulting in issues with server desynchronization and ping.

Adding to our woes, our current server provider is Phantom Networks, and their customer support team takes an average of 2-6 days to respond to tickets and requests. This delay in response is unacceptable, especially for a high-demand game like Ark.

Currently, we have only six mods on the server and are based out of Texas. We have a large player base from North America, which is why finding a reliable dedicated server provider is top priority. Any assistance would be highly appreciated.

Waiting for 2-6 days is not acceptable. What if we encounter a simple issue that needs immediate attention?

When it comes to hosting a game, DDOS protection is a must-have feature from the server provider's perspective. Additionally, dual-processor servers can provide better performance and stability for high-demand games like Ark.

Have you considered using a server with E3-12XX processors and 32 GB RAM? It can provide excellent performance and is currently priced below your budget. This could be a viable solution to your server issues.

To assist you in your search, here are a few steps you can take:

1. Research Dedicated Server Providers: Look for dedicated server providers that specialize in game hosting and have a solid reputation for reliability and performance. Check out customer reviews and ratings to get an idea of their service quality.

2. Consider Server Specifications: Since you need a server that can handle over 80 players without desynchronization or ping issues, ensure that the server provider offers powerful hardware with sufficient CPU, RAM, and network capabilities. This will help ensure smooth gameplay and minimize lag.

3. Look for Low Latency: As your player base is predominantly from North America, choose a server provider with data centers located nearby, preferably within the same region. This will help reduce latency and provide a better gaming experience for your players.

4. Evaluate Customer Support: Pay close attention to the level of customer support offered by the server provider. Look for providers that have responsive and knowledgeable support teams that can address your issues in a timely manner.

5. Test Provider's Performance: Before committing to a server provider, consider renting a server on a trial basis to test its performance under load. This will allow you to evaluate how well it can handle your requirements before making a long-term commitment.

6. Budget Considerations: Lastly, consider your budget when selecting a server provider. While it's important to find a reliable provider, make sure their pricing aligns with your budgetary constraints.

7. Scalability: Ensure that the server provider has the ability to scale up their resources to accommodate your growing player base. This will allow you to easily add more slots as your server population increases.

8. DDoS Protection: Look for a server provider that offers robust DDoS protection to prevent your server from being targeted by malicious attacks. This will help maintain server stability and protect your players' gaming experience.

9. Server Management: Determine whether you prefer to manage the server yourself or if you would like the server provider to handle server maintenance and updates. Some providers offer managed services, which can be beneficial if you prefer to focus more on gameplay and less on server administration.

10. Server Location Options: Consider if the server provider offers multiple data center locations, allowing you to choose the one closest to your player base for optimal latency and performance.

11. Uptime Guarantee: Check if the server provider offers an uptime guarantee, ensuring that your server will be available for gameplay with minimal downtime. Look for providers that have a proven track record of high uptime percentages.

12. Community and Forums: Look for server providers that have an active and supportive community and forums. This can be a valuable resource for troubleshooting issues, getting help from experienced users, and staying updated on game-related news and updates.

Phantom Networks' lag and slow ticket turnaround are red flags - avoid providers with poor SLAs. Look for Texas or Dallas-based providers like OVH, Hivelocity, or Liquid Web, known for solid DDoS protection and 24/7 live support. Prioritize NVMe SSDs and unmetered bandwidth to avoid bottlenecks.
Also, ensure the host supports custom mod loads without throttling.