RedM Server Hosting: The Complete Requirements Guide
Introduction
Setting up a RedM server requires careful consideration of hardware requirements and hosting options. This guide will help you make informed decisions based on your server's expected size and type.
Basic Requirements
Minimum Requirements
- Operating System: Windows Server 2019 or Linux (Ubuntu 20.04 recommended)
- CPU: 4 cores @ 3.0+ GHz
- RAM: 8GB DDR4
- Storage: 50GB SSD
- Network: 100 Mbps
- Ports: TCP/UDP 30120 and 40120
Recommended Base Requirements
- Operating System: Windows Server 2022 or Ubuntu 22.04
- CPU: 6 cores @ 3.5+ GHz
- RAM: 16GB DDR4
- Storage: 100GB NVMe SSD
- Network: 1 Gbps
- Ports: TCP/UDP 30120 and 40120
Server Sizes and Requirements
Small Server (Up to 32 Players)
Specifications:
- CPU: 4-6 cores @ 3.0+ GHz
- RAM: 8-12GB
- Storage: 50GB SSD
- Network: 100 Mbps
- Estimated Cost: $15-30/month
Ideal for:
- Testing environments
- Small communities
- Basic roleplay servers
Medium Server (32-64 Players)
Specifications:
- CPU: 6-8 cores @ 3.5+ GHz
- RAM: 16-24GB
- Storage: 100GB NVMe SSD
- Network: 1 Gbps
- Estimated Cost: $40-60/month
Ideal for:
- Established communities
- Standard roleplay servers
- Servers with moderate script load
Large Server (64-128 Players)
Specifications:
- CPU: 8+ cores @ 4.0+ GHz
- RAM: 32GB+
- Storage: 200GB+ NVMe SSD
- Network: 1 Gbps
- Estimated Cost: $80-120/month
Ideal for:
- Large communities
- Heavy script usage
- Complex roleplay systems
Resource Usage Guidelines
RAM Usage Breakdown
Base System: ~4GB
OneSync: ~2GB
Per 32 Players: ~4GB
Basic Scripts: ~2GB
Complex Scripts: ~4-8GB
Example for 64 Players:
Base (4GB) + OneSync (2GB) + Players (8GB) + Scripts (4GB) = 18GB minimum
Storage Requirements
Base Installation: ~20GB
Standard Resource Pack: ~10GB
Custom Resources: ~5-20GB
Database: ~5-10GB
Logs and Updates: ~10GB
Recommended Extra Space: 50% of total usage
Hosting Options
Dedicated Game Server Providers
Advantages:
- Easy setup
- Managed services
- DDoS protection
- Technical support
- Optimized for gaming
Disadvantages:
- Higher cost
- Less control
- Limited customization
Recommended Providers:
- ZAP Hosting
- GTXGaming
- Host Havoc
Virtual Private Servers (VPS)
Advantages:
- Lower cost
- Full control
- Customization options
- Multiple uses
Disadvantages:
- Manual setup required
- Technical knowledge needed
- Self-managed security
Recommended Providers:
- OVH
- Vultr
- DigitalOcean
Dedicated Servers
Advantages:
- Maximum performance
- Complete control
- No resource sharing
- Best for large servers
Disadvantages:
- Highest cost
- Complex management
- Technical expertise required
Recommended Providers:
- OVH
- Hetzner
- Psychz
Setup Recommendations
Basic Server (32 Players)
# server.cfg example
sets sv_enforceGameBuild 1436
set sv_maxclients 32
set onesync on
set mysql_slow_query_warning 100
Resource Management
Recommended Startup Order:
1. Core Resources
2. Database
3. Framework
4. Essential Scripts
5. Additional Scripts
Memory Allocation:
- Set explicit memory limits
- Monitor usage patterns
- Plan for peaks
Performance Optimization
Script Optimization
-- Example resource metadata
resource_manifest_version '44febabe-d386-4d18-afbe-5e627f4af937'
-- Recommended settings
fx_version 'cerulean'
game 'rdr3'
rdr3_warning 'I acknowledge that this is a prerelease build.'
-- Resource dependencies
dependencies {
'mysql-async',
'spawnmanager'
}
Database Optimization
-- Example MySQL configuration
innodb_buffer_pool_size = 4G
innodb_log_file_size = 512M
max_connections = 100
Cost Considerations
Monthly Cost Estimates
Small Server (32 Players)
Game Server Provider: $25-35/month
VPS: $20-30/month
Dedicated: Not recommended
Medium Server (64 Players)
Game Server Provider: $45-65/month
VPS: $40-50/month
Dedicated: $80-100/month
Large Server (128 Players)
Game Server Provider: $90-120/month
VPS: Not recommended
Dedicated: $120-200/month
Additional Costs
DDoS Protection: $10-30/month
Backup Storage: $5-20/month
Control Panel: $8-15/month
Domain Name: $10-15/year
Best Practices and Tips
Resource Management
- Start with essential resources only
- Monitor resource usage
- Implement resource start order
- Regular cleanup of old data
Backup Strategy
Daily Backups:
- Database
- Server configuration
- Custom resources
- Player data
Retention Policy:
- Daily: 7 days
- Weekly: 4 weeks
- Monthly: 3 months
Monitoring
Key Metrics to Monitor:
- CPU usage
- RAM usage
- Network latency
- Script execution time
- Database query times
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Performance Issues
Check:
- Resource monitor usage
- Script timings
- Network latency
- Database query times
Memory Leaks
Monitor:
- Memory usage over time
- Individual resource usage
- Server restart requirements
Conclusion
Choosing the right hosting solution for your RedM server depends on several factors:
- Expected player count
- Script complexity
- Budget constraints
- Technical expertise
- Growth plans
Always plan for:
- 20-30% extra capacity
- Regular maintenance
- Backup solutions
- DDoS protection
- Future expansion
Additional Resources
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