Quick answer: This guide walks you through the topic step by step with practical examples and configuration tips.
This overview helps you choose the right hardware for your FiveM server – depending on player count and whether you use scripts and MLOs.
Without Scripts and MLOs (Vanilla FiveM)
Vanilla refers to a pure FiveM server without additional scripts, MLOs or EUP. Only the basic FiveM features. The values are guidelines for normal gameplay.
| Players | RAM | CPU |
|---|---|---|
| 1–16 | 4–6 GB | 3 cores at 3.5 GHz+ |
| 16–32 | 6–8 GB | 4 cores at 3.8 GHz+ |
| 32–64 | 8–12 GB | 4–6 cores at 4.0 GHz+ |
| 64–128 | 12–16 GB | 6 cores at 4.2 GHz+ |
| 128+ | 16 GB+ | 6–8 cores at 4.5 GHz+ |
Important: FiveM is based on GTA V and benefits greatly from high single-core performance. A processor with few fast cores is better than one with many slow ones.
With Scripts and MLOs (Realistic Servers)
Most community servers use scripts like ESX or QBCore, MLOs for interiors and EUP for clothing. This consumes significantly more resources. The values apply to typical servers with 50–150 scripts and 20–80 MLOs.
| Players | RAM | CPU |
|---|---|---|
| 1–12 | 8–12 GB | 4 cores at 3.8 GHz+ |
| 12–32 | 12–16 GB | 4–6 cores at 4.0 GHz+ |
| 32–64 | 16–24 GB | 6 cores at 4.2 GHz+ |
| 64–100 | 24–32 GB | 6–8 cores at 4.5 GHz+ |
| 100+ | 32 GB+ | 8 cores at 4.8 GHz+ |
Rule of thumb for scripts and MLOs:
- Plan about 2–3 GB more RAM per 50 scripts
- Plan about 1–2 GB more RAM per 20 MLOs
- Large servers with 200+ scripts and 100+ MLOs often need 16–20 GB RAM even for 32 players
RAM recommendation by framework
| Framework | RAM Impact | Note |
|---|---|---|
| No Framework (Vanilla) | 0% | Base value, no overhead |
| ESX (Legacy) | -30% to -50% | Old but widely used – higher resource consumption |
| QBCore | -20% to -40% | More modern, somewhat more efficient than ESX |
| Qbox (Overextended) | -10% to -25% | More performant, recommended for new servers |
| ox_core | -5% to -15% | Very performant and lean |
Which resources for which server type?
- Vanilla / Freeroam: Little RAM, barely any CPU load – affordable hardware is enough
- RP Server (small): ESX/QBCore with basic scripts – 8–12 GB RAM, mid-range CPU
- RP Server (large): Many scripts, MLOs and EUP – 16–32 GB RAM, strong CPU
- PvP / Arena: Few scripts but many players simultaneously – prioritize CPU
Storage
- Vanilla: 10–20 GB
- With scripts and MLOs: 30–100 GB (depending on amount of MLOs and EUP)
- In general: NVMe SSD is mandatory – HDD makes the server unplayable
Network
- Plan about 1–2 Mbps upload per player
- From 64 players, at least 50 Mbps upload recommended
- DDoS protection is essential for public FiveM servers
Database
- Most scripts use MySQL/MariaDB
- Database should run on the same server or in the same data center
- Separate DB server only necessary from 100+ players
Summary: How to choose the right hardware
- Estimate player count: How many people do you expect simultaneously?
- Choose framework: Qbox or ox_core save resources compared to ESX
- Count scripts and MLOs: The more, the higher the requirements
- CPU: High single-core performance > many cores
- RAM: Better a bit more than too little – full RAM crashes the server
- Storage: NVMe SSD, no HDD