Connecting to the Minecraft Server is easier when you know the requirements. You may not realize your system’s specifications until it is too late. This may adversely affect your gaming experience.
We have put together this guide to provide you with the right information regarding Minecraft server requirements.
Operating Systems and Software
To create your own Minecraft server, you need an operating system for your server management. Besides this, you will also need the Minecraft server software. This software is called the Java Runtime Environment.
To get the server running properly, you will need to have Windows operating system such as Windows 8, 10, or macOS (10.4 or higher). For optimal setup, we recommend the operating systems below:
- Windows Server 2019
- Ubuntu
- openSUSE
- CentOS
CPU and RAM
The performance of your CPU and RAM plays a major role in the overall performance of your game server. Aside from this, ensure that your computer has enough power to handle the server requirements.
When it comes to the RAM requirements, there is no specificity. The reason is that there are several factors to consider. But we recommend a system of about 2G-8G.
Broadband Requirements
Of course, you also need to store the Minecraft server installation as well as user and game world data on your server. The following approximate values can be used here:
- 1 to 2 players: at least 2 gigabytes of free disk space (5 GB with constant backups)
- 3 to 5 players: at least 18 gigabytes of free disk space
- 6 players or more: at least 35 gigabytes of free space
IONOS Solution
IONOS is one of the best options for Minecraft dedicated servers. They have three different Minecraft options.
These are the small for 1-2 players, the medium for 3-5 Players, and the large for 6 or more players.
Note that irrespective of the server you choose, you will find tariffs that differ in the level of performance they offer. You can choose the solution that suits your purpose from these options.
Small Minecraft
- World players: 1-2
- Minimum requirement(OS):
- Windows:2GHz, 4GB RAM, 40GB storage space.
- Linux: 2GHz, 2GB RAM, and 20GB storage space
- Recommended vServer: IONOS VPS, RAM M
- Recommended Cloud Server: IONOS Cloud Server RAM
- Recommended Dedicated Server: None
Medium Minecraft
- World players: 3-5
- Minimum requirement(OS):
- Windows:2.8GHz, 6GB RAM, 55GB storage space.
- Linux: 2.8GHz, 6GB RAM, and 35GB storage space
- Recommended vServer: IONOS VPS, XL
- Recommended Cloud Server: IONOS Cloud Server RAM L
- Recommended Dedicated Server: IONOS Dedicated Server L-16 SSD
Large Minecraft
- World players: 6 or more
- Minimum requirement(OS):
- Windows:3.6GHz, 10GB RAM, 75GB storage space.
- Linux: 3.6GHz, 7GB RAM, and 55GB storage space
- Recommended vServer: IONOS VPS, LRAM
- Recommended Cloud Server: IONOS Cloud Server XXL
- Recommended Dedicated Server: IONOS dedicated server L-16 SSD
Java or Bedrock
Java is an edition of the Minecraft game that runs on LevelDB. At the same time, Bedrock is an edition of the Minecraft game. The non-Java edition of the game runs on the Anvil format.
Java Requirements
For Minecraft server requirements, you will need a Java Runtime [1] of version 8 or higher. You can also use the JDK as it contains JRE as well.
However, it must be version 1.17, with a JRE version of 16. If you are using version 18 of JRE, then you use JDK of version 1.18.
Bedrock Requirements
For Bedrock, you will need a minimum processor of dual-core. But for maximum efficiency, you can use a quad-core that runs at least 3GHz or higher.
Overview of Requirements
You will need the following to run a Minecraft server:
- Windows 10 desktop server
- You will need a minimum of 4GB of RAM
- A good internet connection, to avoid errors such as getting stuck on loading terrain and Minecraft server running behind skipping ticks.
- An ample amount of internet bandwidth plan. The reason is that Minecraft uses up to 100MB per player an hour.
Windows
User Grade
Win NT 2K/XP
1-2 Players
CPU: Intel Pentium 4, 2.0GHz. Alternatively: AMD Athlon XP 2000+
RAM: 1GB
HDD: 2 GB empty space
WAN Up: 3Mbit/s
WAN Down: 2Mbit/s
Additional details: Note the server might not work well on the 1Mbit/s upload connection. It will most likely miss ticks when in this configuration.
Acceptable
Players: 3-5
CPU: Intel Core-Based CPU or AMD-Based CPUs.
RAM: 3GB
HDD: 10 GB empty space
WAN Up: 6Mbit/s
WAN Down: 3Mbit/s
RRecommended
Players: 5-7
CPU: Intel Core-Based CPUs or AMD K8-Based CPUs at about 3.4GHz.
RAM: 5GB
HDD: 18 GB empty space
WAN Up: 8Mbit/s
WAN Down: 4Mbit/s
Win Vista 7/8/10/11
1-3 Players
CPU: Intel core-Based CPUs or AMD K8-Based CPUs.
RAM: 2GB
HDD: 10 GB empty space
WAN Up: 6Mbit/s
WAN Down: 3Mbit/s
Recommended
Players: 5-7
CPU: Intel Nehalem-Based CPUs or AMD K10-Based CPUs
RAM: 6GB
HDD: 25GB empty space
WAN Up: 14Mbit/s
WAN Down: 7Mbit/s
Good
Players: 5-7
CPU: Intel Nehalem-Based CPUs or AMD K10-Based CPUs
RAM: 6GB
HDD:25 GB empty space
WAN Up: 14Mbit/s
WAN Down: 7Mbit/s
Optimal
Players: 8+
CPU: Intel Nehalem-Based CPUs or AMD K10-Based CPUs at 3.6GHz or more
RAM: 8GB
HDD:35 GB empty space
WAN Up: 30Mbit/s
WAN Down: 15Mbit/s
Win Server 2000/2003
Minimum
Players: 1-2
CPU: Intel Pentium 4, 2.0GHz. Alternatively: AMD Athlon XP 2000+
RAM: 1GB
HDD: 2 GB empty space
WAN Up: 3Mbit/s
WAN Down: 2Mbit/s
Additional details: Note the server might not work well on the 1Mbit/s upload connection. It will most likely miss ticks when in this configuration.
Recommended
Players: 2-4
CPU: Intel Core-Based CPU or AMD K8-Based CPUs.
RAM: 3GB
HDD: 18 GB empty space
WAN Up: 8Mbit/s
WAN Down: 4Mbit/s
Optimal
Players: 4+
CPU: Intel Nehalem Based CPUs or AMD K110-Based CPUs or better
RAM: 6GB
HDD: 35 GB empty space
WAN Up: 30Mbit/s
WAN Down: 15 Mbit/s
Additional details: You will need a mechanical disc with high read and writing ability.
Win Server 2008/2012/2016/2022
Minimum
Players: 1-2
CPU: Intel Core-Based CPUs or AMD K-8 Based CPUs.
RAM: 2GB
HDD: 2 GB empty space
WAN Up: 3Mbit/s
WAN Down: 2Mbit/s
Additional details: Note the server might not work well on the 1Mbit/s upload connection. It will most likely miss ticks when in this configuration.
Recommended
Players: 2-5
CPU: Intel Core-Based CPUs or AMD K-8 Based CPUs.
RAM: 4GB
HDD: 18 GB empty space
WAN Up: 8Mbit/s
WAN Down: 4Mbit/s
Optimal
Players: 6+
CPU: Intel Nehalem-Based CPUs or AMD K10-based CPUs at 3.6GHz or more/
RAM: 8GB
HDD: 35 GB empty space
WAN Up: 30Mbit/s
WAN Down: 15Mbit/s
Additional details: You will require a mechanical disc or SLC with a high read
Unix (Linus, BSD, and macOS)
GUI
Minimum
Players: 1-2
CPU: Intel Pentium 4 1.8GHz or AMD Athlon XP 1600+ or PowerPC 750 1000MHz/G4 1GHz or more
RAM:512MB
HDD 2GB empty space. However, if you are doing frequent backups, you can use 5GB.
WAN Up: 3 Mbit/s
WAN Down: 2Mbit/s
Additional details: Minecraft servers have difficulty running on 1Mbit/s but can still manage to work. However, the server will miss configuration ticks.
Acceptable
Players: 2-3
CPU: Intel Pentium 4 2.8GHz or AMD Athlon XP 2600+ or G4/Freescale 7xxx 1.8GHz
RAM:3GB
HDD 8GB empty space.
WAN Up: 6 Mbit/s
WAN Down: 3Mbit/s
Additional details: Minecraft servers have difficulty running on 1Mbit/s but can still manage to work. However, the server will miss configuration ticks.
Recommended
Players: 3-5
CPU: Intel Core Based CPUs or AMD K-8, Based CPUs IBM 97- 2.0GHz
RAM:5GB
HDD 16GB empty space.
WAN Up: 8 Mbit/s
WAN Down: 4Mbit/s
Good
Players: 5-7
CPU: Intel Core Based CPUs or AMD K-8, Based CPUs IBM 97- 2.0GHz
RAM:6GB
HDD 25GB empty space.
WAN Up: 14Mbit/s
WAN Down: 7Mbit/s
Optimal
Players: 7 or more
CPU: Intel Core-based CPUs with 3.6Hz+, AMD k8 CPUs with 3.6GHz, and IB< 970 2.0GHz+
RAM:6GB
Console
Minimum
Players: 1 to 3
RAM:512MB
CPU: Intel Pentium 4 2.0GHz, AMD Athlon-based CPUs
Acceptable
Players: 3-5
CPU: Intel Pentium 4 2.8GHz, AMD Athlon XP 2600+
RAM:1GB
Recommended
Players: 5-8
CPU: Intel Core-based CPUs, AMD k8-based CPUs
RAM:4GB
Good
Players: 8 to 12
CPU: Intel Core-based CPUs, AMD Ryzen 3 based CPUs, AMD Ryzen 5 based CPUs
RAM:5B
Optimal
Player: 12 or more
CPU: Intel i5-based CPUs, intel i7-based CPUs, AMD Ryzen 3 based CPUs
RAM: 6GB
Running a LAN Party Type Server (Since 1.11.2)
Minimum
Players: 1-5
CPU: Intel Pentium 4 2.0GHz or AMD Athlon Base
RAM:512MB
HDD 2GB empty space.
WAN Up: 3Mbit/s
WAN Down: 2Mbit/s
Additional Details: Kindly note that the Minecraft servers can barely run on a 1Mbit/s upload connection.
Acceptable
Players: 5-10
CPU: Intel Pentium 4, 2.8GHz or Athlon 2600+
RAM: 1GB
HDD 8GB empty space.
WAN Up: 6Mbit/s
WAN Down: 3Mbit/s
Recommended
Players: 10-15
CPU: Intel Core-Based CPUs or AMD
RAM: 3GB
HDD 16GB empty space.
WAN Up: 8Mbit/s
WAN Down: 4Mbit/s
Optimal
Players: 15+
CPU: Intel Core-Based CPUs or AMD Ryzen 5 1600
RAM: 4GB
HDD 32GB empty space.
WAN Up: 8Mbit/s
WAN Down: 4Mbit/s
FAQ
What specs do you need for a Minecraft server?
You will need a minimum of RAM of 4GB with 40GB storage on windows and 2GB RAM/20GB storage space on Linux.
Is 4GB enough for a Minecraft server?
Yes, 4GB is enough for the Minecraft server. At least as a minimum requirement.
How much RAM is needed for a Minecraft server?
You need 4GB on the Windows operating system and 2GB on Linux. To avoid encountering the Invalid Maximum Heap Size error on Minecraft Server, avoid allocating too much RAM space on your server.
If there is a problem with having too much RAM space, there will almost certainly be problems if there is insufficient RAM space as well. For instance, inadequate RAM distribution on the Minecraft server could be the source of the Minecraft “Can’t Keep Up! Is The Server Overloaded” error message.
Interesting Read: Minecraft Revenue User Statistics
Conclusion
For a persistent gaming experience, you need to meet the Minecraft minimum, at least server requirements.
This guarantees you an enhanced gaming experience devoid of lags and force closes. You can leverage the information our gamers have shared in this guide.
