When it comes to hosting a game server for PC games, having the right hardware is crucial in ensuring a smooth and enjoyable gaming experience for all players. Whether you’re hosting a small private server for friends or a larger public server for the gaming community, there are certain hardware requirements that you’ll need to meet to ensure optimal performance.

  One popular PC game that requires a powerful server to run smoothly is Ark: Survival Evolved. This open-world survival game features stunning graphics and intense gameplay, which can put a strain on server hardware if not properly configured.

  To host a server for Ark: Survival Evolved for example, you’ll need a dedicated machine with the following hardware requirements:

• Processor: Intel Core i5-2400/AMD FX-8320 or better
• Memory: 8GB RAM
• Storage: 100GB available space
• Network: Broadband Internet connection
• Operating System: Windows 7/8.1/10 (64-bit versions)

  I have had 2 Ark Survival Evolved servers running at the same time, allowing for map transfers, on an old I-4 laptop and had zero problems. 

  IF you are just hosting this for yourself a a couple of friends almost any hardware should work.

  For the average person the following should be fine for a handful of friends

• Any processor within the last 8 years
• 16 GB ram
• 512 GB SSD (mechanical will work) (dedicated just for games)
• Broadband Internet with at least 3MBs UPLOAD
• Windows 10/11 64bit
• NO Dedicated GPU needed

  The good news is, you do not need a dedicated GPU, game servers do not render graphics so you just need something that you can plug in a monitor to, this includes a cpu with integrated graphics.

  Cost is another consideration you should make. For example, if your computer uses 100 watts per hour x 24 hours and you pay 20 cents per kilowatt, your monthly cost to operate will be 14.40 if the server is on for an entire month. For a second example, if you server uses 250 watts x24 hours at the same 20 cents per kilowatt, it will cost 36 dollars a month.

  To figure this out yourself you need to know how many watts your computer is actually using (not what the power supply is rated for).

• (Watts used) x (hours used) / (1000) x (cost per kilowatt) = Cost Per Day
• 100 x 24 = 2400/1000 = 2.4 x .40 = .96 cents per day

Hardware Joy Killers

  Network Bandwidth, You need good UPLOAD speed, anyone connecting to your server will be doing so through upload so you must consider all loads on your network at all times, or other players will have a poor experience.

  The Server will need to be on 24/7 or at least while everyone wants to play.

  In addition to these hardware requirements, it’s also important to consider the number of players you expect to host on your server. The more players you have, the more resources your server will require to handle the increased load. It’s recommended to have a high-speed internet connection with plenty of bandwidth to accommodate multiple players and prevent lag or connectivity issues.

  Overall, hosting a PC game server requires a dedicated machine with the right hardware specifications to ensure a smooth and enjoyable gaming experience for all players. By meeting the hardware requirements for games like Ark: Survival Evolved, you can create a reliable and stable server that will keep players coming back for more.