There is no official universal RAM or CPU minimum for a Garry’s Mod dedicated server. Facepunch’s current hosting documentation explains how to install and run a server, but it does not publish a hardware table by player count or gamemode. The 4 GB minimum and 8 GB recommended RAM figures shown on Steam apply to the Garry’s Mod client, not to a dedicated server.
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Your real requirement depends on the number of players, gamemode, map, addons, Workshop content, update process and network workload. You can self-host on Windows or Linux, or rent a managed server; either way, choose resources from the workload you intend to run rather than treating the client specification or a hosting plan as an official server requirement.
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1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsWhat the official requirements do—and do not—say
Facepunch’s documents make a useful distinction that many third-party guides blur: a computer that runs the Garry’s Mod game client is not automatically sized for a dedicated server. The Steam store listing is a client specification. Facepunch’s dedicated-server pages are operational instructions, not a tested hardware-sizing guide.
| Figure or guidance | What it applies to | How to interpret it |
|---|---|---|
| 4 GB RAM minimum | Garry’s Mod client | Valve/Steam store figure accessed in 2026; it is not a dedicated-server minimum. |
| 8 GB RAM recommended | Garry’s Mod client | Valve/Steam store recommendation for playing the game; do not reuse it as a server-sizing rule. |
| CPU, RAM and disk baseline | Dedicated server | No universal numeric threshold is stated in the Facepunch pages reviewed. |
| Disk space | Dedicated server | Facepunch says to have enough space for the server and the content you install. Maps, addons and Workshop files change the total. |
| Supported dedicated-server platforms | Server host | Facepunch provides Windows and Linux guidance. macOS dedicated-server builds are no longer shipped. |
That absence of a single number is important. A lightly used sandbox server with a small map and few addons has a different profile from a busy role-play server with a large Workshop collection. No named original-publisher statistic for typical dedicated-server RAM or CPU consumption was identified, so a precise “X GB per Y players” claim would be misleading.
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How CPU affects a Garry’s Mod server
Source-engine servers perform substantial game simulation work on the CPU. The relevant question is not simply how many cores a machine advertises, but whether the allocated processor can maintain the server’s simulation and networking workload without falling behind.
Workload variables that raise CPU demand
- Player count: More connected players create more entities, movement updates and interactions to process.
- Gamemode logic: Scripts for role-play, dark role-play, minigames or heavily customized modes can add continuous server-side work.
- Entities and physics: Contraptions, scripted weapons, NPCs and physics-heavy maps can be more demanding than a quiet map.
- Addons: Poorly optimized or conflicting Lua addons can consume processing time even when the player count is modest.
- Tick and network activity: The server must process and transmit state updates while also handling joins, downloads and administrative commands.
Because these variables differ so widely, Facepunch does not provide a CPU model that is “required” for every server. When comparing a self-hosted machine or a rental plan, look for the provider’s actual CPU allocation or performance policy, not just a vague core count. Shared hosting may advertise CPU cores that are subject to contention; a dedicated allocation or clearly stated limit is easier to evaluate.
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A practical CPU-sizing method
- Define the largest intended player count and the gamemode you will actually run.
- List CPU-intensive features: physics builds, NPC populations, scripted weapons, automated jobs and scheduled tasks.
- Start with a conservative allocation and monitor server performance during a realistic peak, not only during an empty-map test.
- Increase the allocation, reduce expensive addons or simplify the map when the server repeatedly falls behind under load.
This is an operational process rather than an official benchmark. Keep records of which addons and maps were active when a problem occurred; otherwise, a hardware upgrade may mask a script defect without fixing it.
How much RAM does a Garry’s Mod server need?
There is no authoritative dedicated-server RAM number in the official pages used for this guide. The Steam figures—4 GB minimum and 8 GB recommended—describe the client and cannot answer the server question.
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What consumes server memory
- The base server process and loaded game files.
- Gamemode code and Lua state.
- Maps, materials, models, sounds and other mounted content.
- Workshop addons and custom content loaded by the server.
- Entity counts, player inventories, cached data and administrative tools.
- Operating-system services, update tools, monitoring and backup jobs when you self-host.
A small installation may run comfortably with less memory than a heavily modified one, but the official documentation does not establish a safe universal floor. Avoid buying or advertising a plan solely because it matches the client’s 4 GB or 8 GB listing.
How to determine a memory allocation
- Install the exact gamemode, map and addon set planned for production.
- Connect enough test players to reproduce the busiest expected activity, including map changes and addon features.
- Observe memory over an extended session rather than immediately after startup. A gradual increase can indicate a leak or runaway cache.
- Leave room for the operating system and maintenance tasks. On a self-hosted machine, the server should not consume all available memory just to stay online.
- Investigate the addon or map when usage grows unexpectedly; adding RAM is not a substitute for removing a faulty script.
Hosting companies may list a memory limit for each plan. Treat that figure as the specification of that particular commercial offer, dated when you evaluated it—not as an independent Garry’s Mod requirement.
Storage, maps and custom content
Facepunch’s Linux guidance says to provide enough disk space for the content you install but does not state a universal capacity. The base files are only part of the calculation. Workshop collections, custom maps, models, materials, sounds, server logs, backups and update caches all add to storage use.
Content choices that change the requirement
- Workshop collections: A large collection increases both local storage and the amount of content clients must obtain.
- Custom FastDL or other delivery: Serving content efficiently can require a separate directory or delivery service and additional disk planning.
- Frequent map rotation: Keeping many large maps available uses more space than a single-map server.
- Backups and logs: Retaining multiple backups or verbose logs can eventually fill a small disk.
Before installation, inventory the collection and estimate growth. Set log rotation and backup retention, then check free space after updates. A server that starts successfully can still fail later when a map download, update or backup has nowhere to go.
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Installing the dedicated server
Facepunch’s “Downloading and Hosting a Dedicated Server” guide uses SteamCMD and the Garry’s Mod application ID 4020. The same guide provides Windows and Linux examples and explains launch parameters for the gamemode, player cap and map.
Windows or Linux
- Install SteamCMD on the operating system you selected.
- Use SteamCMD to sign in as required for the installation method and run
app_update 4020to download or update the Garry’s Mod dedicated-server files. Use the validation option when you need SteamCMD to check installed files. - Move into the server directory and create the configuration files required by your gamemode and administration setup.
- Launch the Source dedicated-server executable on Windows. On Linux, Facepunch’s example uses the
srcds_runlauncher. - Set the gamemode, player limit and map with launch parameters. A generic Linux form is
./srcds_run -game garrysmod +maxplayers <player_cap> +map <map_name>; replace the values inside the code with the cap and map you have chosen. - Run a local or private test, confirm the console starts without addon errors, and then configure public access and content delivery.
Keep SteamCMD available for updates. Updating the server files without checking gamemode and addon compatibility can introduce a failure that looks like a hardware problem.
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Facepunch states that macOS dedicated servers are no longer shipped. For a supported installation path, use the Windows or Linux instructions instead of assuming that the client’s macOS support implies an available macOS server binary.
Steam Game Server Login Tokens
For a public listing, Facepunch instructs operators to configure a Steam Game Server Login Token with sv_setsteamaccount. Its token documentation says Garry’s Mod servers should have a token, that servers without one receive a severe server-list ranking penalty, and that every server should use its own unique token.
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Token checklist
- Create a separate token for each server instance, including separate production and test servers when both are public.
- Place the token in the server configuration method recommended by the Facepunch documentation.
- Do not post the token in screenshots, support tickets, repositories or public configuration examples.
- Replace a compromised token and remove the old value from shared files.
A token does not solve connectivity, addon or performance issues, but omitting one can make a healthy server difficult to discover in the public list.
Workshop collections and delivering custom content
Facepunch supports specifying Workshop collections at startup. The collection determines what addons the server retrieves and mounts, while the content-serving documentation covers ways to deliver custom files to connecting players.
Plan content as part of capacity rather than as an afterthought. A collection can increase disk use, update time, download traffic and join time. Test a clean client joining after every major collection change; a server that works for an already-equipped administrator may still fail for a new player who lacks a required file.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Self-hosting versus renting
Self-hosting and renting solve different operational problems. Neither option has a single universally correct specification.
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| Consideration | Self-hosting | Renting from a game-server provider |
|---|---|---|
| Hardware | You choose and maintain the machine, memory, storage and operating system. | The provider supplies the hardware and sells a defined resource allocation or plan limit. |
| Installation | You install SteamCMD, app 4020, updates, gamemodes and addons. | A control panel may simplify installation, but you still select versions, maps and addons. |
| Network and uptime | You are responsible for the connection, firewall, availability and recovery. | The provider operates the network and facility; check region, protection and uptime terms. |
| Control | Maximum control over files, services, scripts and backups. | Convenience varies with panel permissions and provider policies. |
| Maintenance | You handle updates, logs, backups and troubleshooting. | Some maintenance may be assisted, but addon and configuration support still varies. |
| Cost | Uses an existing machine or requires your own hardware, power and connection. | Recurring price, renewal terms, overage rules and optional features apply. |
When self-hosting makes sense
Choose self-hosting when you already have a reliable machine and connection, want full filesystem access, and are comfortable with command-line administration. Facepunch’s Linux guide assumes terminal familiarity and enough disk for the content you intend to install. You also accept responsibility for updates, security, backups and outages.
When renting makes sense
Renting is attractive when you want a provider to operate the underlying machine or need a location closer to your players. It does not remove sizing decisions: you still choose a plan, configure the server, manage content and verify that the panel supports your intended Workshop and file-delivery workflow.
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Provider plans are commercial offerings, not official Garry’s Mod requirements or independent benchmarks. Specifications and prices can change, so verify the live plan before committing.
- Player slots: Confirm the included cap and whether additional slots cost more.
- CPU policy: Look for a stated allocation, processor generation or fair-use policy rather than an unexplained “high performance” label.
- Memory and storage: Check hard limits, upgrade paths, storage type and whether backups count against the quota.
- Location and network: Select a region near most players and review available network protection and bandwidth policies.
- Workshop and file access: Confirm that you can use collections, upload custom content and retrieve logs or configuration files.
- Backups and support: Determine what is backed up, how often, how restoration works and what support covers.
- Price and renewal: Read recurring pricing, billing intervals, setup fees and cancellation terms.
Compare two plans using the same checklist. A cheaper plan with an unclear CPU policy or insufficient storage may cost more in troubleshooting than a plan with transparent limits.
Troubleshooting by symptom
The server is not appearing publicly
- Confirm that a valid Steam Game Server Login Token is configured.
- Check that the token belongs only to this server and has not been exposed or revoked.
- Verify the server is running the intended gamemode and map and that the console shows no startup errors.
- Review the host machine’s connectivity and firewall configuration if self-hosting, or open a support ticket with the provider if renting.
The server becomes unstable after adding addons
- Reproduce the issue with the newest addon or collection change disabled.
- Check console output and logs for Lua errors or missing files.
- Add content back in small groups to identify conflicts.
- Measure memory and CPU during the failing activity before increasing the plan size.
Players cannot join because content is missing
- Confirm the collection is published and mounted by the server.
- Check custom-content delivery settings and file paths.
- Test with a clean client that has not previously downloaded the files.
- Verify that the server has enough disk space for updates and that delivery bandwidth is not exhausted.
The server slows down during busy sessions
- Record the player count, map, gamemode and active addons when the slowdown occurs.
- Check CPU allocation and memory pressure at that exact time.
- Reduce physics-heavy entities or expensive scripts before assuming the base server requires more hardware.
- On a rented plan, ask the provider whether CPU is shared or throttled and what upgrade options are available.
The practical answer for your setup
If you need a single number for every Garry’s Mod server, the official documentation does not provide one—and any universal number would ignore the variables that determine load. Use the Steam 4 GB and 8 GB figures only when checking a client computer. For the server, specify your player cap, gamemode, map rotation, addon and Workshop collection, then test that exact workload while monitoring CPU, memory and storage.
Windows and Linux are the supported paths in Facepunch’s current guidance. Install through SteamCMD with app ID 4020, launch the Source server with the desired parameters, configure a unique Steam Game Server Login Token for each public server, and plan disk space for every piece of content you distribute. Self-host when you want control and can operate the machine; rent when managed infrastructure and a suitable location are worth the recurring cost. In both cases, judge the allocation and service terms against your workload, not against the client’s system requirements or a provider’s marketing label.
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