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There is no universal official CPU or RAM minimum for a Garry’s Mod dedicated server. Facepunch’s server documentation explains installation, launch options and hosting operations, but it does not publish a numeric hardware baseline. The 4 GB minimum and 8 GB recommended memory figures shown on Steam are for running the Garry’s Mod client, not for operating a dedicated server.

Your actual server needs depend on player slots, gamemode, map, addons, Workshop collections, content-delivery method and how many other services share the machine. You can self-host on Windows or Linux, or rent a managed game server; either way, size the allocation for your workload rather than treating a commercial plan or the client requirements as an official server specification.

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What the official requirements do—and do not—say

Facepunch’s dedicated-server documentation covers the software and operational prerequisites, not a player-count-to-hardware chart. In the official pages reviewed, there is no guaranteed minimum such as “one CPU core” or “2 GB of RAM” for every Garry’s Mod server. Disk space is described operationally: you need enough room for the server files and the content you install.

Figure or requirement Scope How to use it
4 GB RAM minimum Valve/Steam Garry’s Mod client listing, accessed in 2026 Applies to a computer running the game client; it is not a dedicated-server recommendation.
8 GB RAM recommended Valve/Steam Garry’s Mod client listing, accessed in 2026 Also a client figure, not a server-sizing target.
CPU, RAM and disk baseline for a dedicated server Facepunch hosting guidance No universal numeric threshold is published. Allocation must match the selected content and workload.
SteamCMD application ID 4020 Facepunch dedicated-server installation procedure Use this app ID when downloading or updating the dedicated-server files.

That distinction matters because a server does not render the 3D game for every player. It runs simulation, networking, scripts and content services, while each player’s computer handles the client-side graphics workload. Copying the Steam client’s memory or graphics requirements into a server plan can therefore overstate or misstate what the server needs.

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CPU requirements: focus on simulation workload

Facepunch does not identify a required processor model, clock speed or core count for a dedicated server. A meaningful CPU choice starts with the work your instance will perform, not with the client specification.

Variables that increase CPU demand

  • Concurrent players: A higher player cap creates more networked entities and simulation work.
  • Gamemode: Script-heavy modes can execute substantially more server-side logic than a lightly modified sandbox session.
  • Maps and entities: Large maps, physics activity and many spawned entities add simulation and networking work.
  • Addons and scripts: Poorly optimized or constantly running scripts can consume processor time even when the map appears quiet.
  • Other services: Web panels, databases, backups or unrelated applications sharing the host compete for CPU time.

Because those variables differ from one community to another, an official “CPU for 20 players” number would be misleading without a defined map, addon set and test method. Treat any processor figure advertised by a host as that host’s commercial allocation or performance policy, not as a Facepunch certification.

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What to check on a self-hosted machine

Use a processor with enough sustained capacity for the server process and leave headroom for the operating system and maintenance tasks. During a representative session, observe whether one or more cores remain saturated, whether server ticks become irregular, and whether the operating system reports contention from other processes. Test with the actual gamemode, map and Workshop collection you intend to run; an empty test map cannot validate a heavily scripted public server.

RAM requirements: why the client numbers do not transfer

The Steam listing’s 4 GB minimum and 8 GB recommended figures describe the Garry’s Mod client. They do not establish how much memory a dedicated server consumes, and Facepunch does not publish a universal dedicated-server RAM number in the cited hosting guidance.

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What uses server memory

  • Base server binaries and loaded game data.
  • Maps, textures and other installed content.
  • Lua addons, gamemode code and their in-memory state.
  • Workshop collections and custom resources loaded by the server.
  • Operating-system services and any additional software on the machine.

A small private server with a limited addon set may have very different memory behavior from a public server running an extensive collection. Memory usage can also grow during a long uptime if an addon leaks or retains objects. For that reason, select an allocation that leaves operating-system headroom and verify it under the workload you will actually host.

A practical way to size memory

  1. Install the intended gamemode, map and addons rather than testing only the unmodified base game.
  2. Run a session at the planned player cap, including normal spawn, combat and map-transition activity.
  3. Record total memory use and the highest observed value over a sustained period.
  4. Leave additional capacity for the operating system, updates, logging and short-lived spikes.
  5. Recheck after adding major Workshop collections or changing gamemodes.

This process produces a workload-specific figure. It is more defensible than converting the client’s 4 GB or 8 GB values into a server promise.

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Storage, Workshop content and network considerations

Facepunch’s Linux guidance says to have enough disk space for the content you install, but it does not give a universal gigabyte requirement. The base server, maps, addons, Workshop files, logs and backups all consume storage. A server that delivers custom content to players may need additional space for those files and for the chosen delivery method.

Content decisions that affect capacity

  • Workshop collections: Collections specified at startup can add many downloadable items and increase both disk use and update time.
  • Custom content delivery: Facepunch documents more than one way to serve content. Your selected method affects where files live and how clients obtain them.
  • Logs and backups: Retention policies can eventually consume more disk than the initial installation if they are not managed.
  • Update staging: Leave room for downloaded updates and temporary files instead of filling the filesystem to its limit.

Network capacity is likewise workload-dependent. The server must maintain a stable connection for player traffic and content delivery, while the host’s location affects latency. When comparing a rented plan, check the advertised region, network protections and any bandwidth or transfer policy rather than assuming every plan behaves the same way.

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Installing a dedicated server on Windows or Linux

Facepunch’s official procedure supports Windows and Linux. The Linux instructions assume comfort with a terminal and SteamCMD. Facepunch also notes that macOS dedicated-server builds are no longer shipped, so a current macOS installation is not an officially supported deployment path.

  1. Choose the operating system and machine. Use Windows or Linux, and reserve enough disk for the base files plus your planned content.
  2. Install SteamCMD. This is the tool Facepunch uses to download and update the dedicated-server files.
  3. Select application ID 4020. Install the Garry’s Mod dedicated-server app with that ID, then repeat the update operation whenever you need newer server files.
  4. Launch the Source server executable. On Linux, the guide uses srcds_run; Windows uses the corresponding Source dedicated-server executable.
  5. Set the launch parameters. Specify the game, player cap, gamemode and map. The Linux launch form is represented by srcds_run -game garrysmod +maxplayers <slots> +map <map_name>; use the exact syntax and options in the current Facepunch guide for your platform.
  6. Add Workshop content if required. A collection can be selected at startup, after which the server downloads and loads the required items.
  7. Apply configuration and test privately. Confirm that the selected map, gamemode and addons load, then test player connections before opening the server publicly.

The installation steps get the process running; they do not determine a universal hardware size. Reassess CPU, memory and disk after the real content is installed.

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Steam Game Server Login Tokens (GSLT)

Facepunch says Garry’s Mod servers should use a Steam Game Server Login Token. Configure the token with sv_setsteamaccount when you want the server to appear publicly. Facepunch’s token documentation states that servers without a token receive a severe server-list ranking penalty and that every server should have its own unique token.

  • Create a separate token for each server instance.
  • Keep the token private; do not publish it in screenshots, tutorials or public configuration repositories.
  • Set the token in the server configuration or launch process as directed by Facepunch, then restart and verify the listing.
  • If you replace or migrate a server, update the configuration without reusing one token across multiple independent servers.

A token improves listing eligibility and ranking, but it does not replace network, content or hardware planning.

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Self-hosting versus renting a game server

Both approaches can run the same dedicated-server software. The difference is who operates the underlying machine and network.

Decision area Self-hosting Renting from a provider
Machine responsibility You supply, secure and maintain the computer. The provider operates the physical or virtual host.
Installation and updates You install SteamCMD, apply updates and manage files. A control panel or support team may simplify these tasks, but you still choose when and what to update.
Connectivity You are responsible for the internet connection, firewall and reachability. The provider supplies a datacenter connection; region and network policy vary by plan.
Customization Full control over operating system, files and supporting services. Control depends on file access, panel restrictions and the provider’s addon policy.
Backups and recovery You design and test your own backup process. Backups may be included, optional or excluded; verify retention and restoration terms.
Cost model Uses your hardware, electricity and connection capacity. Uses a recurring plan price that can change at renewal.

When self-hosting is sensible

Self-hosting suits an operator who already has a reliable machine and connection, wants complete file access, and is comfortable handling Linux or Windows administration, updates, security and troubleshooting. It is also useful for a private test server where occasional downtime is acceptable.

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When renting is sensible

A rented server can be preferable when you need a datacenter location, public availability, support or a panel that handles common operations. It removes much of the physical-machine maintenance, but it does not eliminate decisions about slots, addons, updates, backups or configuration.

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How to compare hosting plans without mistaking marketing for requirements

Provider plans are commercial specifications, not independent benchmarks or official Garry’s Mod requirements. Offers change, so verify the live plan before committing and record whether a figure is dedicated, shared or subject to a performance policy.

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  1. Player slots: Confirm the included cap and whether increasing it changes the price or allocation.
  2. CPU policy: Look for an explicit allocation or fair-use description instead of relying on a processor brand name alone.
  3. Memory and storage: Check the actual limits, storage type and whether Workshop files, backups and logs count against the quota.
  4. Location and network protection: Pick a region close to your players and review mitigation, port and bandwidth policies.
  5. Workshop and FastDL support: Verify that the panel and file system support your content-delivery method and collection workflow.
  6. File access and automation: Confirm FTP, console, restart scheduling and update controls if you need them.
  7. Backups and support: Read backup frequency, retention, restore procedure and support hours rather than assuming they are included.
  8. Price and renewal: Distinguish introductory pricing from the recurring rate and check limits that apply after a plan change.

A workload-first sizing checklist

Use this checklist before buying hardware or a plan:

  • Define the maximum concurrent players, not just the community’s current average.
  • List the gamemode, maps, addons and Workshop collections that will be active together.
  • Decide whether the server will share a machine with databases, panels, backups or other services.
  • Reserve disk for installed content, updates, logs and backups.
  • Choose a Windows or Linux deployment; do not plan on a shipped macOS dedicated-server build.
  • Install through SteamCMD with app ID 4020 and test the actual configuration.
  • Measure CPU and memory during a representative busy session, then leave headroom.
  • Configure a unique GSLT before public listing and protect the token.
  • Re-test after major addon, map or player-cap changes.

Common mistakes and fixes

Using the Steam client requirements as server requirements

Symptom: A plan is chosen solely because it has 4 GB or 8 GB of RAM. Fix: Treat those values as client figures and measure the dedicated server with its real content.

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Buying by player slots alone

Symptom: A large slot count is advertised without clear CPU or memory allocation. Fix: Ask for the resource policy and test the intended gamemode, map and addons.

Ignoring Workshop and custom-content storage

Symptom: The base server starts, but updates or collection downloads fill the disk. Fix: Include installed content, temporary update space, logs and backups in the capacity calculation.

Reusing one login token

Symptom: Multiple servers share a token or the token appears in public documentation. Fix: issue one private token per server and rotate configuration safely when migrating.

Opening a public server before testing

Symptom: Players encounter missing content, crashes or unstable performance immediately after launch. Fix: test the exact map, gamemode, collection and launch parameters privately, then monitor a realistic session before advertising the address.

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Bottom line for choosing a server

Facepunch provides a supported installation path and token guidance, not a universal RAM or CPU minimum. Start with the workload, install the intended content, measure resource use under realistic activity and keep headroom for the operating system and maintenance. Self-host when you want full control and can operate the machine; rent when datacenter connectivity, support and managed infrastructure are worth the recurring cost. In either case, compare real allocations and features, not the Garry’s Mod client requirements or a provider’s slot label alone.

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