Satisfactory CPU Requirements
CPU selection is one of the most important parts of building a Satisfactory server.
The official community recommendation lists an Intel Core i5-3570 or better or AMD Ryzen 5 3600 or better as reference points. The processor must support the x86-64 architecture. ARM processors are not supported for the dedicated server.
However, buying the CPU with the largest core count is not necessarily the best strategy.
Single-Core Performance Matters
Satisfactory can use multiple CPU cores, but its simulation workload places considerable pressure on the main game thread.
That means a newer processor with fewer fast cores can perform better than an older server CPU with many slower cores.
This becomes more noticeable as your factory grows.
The server continuously calculates activity involving:
- machines
- conveyor belts
- production lines
- vehicles
- trains
- fluids
- power networks
- logistics
- player movement
- world simulation
A small early-game world is relatively easy to process. A late-game save with thousands of active objects creates substantially more simulation work.
For a new server, focus on strong per-core performance before chasing high core counts.
How Many CPU Cores Does Satisfactory Need?
You do not need an 8-, 16-, or 32-core server just because it sounds more powerful.
For a dedicated machine used primarily for Satisfactory, a modern CPU with several fast cores is generally a better choice than a many-core processor with weak single-thread performance.
Extra cores become more useful if the same machine also handles:
- websites
- databases
- monitoring software
- backup jobs
- Docker containers
- voice servers
- additional game servers
Keep those workloads separate when diagnosing Satisfactory performance problems.
Satisfactory RAM Requirements
The current community recommendation is 8 GB of RAM.
For larger save files or servers hosting more than four players, the documentation recommends considering 16 GB RAM.
That does not mean every new server immediately consumes 8 GB.
It means your machine should have enough memory for the game server, operating system, filesystem cache, administrative tools, and temporary usage spikes.
8 GB vs 16 GB RAM
Use 8 GB as a starting point for:
- smaller private servers
- new worlds
- small groups
- lightly developed factories
- machines dedicated primarily to Satisfactory
Consider 16 GB when you have:
- more than four regular players
- a large or long-running save
- complex factories
- additional server applications
- containers or monitoring services
- less predictable memory usage
Avoid allocating every available gigabyte to the game server.
The operating system also needs memory.
A VPS advertised with 8 GB RAM may therefore provide less usable headroom than a dedicated machine with 8 GB available solely for Satisfactory.
How Factory Size Changes Server Requirements
Player count is only one part of server sizing.
A common mistake is assuming that a four-player server always needs the same resources.
Two four-player servers can have very different workloads.
A fresh world may contain only a small factory. Another save may contain huge production lines, trains, vehicles, resource networks, and factories spread across the map.
The second server has much more work to simulate even though both have the same number of connected players.
Use the following as a practical starting framework:
| Server Type | Suggested Starting Point |
| New private world | 8 GB RAM + modern x86-64 CPU |
| Established 2–4 player world | 8 GB RAM with strong CPU performance |
| Large factory | 16 GB RAM + modern high-frequency CPU |
| More than four players | 16 GB RAM recommended |
| Multipurpose server | 16 GB+ depending on other applications |
Treat these values as capacity-planning guidance rather than guaranteed performance figures.
Monitor your actual server as the world develops.
Satisfactory Storage Requirements
Server installation size is only part of your storage requirement.
You also need space for:
- saved worlds
- automatic saves
- backups
- log files
- SteamCMD update files
- temporary files
- operating-system updates
- monitoring data
An SSD should be considered the practical baseline.
For a new standalone Satisfactory server, providing around 20–30 GB or more of usable storage gives you better operational headroom than allocating only enough space for the initial server files.
SSD vs NVMe
A SATA SSD is sufficient for many small servers.
NVMe storage can be preferable when the server also handles other disk-heavy workloads or you want faster backup, update, and filesystem operations.
Do not expect NVMe alone to solve simulation lag caused by an overloaded CPU.
Storage and CPU bottlenecks are different problems.
Satisfactory Operating System Requirements
The dedicated server is available for Windows and Linux and uses a 64-bit architecture. Steam currently lists the dedicated-server tool under App ID 1690800.
Linux is a strong choice for VPS and dedicated-server deployments because it has relatively low operating-system overhead and works well with automation tools.
Common choices include:
- Ubuntu Server
- Debian
- Rocky Linux
- AlmaLinux
Windows remains suitable if you prefer Windows administration tools or already operate Windows infrastructure.
For a dedicated hosting environment, use a supported OS version and keep it patched.
Can You Run Satisfactory on a VPS?
Yes, but check the virtual CPU type before buying the VPS.
This is one of the most important Satisfactory-specific VPS requirements.
The official documentation warns that the generic kvm64 CPU model does not work with the dedicated server.
Before ordering a VPS, ask the provider whether its virtual machines expose:
- host CPU passthrough
- host-model CPU
- a modern x86-64 CPU model
Do not assume that every KVM VPS is compatible simply because the physical server uses AMD or Intel hardware.
The virtualization layer determines what CPU features the guest operating system can see.
What to Look for in a Satisfactory VPS
Choose a VPS with:
- modern x86-64 processors
- strong single-thread performance
- at least 8 GB RAM
- SSD or NVMe storage
- unrestricted inbound TCP/UDP firewall configuration
- public IPv4 connectivity where required
- DDoS protection
- enough transfer allowance
- full root or administrator access
If the provider cannot tell you which CPU model the VM exposes, verify compatibility before committing to a long billing period.
Satisfactory Server Ports
Current Satisfactory dedicated servers require two port numbers.
| Port | Protocol | Purpose |
| 7777 | TCP | Server traffic and HTTPS API |
| 7777 | UDP | Game traffic and Lightweight Query API |
| 8888 | TCP | Reliable messaging |
These requirements apply to current versions covered by the official dedicated-server documentation.
Old Satisfactory Ports You Should Stop Using
Older setup tutorials may tell you to forward:
Those ports are no longer used by current Satisfactory dedicated servers.
The documentation states that they stopped being required as of the 1.0-era networking changes.
Updating this configuration is especially important if you are migrating an old server.
Firewall Configuration
Your firewall and router must allow the required traffic.
On a Linux server using UFW, the rules correspond to:
Also check cloud-provider firewalls.
Opening a port with UFW will not help if the hosting provider’s network firewall or security group blocks the same traffic.
For a detailed deployment walkthrough, link this section to your Satisfactory dedicated server setup and Linux firewall configuration tutorials.
Internet and Network Requirements
There is no single internet-speed number that guarantees a good Satisfactory server.
Connection quality depends on:
- player count
- player locations
- latency
- packet loss
- routing
- server location
- upload capacity
- other traffic using your connection
For a home-hosted server, upload performance matters more than headline download speed.
A fast connection with severe packet loss can provide a worse multiplayer experience than a slower but stable connection.
For geographically distributed players, place the server near the majority of the group.
Self-Hosting vs Managed Satisfactory Hosting
You have three common deployment choices.
Host at Home
Home hosting gives you control and avoids another monthly server bill.
It works best when you already have:
- a suitable PC or server
- reliable internet
- adequate upload bandwidth
- router access
- basic firewall knowledge
- a machine that can stay online
The disadvantages are power consumption, home-network dependency, maintenance, and possible ISP restrictions.
Use a VPS or Dedicated Server
A VPS gives you root access and lets you control the operating system, SteamCMD installation, firewall, backups, and monitoring.
It is a good option if you are comfortable administering Linux.
Check CPU compatibility carefully because of the kvm64 limitation discussed earlier.
A dedicated server makes more sense when you need guaranteed hardware resources or intend to run several services.
Use Managed Satisfactory Hosting
Managed game hosting removes much of the Linux and SteamCMD administration.
You normally get a web control panel and automated game management.
This is useful for players who would rather manage their factory than manage a Linux server.
For a broader provider comparison, see our guide to the best Satisfactory server hosting providers.
Managed Hosting Example: DatHost
If you prefer managed hosting, DatHost is one current option.
As of August 7, 2026, DatHost advertises its Satisfactory plan at €14.90 per month on monthly billing. Its current vendor-listed infrastructure includes:
- AMD Ryzen 9 7950X-class or similar processors / EPYC infrastructure
- 16 GB DDR5 RAM
- 30 GB NVMe storage
- DDoS protection
- unlimited slots
- automatic backups
- automatic updates
- global server locations
- 14-day money-back guarantee
These are DatHost’s published specifications, not independent LinuxBuz benchmark measurements.
Its 16 GB RAM allocation fits the current recommendation for larger Satisfactory saves or groups exceeding four players. CPU performance, latency, mod compatibility, and actual server performance should still be evaluated for your specific workload.
Best for: Players who want a managed control panel, automatic updates and backups instead of maintaining SteamCMD and the operating system themselves.
For more options, compare DatHost with other providers in our Satisfactory server hosting comparison.
How to Improve Satisfactory Server Performance
If your server starts lagging, do not immediately add more RAM.
First identify the bottleneck.
Check CPU Usage
A single heavily loaded CPU thread can reduce simulation performance even when overall CPU usage looks low.
This is why single-thread performance matters.
Check Available Memory
Watch both game-server usage and total system memory.
If the operating system begins swapping heavily, performance can deteriorate.
Check Background Services
Database servers, backups, containers, malware scanners, and other game servers can compete for resources.
Check Network Quality
Measure:
- latency
- packet loss
- routing
- upload utilization
A network problem can look like server lag.
Check Save Growth
If performance gets worse only on an old world, compare it with a fresh save.
Large factories can produce much heavier simulation workloads than new worlds.
Keep the Server Updated
Current server and client versions should match where required.
SteamCMD makes automated server updates easier on Linux deployments.
Practical Server Sizing Examples
Small Private Server
For two to four players beginning a new world:
- modern x86-64 CPU
- 8 GB RAM
- SSD storage
- stable network
- correct 7777/8888 firewall rules
There is little reason to buy a huge many-core machine for this workload alone.
Long-Running Factory
For an established factory:
- prioritize a newer high-clock CPU
- consider 16 GB RAM
- use SSD/NVMe storage
- retain multiple backups
- monitor actual resource usage
Factory complexity becomes more important as the save develops.
More Than Four Players
For a larger multiplayer group, 16 GB RAM aligns with the current community recommendation.
Also pay closer attention to server location and network quality because more players create more simultaneous network activity.
Multipurpose Linux Server
If the machine also runs websites, containers, databases, monitoring tools, or another game server, size the machine for the combined workload rather than Satisfactory alone.
Keep sufficient memory and CPU headroom for the operating system.
Final Recommendation
For most Satisfactory dedicated servers, start with a modern x86-64 CPU, 8 GB of available RAM, and SSD storage.
Move toward 16 GB RAM as your save grows, particularly if you host more than four players or operate a large factory. Do not choose a CPU based only on core count. Strong single-thread performance is especially important for Satisfactory’s simulation workload.
Network configuration is equally important. Current dedicated servers require 7777 TCP/UDP and 8888 TCP, while the older 15000 and 15777 port recommendations should no longer be used.
If you enjoy Linux administration, a VPS or dedicated server gives you complete control over SteamCMD, firewall rules, updates, monitoring, and backups. If you prefer a control panel and automated management, managed Satisfactory hosting is the simpler option.
Whichever route you choose, size the server for the factory you expect to build—not just the number of players connecting on day one.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much RAM does a Satisfactory dedicated server need?
The current community recommendation is 8 GB RAM. For larger save files or servers with more than four players, 16 GB RAM is recommended. Your operating system and other applications also require memory, so leave additional headroom.
What CPU is best for a Satisfactory server?
Choose a modern x86-64 processor with strong single-thread performance. Satisfactory can use multiple cores, but its main simulation workload benefits significantly from fast individual CPU cores. The current documentation references the Intel Core i5-3570 and Ryzen 5 3600 or better as examples.
Can I run a Satisfactory server on a VPS?
Yes. However, the VPS must expose a compatible x86-64 CPU. The official documentation specifically warns that the generic kvm64 CPU model is incompatible. Look for host CPU passthrough or an appropriate host-model CPU before ordering.
Which ports does a Satisfactory server use?
Current servers use 7777 over TCP and UDP and 8888 over TCP. Older tutorials that recommend ports 15000 and 15777 are outdated.