I know Rick has suggested as a way to save server load, set your theme file to only display 10 posts per page (as it reduces the number of queries). The theme file defaults apply to all unregistered users.
I think that is more important than the date range. Because as long as you aren't displaying them all on the same page... the queries etc... are reduced.
So that has always been Rick's biggest tip to save server load. Registered users can always override the number per page in their display settings.