> ## Documentation Index > Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.tensionhost.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further. # How Much RAM Does Your Minecraft Server Need? > Find out how much RAM your Minecraft server needs for vanilla, Paper, plugins and modpacks. This guide covers recommended RAM by player count and server type, what happens when you run out of memory, and how to pick the right Minecraft server hosting plan without overpaying. Too little RAM and your server lags, stutters and eventually crashes. Too much and you're paying for memory that sits there doing nothing. This guide gives you honest numbers so you can pick the right size first time. ## Quick answer | What you're running | Players | RAM we recommend | | ----------------------------------- | ------- | ---------------- | | Vanilla or Paper, few plugins | 1-10 | 4GB | | Paper with plugins | 10-25 | 8GB | | Small modpacks | 1-10 | 6-8GB | | Large modpacks (All the Mods style) | 1-10 | 10-16GB | | Big communities | 25+ | 16GB+ | If that maps neatly onto a plan, easy: our [4GB Basic, 8GB Pro and 16GB Premium+ plans](https://tensionhost.com) cover the common cases. If you're in between, [build a custom plan](https://tensionhost.com) and pick the exact amount, so you're not paying for RAM you don't use. ## How to tell you don't have enough RAM The signs are pretty consistent: * Lag spikes that get worse the longer the server runs * The server freezing for a few seconds when saving the world * Crashes with "OutOfMemoryError" in the console * Chunks loading slowly or not at all when players explore If that sounds like your server, more RAM is usually the fix. You can upgrade your plan at any time without losing your world or files. ## Is more RAM always better? No, and anyone telling you otherwise is trying to sell you something. A vanilla server with 5 players gains nothing from 16GB, and giving Java a huge amount of memory can actually cause longer lag spikes when it cleans up. Match the RAM to what you're running, and put the spare money towards things that matter. RAM also isn't the only thing that matters. Minecraft leans heavily on CPU speed, which is why all our plans come with boosted CPU allowances instead of throttled shared cores. ## RAM FAQs ### How much RAM do I need for a modpack server? Small packs run fine on 6-8GB. The big kitchen-sink packs like All the Mods want 10GB or more, especially during world generation. If you're not sure, check the pack's own recommended server specs, then add a little headroom. ### Can I upgrade my RAM later? Yes, at any time, and your world, plugins and files all stay exactly as they are. Starting smaller and upgrading when you actually need it is the cheapest way to run a server. ### How much RAM for 10 players? On vanilla or Paper, 4GB handles 10 players comfortably. Add plugins and you'll be happier on 8GB. On a modpack, go by the pack size instead of the player count. ### Does view distance affect RAM? Massively. Every extra chunk of view distance is more of the world held in memory for every player. If you're close to your limit, dropping view-distance in server.properties from 10 to 8 buys you real headroom for free. Start smaller and upgrade anytime, your world comes with you. Or build a custom plan with the exact RAM you need, changeable whenever you like. ## Still stuck? If you need any more support, join our [Discord](https://discord.tensionhost.com) or open a [Ticket](https://billing.tensionhost.com/tickets/create)