Can my PC run it?
Decide whether the PC, storage and network are a sensible fit.
Beginner checklist#
- A 64-bit x86-64 Intel or AMD desktop or laptop. ARM-only machines are not the target of this guide.
- A reasonably modern CPU. Minecraft cares heavily about single-core speed, so a newer four-core chip can beat an older many-core workstation.
- 8 GB RAM is a practical beginner target; 16 GB is comfortable for many friend groups.
- An SSD with enough room for the operating system, worlds and backups. ZimaOS itself requires additional installation space.
- Wired Ethernet when possible. Wi-Fi works, but adds another source of latency and dropouts.
- Router access and ideally an external backup drive. An 8 GB+ USB stick, monitor and keyboard are needed only if you choose the ZimaOS installation path.
Realistic starting points#
| System RAM | Sensible expectation |
|---|---|
| 4 GB | Very limited. Small vanilla test only; Windows, ZimaOS, Ubuntu and panels need memory too. |
| 8 GB | Small Paper or lightweight Fabric server, usually 2–6 players. |
| 16 GB | Good starting point for most friend groups and moderate Fabric use. |
| 32 GB+ | Helpful for heavy packs or several services, but extra RAM does not fix a slow CPU. |
The player numbers are estimates, not promises. Exploration, farms, entities, world generation, mods and CPU generation all matter.
Storage and network#
An HDD can run Minecraft, but chunk loading, saving and backups compete for the same mechanical disk. An SSD makes the whole system feel more responsive. Keep at least 15–20% free space and place an important backup on another physical device.
Ethernet does not increase the server’s CPU speed, but it removes Wi-Fi interference. For friends outside your home, your upload speed and latency matter more than headline download speed.
Use the private checker#
Open the interactive hardware checker. It asks about RAM, storage, players and workload, then gives a cautious estimate entirely in your browser. For the CPU, search its exact model and compare single-core performance—not just core count or clock number.