PHP-FPM tuning
We tune PHP-FPM for your load and memory: process mode and count (pm, max_children), worker lifetime and restart, OPcache, limits. So the site holds more concurrent requests and does not crash into '502/504' at peaks. Honestly upfront: smart tuning raises concurrency and stability, but is bounded by server RAM/CPU, and wrong values lead to memory shortage or an artificial ceiling.
PHP-FPM tuning — overview
PHP-FPM tuning is a project: we calculate pool parameters for real memory and load — pm (dynamic/static/ondemand), pm.max_children, start/min/max spare servers, max_requests (fighting leaks), request timeout, set up OPcache (and preload where appropriate), slow-request logging. Honestly about the main trade-off, this is key: max_children is bounded by RAM — too many processes = memory shortage and crashes (OOM), too few = an artificial ceiling and queues/502; the right value is computed from available memory and average per-process usage, so real server data is needed. Honestly about limits: tuning unlocks existing CPU/RAM but does not create them — under genuinely high load the ceiling is in the hardware, beyond that an upgrade/scaling (separate). Honestly about the boundary: PHP-FPM manages PHP processes, but it will not speed up slow code or DB — that is application/query optimization (separate). Honestly about risk: wrong values = crashes or memory overload; we change carefully, observe under load, keep rollback. Honestly about the platform: access to the server/FPM config is needed; on managed/shared it is often unavailable. Honestly about business: fewer '502/504' and higher concurrency, we do NOT guarantee sales growth by itself. An important boundary: this is PHP-FPM tuning, not web server tuning in general (722 — adjacent), not code/DB optimization (717-720) and not hardware upgrade. If you do not use PHP, the service is not applicable (for Node/Python/Go — a separate one, 724). Picture this: instead of '502 at peaks and freezes' — stable handling of more requests within your memory. The base price starts from 12,000 ₽ per project; it depends on the server and load.
Problems we solve
- At peaks the site returns 502/504 and freezes.
- PHP-FPM is set to defaults, not for your memory.
- The server holds few concurrent requests.
- Leaks/long processes pile up without restart.
What's included in the PHP-FPM tuning service
- Computing pool parameters for real RAM and load
- pm mode, max_children, spare servers, max_requests, timeouts
- Setting up OPcache (and preload where appropriate)
- Slow PHP-request logging
- Observation under load and rollback capability
- A 'before/after' report by concurrency/stability
- Indicating limits (hardware/scaling — separate)
- Handover and review with you
What you get
- Fewer 502/504 at peaks, higher stability
- More concurrent requests within RAM
- Leak control via worker restart
- A resilience base (sales growth — not guaranteed)
How the work goes: steps
- We capture memory/load and the current config; collect server access
- We compute and set up the pool and OPcache carefully
- We observe under load, measure 'before/after', keep rollback, review with you
Why PDV Expert
- Fixed price and timeline — no surprises on the invoice.
- Report and recommendations in plain language — clear without a technical background.
- In touch at every step and answering questions about the result.
FAQ
Set more processes to hold everyone?
No, that is dangerous. max_children is bounded by RAM: too many processes = memory shortage and crashes (OOM). The right value is computed from available memory and per-process usage. Too few is also bad (queues/502). We compute from real data.
Will FPM tuning speed up slow code?
No. PHP-FPM manages processes, but it will not speed up slow PHP code or DB queries — that is application/query optimization (separate services). FPM tuning raises concurrency and stability; we often work in combination.
Is it possible on my hosting?
Access to the server/PHP-FPM config is needed. On managed/shared hosting it is often unavailable — we say so honestly. And under genuinely high load the ceiling is in the hardware: beyond that an upgrade/scaling (separate).
About the provider
The «PHP-FPM tuning» service is provided by PDV Expert — a team specialising in «Site quality». We work under contract and deliver a written report with recommendations.