PHP process managers
Choose how PHP starts and releases the processes that handle your website visitors.
Where to find it: Server > Configuration > PHP Settings > Process manager defaults.
Available to: Root only.
What this page does
PHP uses worker processes to handle visitors’ requests. Keeping some workers ready can help a busy website respond quickly, but uses memory even when they are idle. This setting does not increase the account’s CPU or memory allowance.
Before you start
Choose a process manager supported by your installed PHP version. If the Synconix manager is unavailable, SHM may use ondemand instead and report that change. Review the result before assuming every PHP version uses the same manager.
Choosing a manager
| Manager | Behavior | Useful when |
|---|---|---|
| ondemand | Starts workers when requests arrive and releases idle workers. | Many domains are mostly idle and minimizing idle RAM matters. |
| dynamic | Keeps a set number of workers ready and adds more as traffic increases. | Traffic is fairly steady and you want warm capacity. |
| static | Keeps a fixed number of workers. | Capacity and memory needs are predictable. |
| synconix | Keeps the chosen minimum ready, adds workers for busy periods and releases extra workers afterwards. | Busy websites with changing traffic. For many mostly idle websites, ondemand usually keeps less memory in use. |
Worker controls
| Setting | Meaning |
|---|---|
| pm.max_children | Maximum number of workers handling this website’s requests. A higher value needs more available memory. |
| pm.max_requests | Requests served before a worker is recycled. |
| pm.process_idle_timeout | How long an unused worker waits before it is released in ondemand or synconix mode. |
| pm.min_spare_servers / pm.max_spare_servers | Minimum and maximum number of workers kept ready for the next request. |
| pm.start_servers | Workers started initially in dynamic or synconix mode. Keep this between the minimum and maximum spare counts. In synconix mode, zero uses the minimum spare count. |
How to use it
- Choose a manager supported by the installed runtimes.
- Set the maximum workers and the controls used by that manager.
- Save defaults, or deliberately choose Save & Apply to all Domain accounts when a rollout to existing domains is required.
- Check the resulting PHP pools and live memory after application.
Result and next check
The intended manager is accepted by the target runtime and the site remains responsive within its memory budget. Review any fallback notice before assuming every PHP version uses the same manager.
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