I'm really into building PCs and was thinking about a fun project: creating a budget-friendly server for my friends and me to play Minecraft together. The free hosting options out there seem awful, with limits on rendering only a few chunks. I'd like a setup that could handle at least 4 players with decent performance and viewing distance, and I probably won't be using mods. How much do you think it would cost to build a server like this (I'm open to buying used parts to keep it affordable)? What challenges might I face? Is this even a good idea?
5 Answers
If you're looking for a low-cost option, Oracle Cloud offers free Linux servers! I've run a Minecraft server on one without issues. This way, you can dive in without the hassle of hardware.
Great idea! Believe it or not, even a Raspberry Pi can power a Minecraft server these days. I snagged a used office PC for under $160, and it runs Minecraft without any hitches. Plus, it's a neat way to learn about self-hosting other applications too!
You can get a working setup for around $50-$150 if you opt for an older Intel-based SFF desktop. Just check you have enough RAM and storage. If it’s just for a few players with no mods, it’s totally worth it. A home server opens up possibilities for other projects too, so even if Minecraft doesn’t last long, you'll benefit in the long run.
You should definitely go for it! Check out Hardware Haven on YouTube - they cover Minecraft servers running on budget PCs. It's totally feasible to run a decent server from a home setup. Consider using Tailscale for VPN access; it makes connecting to a LAN-style server super easy!
This isn't a stupid idea at all! I'd recommend looking at surplus university sales where PCs can go as low as $50. You might have to hunt for a hard drive since most surplus PCs don’t come with them. But if you're thinking of just a short Minecraft phase, that's a solid way to keep costs down.
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