Minecraft is one of the most popular games ever created. No game in history has sold more copies. If you’re a gamer, you’re likely aware of Minecraft, even if you have never played it.
The most enjoyable way to play the game is with your friends. For this to be possible, you first need a server for everyone to connect to.
Minimum Specifications Required to Run a Minecraft Server
A significant advantage of Minecraft is that it can run on low-powered computers. This is also true for running multiplayer servers.
The low spec requirement means there are many options from which to choose when it comes to hardware. The recommended specs are:
- Processor: Intel or AMD, two cores, 2GHz
- RAM: 3GB for up to five players. 8GB for larger player pools.
- OS: Windows, Mac, or Linux
- Free Disk Space: 18GB for up to five players. 35GB for larger player pools.
Recommended Mini PCs for Minecraft Servers
We tried to cover a wide range of needs with our selections. We recognize that some people will only ever want to play with two or three other players, while others will want to play with as many as possible.
Best Overall Mini PC
CyberGeek Nano J1 Linux Mini PC – This mini PC runs Ubuntu Linux as its operating system. Most Minecraft servers run on Linux. If you’re unfamiliar with this operating system, it’s easy to learn and worthwhile. Linux is very lightweight and will not use many of your system’s resources.
The processor is a powerful quad-core Intel, with boost speeds up to 2.9GHz. With 8GB of RAM, you can fill up your server with as many players as you can find. You can also upgrade it to 16GB of RAM, which is likely more than you need.
The 128GB SSD provides plenty of storage. You can even create several backups without worrying about running low.
Best Mini Windows PC
UXX 2023 Mini PC N5095 – This mini PC runs Windows 11 Pro. Minecraft Servers running on Windows are less common, but they’re just as capable as their Linux counterparts. The Intel Celeron processor isn’t quite as powerful as Intel Core models, but it’s still more than powerful enough to run a Minecraft server.
The 8GB of RAM will ensure your system doesn’t get bogged down and will run smoothly during your gaming session. Invite all your friends without taking a performance hit.
The UXX 2023 Mini PC comes equipped with a whopping 256GB of storage. This is much more than you will ever need, but it’s nice to know you have extra, just in case.
Best Budget Mini PC
UXX Newest Mini PC N3350 – This is essentially a lower-spec version of the previous mini PC. It also runs Windows 10 instead of Windows 11.
Some people just need a server for a few friends. There’s no sense in spending extra money on things you don’t need. This PC is powerful enough to give you and some friends countless hours of fun.
The processor is perfectly adequate, with boost speeds up to 2.4GHz, and its 6GB of RAM can handle up to seven players without breaking a sweat. 64GB of storage is more than double what you’ll need for a seven-player server.
Have Fun Playing Minecraft
Now that you know some of the best mini PCs to run Minecraft servers, the next step is to set everything up. If you want an in-depth guide, you can check here. With the knowledge gained today, you’re ready to get your server up and running. Happy mining!
