Anime-Planet forum - Upcoming server downtime

Many of you have seen recent 'maximum superuser' errors popping up - while of course this means you're nothing less than a SUPER USER, there's a more sinister meaning behind it ;)

The site outgrew the current server awhile ago and we finally can't wait any longer before switching boxes. I've purchased a new server and it's still in the process of being set up. I'm hoping the downtime and upgrade happens within today, but I also know moving servers in the past has always been a really hairy, really expensive affair, so I can't promise anything.

Specs, since I know people will ask:

Current server:
Dedicated
Athlon X2 5000
2gb RAM
2x 160 gb HD

New server:
Dedicated
Core 2 Quad Q9400
8gb RAM
4x 250 gb HD
RAID 10

The current server's cost was dropped in the last few months to $129 (due to an error on the host's end). The new cost is $304/month. The new server is not ideal - we want a dual quad core for maximum growth potential, but it's too expensive.

As I know people will ask this too (given they have in chat), except for rare occasions the server hosting is never covered by donations, it comes from me. Donations tend to be the same 10ish people around feature donation drive times (which is unfortunate for those people - if every site account donated $1 we'd be set forever), and not during feature donation drives approximately $10/month is donated.

Here's the site's current revenue/budget:

-Google ads bring in almost nothing - at most, $500/month
-The new ad agency is bringing in far less than I thought it would - at the moment, $600-1000/month
-However, the new ad agency's funds won't come in for at around ~2 months given that there's initial lag with any agency
-Due to the new agency taking 50% of traffic (US traffic), the most I'll be getting through my usual google ads is more like $200/month

Keep the following things in mind though, if the above sounds like an easy way to cover $300/month:

-If we didn't have a funding roadblock and could be constantly developing new features, bugfixes and upgrades, it would probably run $2,000-$3,000 a month
-Char database is ~$800-900, the upcoming anidb import is ~$200-300, etc. Minor tweaks, depending on how big, can cost up to ~$80.
-Though it's impossible to know what all will go wrong, given past server moves I anticipate this migration will cost ~$200-400

While unfortunate timing given I've just sent out the staff/voice actor database spec for an estimate (and will post that shortly), keep in mind you can always donate towards hosting costs if you appreciate the site or its updates :) Donations all go into the same account and are used for both hosting and feature development, as they are both paid from the same account.

Thanks for your patience during this time - do expect to see some server downtime while we migrate, with a lag in the DNS updating eventually as well (ie, you may be seeing the old site temporarily depending on where you are). I'll respond to this thread every step of the way so you know what to expect.

Finally, a note: I know everyone has their own favorite hosting company, and there of course will be a cheaper price out there somewhere. I ask that you please don't respond with suggestions of where else to go - I've had a horrible experience with unknown companies and more known companies that gave very poor customer service, and I am happy with Serverbeach and their overall performance. So for now, I'm ok with the server we have, and don't need suggestions of where you think we should go. :)