So, you’re planning to have your own Minecraft server? That’s fine, but you will need to understand how much RAM is needed to ensure superb performance. This isn’t a straightforward question for those who are looking to do things on a budget.
How much RAM does Minecraft server need
Having a Minecraft server is important for anyone who wants to play with their friends in a controlled environment. But one needs to understand the size of RAM required for optimal performance, and that is exactly what the information here will entail.
The best RAM size for a Minecraft server
1] Everything you need to know about RAM
RAM, which stands for Random Access Memory, was designed to store applications and other data used by the computer’s processor in real-time. This post talks about the difference between RAM and ROM.
2] What is a Minecraft Server?
As we know, a server is a large computer that takes up considerable space, but it can also be a typical computer if the user has no plans to run demanding applications. A server must be able to connect to a network, and in the case of a Minecraft server, it must allow people to communicate with each other, and obviously, host Minecraft so that multiple players can jump on and have some fun from various devices.
Now, you can choose to either set up your own Minecraft server or spend money to have a hosting server platform do all the heavy lifting.
3] Why is RAM important on a Minecraft server?
RAM is important to make certain the game runs smoothly with multiple players and features all in play at the same time. Too little RAM may cause the game to lag and eventually crash. Such problems would render the game unplayable in many situations.
4] How much RAM do you need for your Minecraft server?
A lot of people around the world are troubled with this same question when the time comes for setting up their Minecraft server. You see, the RAM requirement is primarily due to the size of the world, the features of the game, and the number of players who will take part.
| Requirements | Players | RAM |
| Minimum | 1-4 | 1GB |
| Recommended | 5-10 | 2GB |
| Best | 10+ | 4GB |
For example, if your version of Minecraft is modified and has extra features, then it would make sense to increase the RAM for the server to run the game efficiently without crashes and lag.
So, if you have a simple world, then 1GB should be enough for around 4-5 players at the end of the day. However, that only makes sense if everyone plays together in the same area. If each player decides to roam the world in different places, then 1GB wouldn’t be enough.
From our point of view, then, we would recommend a minimum of 3GB to 4GB of RAM to ensure great performance, even with new feature updates in the future.
Now, if you have an old laptop or desktop computer laying around, you can use it as a server. However, consider you’ll have to maintain it regularly, which could become time-consuming for some.
5] Let us look at factors that increase RAM demand
One doesn’t wake up in the morning and request the need for more RAM out of nowhere. There must be contributing factors, and we are going to list a few of them.
- Game modification: A huge part of the Minecraft experience is the modding of the game. Depending on the mod, it can place a lot of demand on the server, and as such, the owner might need to add more RAM to offset the problem.
- Player size: The single biggest factor that causes the need for more RAM is player size. A high increase in the player count will add more stress to the server, especially if players are exploring all over the place. Five players exploring the map in a different area will increase RAM usage than five players exploring in the same area.
- Draw distance: If you’re an avid gamer, then you must have heard about draw distance or view distance before. Basically, it is how far the game will load and render the bits and pieces that make up the game world. In Minecraft, it is called Chunk, and from what we have gathered, the default is set to 10 chunks. Increase it and more of the world will be added to memory, though if you decrease it, the number goes down.
- Bells and Whistles: Another important aspect of Minecraft is all the bells and whistles. These are usually the NPC performing their routines in a village, animals moving around, enemies, and more. It also includes the things you build, so if you want to create massive structures, then consider increasing your RAM.
Read: Fix Minecraft Can’t resolve hostname issue
Can I play Minecraft on Steam?
Minecraft is not available on Steam and we are not sure if it will ever be. However, if you’re interested in Minecraft Dungeons, which is an RPG, you can purchase it right now from Steam for the cool price of $19.99.
Is Minecraft good for kids?
Minecraft is not your typical video game. It is also viewed as an educational tool due to the game mechanics. Therefore, we will have to say without a doubt that Minecraft is good for kids.
