FiveM Server Requirements: RAM, CPU and Database (2026)

A FiveM server needs about 4 GB of RAM for vanilla freeroam, 8 GB for a QBCore, Qbox or ESX roleplay server with up to 32 players, and 12 to 16 GB for servers with many custom cars, MLO maps and scripts. A fast single CPU core matters more than many cores. Roleplay frameworks also need a MySQL or MariaDB database, and every server needs a free Cfx.re license key, which allows up to 48 players.

What does a FiveM server need?

Cfx.re's vanilla setup guide covers the prerequisites and the endpoint_add_tcp and endpoint_add_udp lines for port 30120. Cfx.re does not publish hardware minimums, because what a FiveM server needs depends almost entirely on the resources you load.

How much RAM does a FiveM server need?

RAM decides how many resources your server can carry. Player count matters, but a 10 player server with a big car pack can use more memory than a 32 player server running a lean framework.

What eats memory on a FiveM server:

• Streamed assets. Custom vehicles, clothing and MLO maps are the biggest single factor. A pack of 100 add on cars costs far more than 100 scripts.
• Scripts. Each running resource uses memory. Poorly written ones keep growing until a restart.
• Players. OneSync tracks every player and entity on the server, so memory rises with population.
• Uptime. Most roleplay servers schedule daily restarts in txAdmin to keep memory in check.

If you are adding resources one by one, watch txAdmin's resource monitor and the console for hitch warnings after each one. Our FiveM server lag and hitch warning fix explains how to find the resource that is slowing things down.

What CPU does a FiveM server need?

FiveM runs most of its server work on one main thread. A script that takes too long on that thread delays everything else, which shows up as hitches, rubber banding and the familiar "server thread hitch warning" in the console. That makes per core speed the deciding factor:

• Prefer high clock speeds and a recent CPU generation over a high core count.
• Two to four cores is plenty for one server. Extra cores help the operating system, the database and txAdmin, not the game thread.
• Optimised scripts beat faster hardware. A resource that loops every frame without need can stall the best CPU. Check resmon in the client F8 console to see which resources use the most time.

Does a FiveM server need a database?

Roleplay frameworks do. QBCore, Qbox and ESX store characters, money, inventories, vehicles and jobs in a MySQL compatible database, usually through the oxmysql resource. MariaDB is the common choice when self hosting.

The database itself is light for a small server, but it grows with players and logs. Keep it on the same machine or network as FXServer, because every save and query crosses that link. Never open its port (3306) to the internet. Our FiveM roleplay server guide walks through deploying a framework recipe with a database.

How many players can a FiveM server have?

The free Cfx.re license key allows up to 48 players with OneSync, according to FiveM's server hosting page. More slots need an Element Club subscription: Argentum for up to 64, Aurum for up to 128 and Platinum for up to 2048. Most new servers never get close to 48 at once, so size the server for your real peak. The full cost breakdown is in FiveM server hosting cost.

How much bandwidth and disk does a FiveM server need?

Bandwidth. Players download every streamed asset from your server on their first join and whenever a resource changes. A server with hundreds of megabytes of cars and maps sends that to every new player, so upload speed matters more than for most game servers. Home connections with slow upload make first joins painfully long. Steady gameplay traffic after that is modest.

Disk. The server build itself is small. Resources, especially vehicle and map packs, plus the server cache, txAdmin data, logs and database make up the rest. Use an SSD and leave room for backups.

Do players need a powerful PC for FiveM?

Players need a legal, up to date copy of Grand Theft Auto V for PC from Steam, Epic Games or Rockstar Games, and a PC that runs it. Heavy servers with many streamed assets ask more of players' video memory than vanilla GTA. Most servers still run on GTA V Legacy. FiveM for GTA V Enhanced has been in early access since 21 July 2026 with a new server called Cfx Server, covered in our FiveM for GTA V Enhanced guide.

Can I run a FiveM server on my own PC?

Yes, for testing or a small group. The software and key are free. You need to forward port 30120 on TCP and UDP, install MariaDB for a framework, keep the PC on whenever people play, and accept that every player sees your home IP. How to make a FiveM server covers the full self hosted setup on Windows and Linux.

FAQ

How much RAM does a FiveM server need?

4 GB for vanilla freeroam, 8 GB for a typical QBCore, Qbox or ESX roleplay server, and 12 to 16 GB with many custom cars, maps and scripts.

Does FiveM use multiple CPU cores?

Somewhat, but most server work runs on one main thread, so single core speed matters most.

Do I need MySQL for a FiveM server?

Only for frameworks and scripts that save data, such as QBCore, Qbox and ESX. Vanilla freeroam servers run without one.

Can a FiveM server run on Linux?

Yes. Cfx.re provides a Linux build, though it describes it as a courtesy port, and Windows is also supported.

How many players can a free FiveM server hold?

Up to 48 with OneSync on the free license key. More needs an Element Club subscription.

The easy option

Our FiveM server hosting plans are sized by RAM to the table above: 4 GB for 16 players at 9.99 USD a month, 8 GB for 32 at 19.99 USD, and 12 or 16 GB for 48 at 29.99 or 39.99 USD. Every server comes with txAdmin on its own ports and a MySQL database whose details txAdmin recipes fill in, so a QBCore, Qbox or ESX recipe deploys in a few clicks. Upgrade as your resource list grows, and new customers get 50% off the first month on monthly plans.