BeamNG.drive’s desktop requirements are not the same as BeamMP server requirements. The game client lists 16 GB of RAM minimum and 32 GB recommended, while the BeamMP multiplayer server documentation describes a lightweight service needing roughly 30–100 MiB of usable memory, a CPU faster than 1 GHz (multicore preferred), no dedicated graphics card and 5–10 Mb/s of upload bandwidth. Those BeamMP figures are minimum estimates, not guaranteed specifications for a particular player count, map or mod collection.
This guide separates the client from the server, explains what the published numbers mean, and shows how to choose between hosting at home and using a VPS.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsBeamNG.drive client requirements versus BeamMP server requirements
BeamNG.drive is the game each participant runs on a computer. BeamMP is the multiplayer server software that coordinates a shared session. A host may run the server on a separate machine, on the same computer as the game, or on a rented VPS, but every player still needs hardware capable of running the BeamNG.drive client.
BeamNG’s official system-requirements page, last modified October 2, 2025, lists 16 GB RAM minimum and 32 GB RAM recommended for the game client. The page also warns that “BeamNG.drive can use a lot of RAM (+16GB).” These figures describe the desktop game, not the memory consumed by a headless BeamMP server. They should not be used as a server-sizing rule.
#1 Best Overall
- Office Gaming Mini PC - UPGRADED GMKtec Nucbox M5 Ultra Series is equipped with the powerful AMD Ryzen 7 7730U processor, 8 Cores/16 Threads, Base 2.00GHz (Power Saving Quiet Mode) with Turbo Boost up to 4.50GHz (Performance Mode) in BIOS settings, Based on the ZEN 3+ architecture, this small but powerful mini pc delivers satisfying results in productivity, office work, and gaming. 35% Performance increase over AMD Ryzen 5 7430U/ Ryzen 7 5700U, 5600U, 5560U, 5500U.
- 16GB DDR4 RAM & 256GB PCIe SSD - Installed with DDR4 16GB RAM (1x16GB), the Nucbox M5 Ultra mini pc support expansion to 64GB RAM. Featured with 256GB M.2 2280 PCIe 3.0 SSD, support dual slot expansion to 4TB SSD. (Upgrades not included)
- DUAL NIC LAN 2.5G RJ45 - Fast Network Speeds: Enjoy up to 2500Mbps data transmission speed without worrying about lagging. Ideal for working, gaming, and surfing the internet. Great for Untangle, Pfsense or as a server office PC.
- Mini Desktop Computer with 4K Triple Screen Display - Nucbox M5 Ultra integrates AMD Radeon Graphics 8 Cores 2000 MHz GPU to deliver powerful graphics processing power to easily handle the demands of complex design software, 4K@60Hz UHD video editing, and playback. It can connect to 3 display screens simultaneously.
- Fast Internet WiFi 6E + BT5.2 Connection - GMKtec Mini PC with WiFi-6E Wireless, have 2.5G/5G/6G triple band, more faster and lower latency. Bluetooth 5.2 allowing you more quickly to connect other wireless devices (headset, mouse, keyboard, etc.) Interface features 2*USB3.2 ports, 2*USB2.0 ports, 1*HDMI 2.0 port(4K@60Hz), 1*USB-C port(PD/DP/DATA), 1*DP Port, 1*Audio 3.5mm (HP&MIC), 1*DC Power Port.
BeamMP’s own documents publish much smaller server figures. The FAQ says the server needs more than 50 MiB of usable RAM, excluding operating-system overhead. The BeamMP-Server README gives a broader estimate of 30–100 MiB of usable RAM, also excluding the operating system. The README explicitly calls these values “guesstimated” and says they can change with each release. The difference between the two documents is another reason to treat them as a floor rather than a performance guarantee.
In practical terms, a machine can be entirely suitable for a BeamMP server while being unsuitable for playing BeamNG.drive locally. Conversely, a gaming PC with 32 GB of RAM can run a server, but its gaming hardware is not required merely to host one.
Published BeamMP server requirements
| Resource | BeamMP FAQ minimum | BeamMP-Server README estimate | How to interpret it |
|---|---|---|---|
| Usable RAM | 50+ MiB, excluding operating-system overhead | 30–100 MiB, excluding operating-system overhead | Both are minimum estimates; reserve additional memory for the operating system and other services. |
| CPU | Above 1 GHz; multicore preferred | Above 1 GHz; preferably multicore | A multicore processor is the safer choice, but no specific model or generation is officially recommended. |
| GPU | Not required | Not required | The server software does not need a dedicated gaming graphics card. |
| Upload bandwidth | 5–10 Mb/s | 5–10 Mb/s | This is the published server estimate; the documents do not provide a per-player formula. |
| Operating system | Windows or Linux | Windows or Linux | BeamMP documentation describes native operation on both platforms. |
“Usable RAM” in these documents is not the same as the total memory installed in a computer. Windows or Linux, background services, monitoring tools, logs and any other applications consume memory first. Do not interpret 50 MiB as a recommendation to buy a machine with only that amount of physical RAM.
The official material does not publish a recommended CPU, RAM capacity or bandwidth target for a given number of players. It also does not establish separate specifications for a large map, a heavily scripted map or a mod-heavy session. A minimum that works for a small test server may not provide the same margin under a busy session.
How much RAM does a BeamNG server need?
The documented floor
For BeamMP itself, plan around the documented range of 30–100 MiB of usable memory, while treating the FAQ’s 50+ MiB figure as another statement of the minimum. These numbers describe the server process and exclude the operating system. They are not a promise that every release, map or mod will stay within the same range.
Rank #2
- 【AMD Ryzen 5 3501U Mini PC For Enhanced Daily Performance】Powered by AMD Ryzen 5 3501U processor with 4 cores and 8 threads, this mini pc provides responsive performance for office applications, home entertainment, online learning, media playback, and everyday computing.
- 【16GB Memory & 512GB Storage With Expansion Options】Built with 16GB DDR4 RAM and 512GB PCIe 3.0 NVMe SSD, this mini computer provides more space for applications, files, videos, and daily content. Upgrade memory up to 32GB, expand SSD storage up to 2TB, or add a 2.5-inch HDD.
- 【Flexible Small Desktop Computer For Home Applications】This small desktop computer is designed for home office, streaming, personal server setups, digital entertainment, and light gaming. The upgraded memory helps support smoother operation when using more applications.
- 【Triple Display Setup & Flexible Connectivity】Dual HDMI ports and a full-function USB-C port support up to three displays. This micro pc offers convenient connectivity with WiFi 6, Bluetooth 5.3, Gigabit Ethernet, and multiple USB ports.
- 【Compact Mini Desktop With Space-Saving Design】Measuring only 5.0 × 4.4 × 1.6 inches, this small pc saves valuable desk space. VESA mount support allows installation behind compatible monitors, making it suitable for home offices and compact workspaces.
Why installed RAM must be higher
Your host needs enough physical memory for the operating system and anything else running on it. A home server may also run remote administration, backups, security software, a web panel or other services. A VPS may include memory used by its management layer. Leave headroom instead of allocating the entire machine to the BeamMP process.
Client memory is a separate decision
Each player’s computer must meet BeamNG.drive’s client requirements independently. The official figures are 16 GB minimum and 32 GB recommended, with a warning that the game can use substantial RAM. If you host and play on one PC, size that computer for the game first; the small BeamMP process is an additional workload, not a replacement for the client requirement.
What CPU do you need?
BeamMP’s published guidance requires a processor above 1 GHz and prefers multiple cores. That is a low minimum, not a performance target for every scenario. The documentation does not identify a recommended Intel, AMD, ARM or virtual CPU model, nor does it map processor capacity to player count.
A multicore processor is a sensible choice for an always-on host because it leaves room for the server, the operating system and maintenance tasks to run together. A modern mini PC can be a practical home option, but no particular model or specification has been endorsed by BeamMP. Check that the device can run a supported Windows or Linux installation and remain stable under continuous operation.
If you intend to play BeamNG.drive on the same machine, the game client’s CPU and graphics demands become the limiting factors. The BeamMP server’s low CPU minimum should not be used to judge gaming performance.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Rank #3
- POWERED BY RTX 5070 12GB + RYZEN 7 9700X - The GeForce RTX 5070 12GB GDDR7 graphics card pairs with an 8-core AMD Ryzen 7 9700X processor to drive smooth 1440p and 4K gameplay, giving this gaming PC the headroom for modern titles, streaming, and creative work.
- 32GB DDR5 6000MHz MEMORY & 1TB NVMe SSD - 32GB of high-speed DDR5 memory and a 1TB PCIe 4.0 NVMe solid state drive deliver quick load times, smooth multitasking, and generous storage, keeping this prebuilt gaming desktop responsive under heavy workloads.
- BUILT-IN 11.3-INCH Smart DISPLAY - An integrated smart screen shows real-time CPU and GPU temperatures, usage, and weather while you play, adding a distinctive and functional touch to your battlestation.
- 850W 80+ GOLD POWER SUPPLY, 360MM LIQUID COOLING & WiFi 7 - An 850W 80 Plus Gold certified power supply provides stable, efficient power with headroom for future upgrades, while a 360mm AIO liquid cooler, WiFi 7, and an ARGB mid-tower case keep the Ryzen 7 CPU cool and connected in a clean build.
- READY TO PLAY OUT OF THE BOX - Arrives fully assembled and tested with Windows 11 Home pre-installed, so your prebuilt gaming computer is ready to set up in minutes. Assembled in the USA, and backed by a one-year limited warranty and lifetime free technical support.
Can you run a BeamMP server without a graphics card?
Yes. A dedicated GPU is not listed as a BeamMP server requirement. A server-only Windows or Linux machine can therefore use integrated graphics or no active graphics adapter, provided you can install, configure and administer the operating system. The game clients still require their own graphics hardware according to BeamNG.drive’s client requirements.
Removing the GPU requirement can reduce the cost, power draw and heat of an always-on host. It does not remove the need for reliable storage, cooling, a supported operating system and a network connection that permits incoming traffic.
Bandwidth and network reachability
What the 5–10 Mb/s figure means
BeamMP’s FAQ and README list 5–10 Mb/s of upload bandwidth. The documents do not state a player-by-player calculation or guarantee that the same figure is sufficient for every map, mod or session. Treat it as the published minimum estimate and verify that your connection can sustain it while other household traffic is active.
Upload capacity matters because the server sends session data to connected players. A fast download plan does not compensate for a restricted upstream connection. If your ISP advertises asymmetric service, check the upload rate specifically.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Port forwarding for a home server
Players outside your household need to reach the server through your router and firewall. BeamMP’s FAQ identifies 30814 as the default port, but the value in your configuration is authoritative. Forward that configured port for both TCP and UDP, and allow the server application through the host firewall.
Rank #4
- VALUE & PERFORMANCE MINI PC - GMKtec Nucbox M6 Ultra Series is equipped with the powerful AMD Ryzen 5 7640HS processor. This CPU is an upper mid-range processor (APU) of the Phoenix product family. It has 6 SMT-enabled Zen 4 cores (12 threads) running at 4.3 GHz base speed to turbo boost 5.0 GHz.With a TDP Boost of 45W-60W, the Ryzen 7640HS CPU is more energy efficient and delivers a 30% Performance increase over previous AMD Ryzen 7 6800H, 6600U.
- 32GB DDR5 RAM & 1TB PCIe SSD - Installed with DDR5 32GB RAM SO-DIMM Dual Channel (2x16GB), the Nucbox M6 Ultra mini pc support expansion to 128GB RAM. Featured with 1TB M.2 2280 PCIe 3.0 SSD, support dual slot expansion to PCIe 4.0 8TB SSD. (Upgrades not included)
- GAMING PC - The Radeon 760M iGPU has 8 CUs (512 shaders) running at up to 2,600 MHz. This desktop computer can play moderate gaming at a steady FPS, it also HW-encodes and HW-decodes the most widely used video codecs such as AV1, HEVC and AVC.
- DUAL NIC LAN 2.5G RJ45 - Fast Network Speeds: Enjoy up to 2500Mbps data transmission speed without worrying about lagging. Ideal for working, gaming, and surfing the internet. Great for Untangle, Pfsense or as a server office PC.
- TRIPLE 4K DISPLAY - Unlock unparalleled productivity with support for three simultaneous displays, including a stunning 8K@60Hz via USB4, plus 4K@60Hz through both HDMI 2.0 and DisplayPort, transforming your workspace into a command center for multitasking and immersive entertainment.
Forwarding only one protocol can produce confusing partial failures: the process appears to be running locally, yet friends cannot see or join it. Confirm that the router rule points to the host’s current local IP address; a changed DHCP lease can silently invalidate an otherwise correct rule.
CGNAT and mobile connections
Some internet providers place customers behind carrier-grade NAT (CGNAT) instead of assigning a dedicated public IPv4 address. BeamMP’s FAQ says port forwarding may be impossible in that situation. It also lists mobile 4G and 5G connections as connections that do not support port forwarding. If your router’s “WAN” address is private or does not match the address shown by an external address-checking service, ask your ISP whether inbound IPv4 access is available.
Windows Errors? Fix Them Before They Spread
Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallOutdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchWhen the ISP cannot provide reachable inbound connectivity, changing the local firewall rule will not solve the problem. Use a VPS or another hosting arrangement with a public, routable address instead.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Home hosting or VPS hosting?
| Consideration | Home machine | VPS or hosted server |
|---|---|---|
| Upfront cost | Uses hardware you already own or must purchase. | Usually avoids buying a host but creates an ongoing hosting charge; current prices are not established here. |
| Network access | Requires inbound reachability, router port forwarding and firewall configuration for outside players. | Normally provides a public data-center connection; exact networking depends on the service. |
| Control | Full control of hardware, operating system, files and physical access. | Control is limited to the virtual machine and the host’s service policies. |
| Maintenance | You handle updates, power, cooling, backups and outages. | The provider handles physical infrastructure; you still administer the operating system and BeamMP installation. |
| Availability | Depends on household power, router uptime and ISP service. | Designed for data-center availability, but uptime guarantees vary by provider. |
When home hosting makes sense
Choose a home host when you already have an always-on computer, your ISP permits inbound IPv4 connections and you are comfortable managing router and firewall rules. A low-power multicore mini PC is a reasonable form factor for this role. Keep it updated, place it where ventilation is adequate and avoid exposing unrelated services to the internet.
When a VPS is easier
A VPS avoids opening a port on your household router and is useful when CGNAT, mobile internet or household uptime makes self-hosting impractical. BeamMP’s setup documentation discusses VPS hosting and references partnered hosting services, but provider names, prices and current partnership terms should be verified directly before purchase. The VPS still needs operating-system updates, BeamMP configuration, authentication and monitoring.
Best Value
- PREMIUM GAMING PC MINI COMPUTER - The Nucbox M7 Ultra Mini PC is a small form factor Desktop Micro Mini Computer with an AMD Ryzen 7 PRO 6850U (8C/16T 2.70Ghz Base speed with Turbo speed up to 4.7Ghz) processor. The GPU is integrated with a powerful AMD Radeon 680M 12 Cores Graphics Card; performance is almost close to that of a full NVIDIA GTX 1050 Ti. Coupled with the support of FSR 3.0+ technology, the computer can handle heavy computing tasks and AAA gaming
- MINI PC COMPUTER SUPPORTS QUAD SCREEN 8K DISPLAY - Nucbox M7 Ultra gaming pc is equipped with Dual USB4 USB-C Video output. The latest HDMI 2.1 port can connect to large screen TV and Display Monitors and output up to 8K@60Hz resolution. The Type-C DisplayPort Video output can connect to the latest monitor displays utilizing 4K@144Hz. Features simultaneous four screen display
- OCULINK PORT - The M7 Ultra Oculink port enables higher bandwidth capabilities, better frame rates and lower lag. The standard also operates at PCIe x4 speeds, compared to Thunderbolt's x3. Gamers and content creators can benefit from OCuLink's higher bandwidth, resulting in better performance and lower lag for eGPU setups
- UPGRADED DUAL COOLING FANS - Our new Hyper Ice Chamber 2.0 design uses larger top and bottom cooling fans with 360 degrees in and out air flow. The copper base keeps the fan cool and we have lowered the fan noise down to 35dB in Quiet mode
- THREE PERFORMANCE MODES UPDATED UEFI - The M7 Ultra mini computer features an all new BIOS update with three performance modes (Quiet 35W, Balance 50W, or Performance 65W-70W). VRAM Allocation is also possible with Auto Power On, Wake-on-LAN options available
Basic BeamMP hosting setup
- Choose the host. Select a Windows or Linux machine with a multicore CPU where possible. If it will also run BeamNG.drive, meet the game client’s separate requirements.
- Install the BeamMP server software. Follow the current BeamMP setup instructions for your operating system and keep the server files in a location you can back up.
- Configure the server. Edit
ServerConfig.tomlfor the port and other server settings. Record the configured port rather than assuming the default. - Set authentication and listing options. The setup guide describes server authentication keys for public listing. Protect the key as you would any other credential.
- Allow the application through the firewall. Create rules for the server process and its configured TCP and UDP port. On a home network, also create matching router forwarding rules.
- Test locally first. Start the server and connect from the same household network. Check the server log for binding or configuration errors before asking outside players to test.
- Test from an external network. Have a friend connect from outside your home network, or use another connection that is not on the same router. This confirms that forwarding, firewall rules and ISP reachability work together.
- Maintain the installation. Apply BeamMP and operating-system updates, back up configuration and authentication data, and monitor disk space and uptime.
Players on the same household network, and users hosting on a VPS, can skip the home-router forwarding step described for outside access. They still need the server firewall and BeamMP configuration to permit the selected port.
Why friends cannot join a self-hosted server
- Wrong port: Forward the port actually specified in
ServerConfig.toml. The default is 30814 only when you have not changed it. - Only TCP or only UDP forwarded: BeamMP’s guidance calls for both protocols.
- Host firewall blocked: Permit the server application and its configured port on the operating system firewall.
- Router points to the wrong device: Give the host a stable local address or update the forwarding destination after a DHCP change.
- CGNAT: Compare the router’s public-facing address with the address visible externally. If the ISP uses CGNAT, request a reachable IPv4 service or move the server to a VPS.
- Mobile broadband: BeamMP lists 4G and 5G connections as not supporting port forwarding, so a home-hosted public server may not be possible on that link.
- Server not publicly listed: Check the authentication-key and listing configuration described in the setup guide, then inspect the server log for errors.
- Client/server mismatch: Confirm that everyone is using compatible BeamMP and game versions and has the required map or mod files.
What the official figures do—and do not—tell you
The published numbers establish that BeamMP is a lightweight server process compared with the BeamNG.drive desktop client. They support choosing a host without a dedicated GPU, favoring a multicore CPU and checking for at least 5–10 Mb/s upload capacity. They do not establish a guaranteed maximum player count, a recommended configuration for a specific map, or the extra resources consumed by a particular mod set.
For that reason, avoid sizing a production server solely from the 30–100 MiB estimate. Start with a supported Windows or Linux host, keep operating-system headroom, observe CPU, memory and network use during your actual sessions, and increase capacity if the workload or number of players grows. This approach respects the limits of the published guidance without turning a changing minimum estimate into a promise.
Bottom line
For BeamMP, the documented minimum is above 1 GHz CPU speed with multicore preferred, roughly 30–100 MiB of usable RAM excluding the operating system, no dedicated GPU and 5–10 Mb/s upload. BeamNG.drive itself is much more demanding: 16 GB RAM minimum and 32 GB recommended for each game client. Home hosting gives control but requires TCP/UDP forwarding on the configured port (30814 by default) and a reachable public connection; CGNAT and mobile networks can prevent it. A VPS removes the home-network barrier, while leaving you responsible for BeamMP configuration and software maintenance.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
