Setting up your own dedicated game server

You can make a PC that can be used to make a dedicated server. The most important part in a dedicated server is the CPU. Before building the PC for the purpose of making a dedicated a server, it is always better to know what type of games you are going to host, how many games you are going to run simultaneously and how many client PC connections you are going to accept. It will help you on the CPU you will need to get. For example, if you wish to set a dedicated game server for 8 players, it may run smoothly on a 1.5 GHz Class processor. However, if you are planning to put another server on that same PC, then you should consider getting a 3 GHz Class CPU. Similarly f you have a server of 15 players running smoothly, and you want to increase a capacity to 30 players, then you will need a faster CPU. If you can not setup second server in the same computer you can get one more PC and set up the second server or you can buy Dual Processor System.

The next aspect is to be considered is the motherboard quality. The motherboard is the main backbone of your computer. A poor quality motherboard will hamper the performance of the entire system. It directly affects the server program, which in turn directly affects the clients connected to it. Eventually, it can result in the crashing of the server or client PC lagging in their games. Hence, you will need to consider motherboard on three factors, performance, reliability and upgradeability. Also, when buying a motherboard, make sure it has a enough empty slots for putting in more RAM, the next important part.

The minimum RAM to consider is 256 MB for any dedicated server. However, the recommended would 512 MB and 1GB would be ideal. RAM quantity is affected by the amount of server programs you are planning to run on your PC. Hence, if you are planning to host multiple game servers, you will need to get more RAM. If possible, get on at least 400 MHz RAM.

The other thing that plays a vital role is the hard disk drive. A 7200 RPM hard disk is recommended for faster loading of server programs and smooth operation while they are running. Capacity is not very important issue as it is easy to get a hard disk that has space as the game requires to be installed.

When it comes to software part, first we need to install the operating system. Both Windows and Linux can be used. Of the two Linux is better because it is more stable and finally it gives more options of advance controls of a server program like thread handling and priority of the program. But at the same time, Linux is bit difficult to use mainly because not too many people are familiar or comfortable with it as much as Windows. Firstly, after installing the OS set an administrator password so no one can mess with your server settings. Then you can install other server side and client side softwares.

Final part is internet network setting. If you are planning to host online, first check how much bandwidth a client requires and accordingly get a dedicated Internet line. Get a dedicated line so people can join your server without any problem.