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Minecraft | RAM Guide For Minecraft Servers

When determining the amount of RAM required for a Minecraft server, several factors come into play, such as the number of players, plugins, mods, and the type of gameplay. Here's a general guide to help you determine how much RAM your Minecraft server might need:

1. Understand the basics:​

  • Minecraft is a Java-based game, and its server software (e.g., Spigot, Paper) runs on Java as well.
  • Java applications require a designated amount of RAM (heap) to function optimally.
  • The server's RAM allocation affects the number of players, performance, and smooth gameplay.

2. Consider the player count:​

  • The number of players you anticipate on your server is a crucial factor.
  • For small servers with around 10-20 players, 2-4 GB of RAM is typically sufficient.
  • For medium-sized servers with 20-50 players, aim for 4-8 GB of RAM.
  • Larger servers with 50+ players may require 8 GB or more, depending on the specific circumstances.

3. Account for plugins and mods:​

  • Plugins and mods enhance the gameplay experience but also consume additional resources.
  • Each plugin or mod you add to the server requires some RAM to function.
  • Keep in mind that poorly optimized or resource-intensive plugins/mods may increase RAM usage significantly.
  • As a general rule, allocate an additional 0.5-1 GB of RAM for every 10-20 plugins/mods, but adjust based on their complexity.

4. Consider server optimizations:​

  • Server software, such as Spigot or Paper, provides optimizations to improve performance and reduce RAM usage.
  • These optimizations can vary in effectiveness, so it's essential to test different software versions and configurations.
  • Optimize server settings and consider using plugins like ClearLag to minimize unnecessary resource usage.

5. Plan for network architectures like BungeeCord:​

  • If you're planning to set up a network of Minecraft servers using BungeeCord, consider the RAM allocation for each component.
  • The BungeeCord proxy server itself requires a smaller amount of RAM compared to the individual backend servers.
  • Allocate sufficient RAM for each backend server based on its expected player count, plugins, and mods.
  • Additionally, allocate an appropriate amount of RAM for the BungeeCord proxy server based on the expected number of connected players.

6. Plan for additional services:​

  • If you plan to run additional services alongside your Minecraft server (e.g., website, voice chat), allocate extra RAM for those.
  • These services may require separate Java instances or additional resources, so account for them when calculating RAM requirements.

7. Monitor and adjust:​

  • After setting up your Minecraft server, closely monitor its performance, including RAM usage.
  • Use server management tools or plugins to monitor the server's resource usage in real-time.
  • If you notice performance issues or frequent lag, consider allocating more RAM or optimizing plugins to reduce resource consumption.

Remember, these are general guidelines, and the specific requirements can vary depending on the factors mentioned earlier. It's always a good idea to start with a conservative RAM allocation and adjust it based on your server's performance and the feedback you receive from players.

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