Aternos is a popular free hosting service for Minecraft servers, making it an excellent option for players who want to create and manage their own servers without spending money. However, since server performance heavily depends on the amount of allocated RAM, you may wonder how to increase Aternos RAM allocation for better gameplay. Unfortunately, Aternos has a unique system that handles RAM allocation differently compared to self-hosted servers. This blog will guide you on how to allocate more RAM to a Minecraft Server on Aternos and offer tips to optimize performance within the platform’s constraints.
Understanding RAM Allocation on Aternos
Unlike self-hosted servers, where you can manually set RAM allocation by editing startup scripts, Aternos automatically allocates RAM based on several factors, including:
- Server Type: Vanilla servers require less RAM compared to modded servers.
- World Size: Larger worlds consume more memory.
- Player Count: A server with more players will need more resources.
- Mods and Plugins: Running mod packs like Forge or Fabric and plugins through Bukkit or Spigot increases RAM demand.
Aternos assigns RAM dynamically and doesn’t allow users to manually increase it. This means you must optimize your server settings and usage to make the most of the allocated memory.
How Much RAM Does Aternos Provide?
Aternos doesn’t disclose the exact amount of RAM allocated to servers, as it varies based on demand and server load. However, it is generally sufficient for small to medium-sized servers. Here are a few typical scenarios:
- Vanilla Servers: Ideal for up to 5-10 players with a modest-sized world.
- Modded Servers: Can handle light mod packs with up to 20-30 mods.
- Plugin Servers: Supports basic plugins but struggles with resource-heavy ones.
For larger or heavily modded servers, Aternos may not be the best solution due to its limited resources.
Tips on How to Allocate More RAM to a Minecraft Server on Aternos
Since you cannot manually allocate more RAM on Aternos, optimizing your server settings is crucial. Follow these tips to make the most out of the available memory:
1. Choose Lightweight Server Types
- Opt for Vanilla or PaperMC instead of Forge or Fabric if you’re not using mods. PaperMC is especially good for performance and plugin support.
- Avoid heavily modded servers, as they consume significantly more memory.
2. Limit the Number of Players
Set a realistic player limit to prevent overloading your server. Fewer players mean less strain on the server’s resources.
3. Optimize Plugins and Mods
- Use only essential plugins and mods. Avoid large, resource-intensive plugins like Dynmap or modpacks with dozens of mods.
- Regularly update your plugins and mods to the latest versions for improved performance.
- Consider alternatives to memory-hogging plugins. For example, use lightweight anti-griefing tools instead of large ones.
4. Configure Server Properties
Edit the server.properties file to reduce the server’s memory usage:
- Some the view-distance setting to reduce the number of loaded chunks per player. A value of 6-8 is recommended for Aternos servers.
- Set entity-activation-range and spawn-limits to lower values to reduce entity load.
5. Pre-generate Chunks
Chunk generation is one of the most memory-intensive tasks. Pre-generating chunks can reduce lag and improve performance:
- Install a chunk pre-generation plugin like WorldBorder or Chunky.
- Use the plugin to generate chunks for your world before players join.
- Once pre-generation is complete, remove the plugin to free up resources.
6. Enable Performance Mods (If Using Modpacks)
For modded servers, install performance-enhancing mods like:
- Sodium: Optimizes rendering and improves FPS for players.
- Phosphor: Enhances lighting performance.
- Lithium: Improves server-side performance.
- FerriteCore: Reduces memory usage for modded servers.
7. Schedule Regular Server Restarts
Scheduled restarts help clear memory leaks and reduce lag over time. Aternos allows you to set automatic restarts through its control panel. Restart your server every few hours for optimal performance.
How to Monitor Server Performance on Aternos
To determine if your server is running efficiently or struggling with memory, monitor its performance using these methods:
1. Check the Aternos Dashboard
The Aternos control panel provides basic information about server performance, such as:
- CPU and memory usage.
- Player count.
- TPS (Ticks Per Second), which measures server responsiveness. A healthy server maintains 20 TPS.
2. Use Debug Commands
In-game commands like /gc (if using plugins like EssentialsX) can provide real-time memory usage details.
3. Analyze Logs
Review your server logs to identify performance issues, such as memory errors, lag warnings, or plugin/mod conflicts.
Alternatives to Aternos for Higher RAM Needs
If Aternos’ RAM allocation isn’t sufficient for your server’s requirements, consider these alternatives:
1. Self-Hosting
Run your server on your own hardware to have complete control over RAM allocation. Ensure you have a powerful machine with sufficient resources to handle the server.
2. Paid Hosting Services
Switch to a paid hosting provider for better performance and customization options. Popular options include:
- Apex Hosting: Known for its ease of use and excellent support.
- ScalaCube: Offers flexible plans and support for modpacks.
- PebbleHost: Affordable plans with robust performance.
3. Dedicated Servers
For large or heavily modded servers, renting a dedicated server ensures maximum performance. Providers like OVH and Hetzner offer cost-effective options.
Conclusion
While Aternos offers a fantastic free solution for hosting Minecraft servers, its RAM allocation is automatically managed and cannot be manually increased. To make the most of Aternos’ resources, focus on optimizing your server settings, using lightweight mods and plugins, and keeping player counts reasonable. For larger or more demanding servers, consider upgrading to a paid hosting provider or self-hosting to gain greater control over RAM allocation and performance.
By following these tips how to allocate more RAM to a Minecraft Server on Aternos, you can enjoy a smoother and more enjoyable Minecraft server experience, even within Aternos’ limitations.
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