Recommended spec for dedicated server?

[Actium]

1 hour ago, 104th_Money said:

dedicated server is not multi-threaded...

It is indeed multi-threaded, as it does use multiple threads. However, as I wrote previously, the main thread is the apparent bottleneck, which uses up considerably more CPU cycles than all other threads combined. On a multi-core CPU, that will result in a low overall CPU usage. See this Process Explorer screenshot (right-click DCS_server.exe -> Properties):

[CassieGiang]

I was thinking of getting a mini-pc that could run a Retribution server for a couple of people locally (LAN) and came upon these specs:

• AMD Ryzen™ 7 8845HS processor, 8 cores/16 threads
• 32GB  DDR5 5600 MHz Dual Channel, DDR5 SO-DIMM
• 1TB NVMe
• AMD Radeon 780M

What do you guys think? Price is around 500 EUR

[Actium]

@CassieGiang Specs look good, however you may need a 2TB SSD to install all terrains, even if just for future proofing. Otherwise, pretty decent bang for the buck. CPU single-thread performance is key and the 8845HS is only 20% below the 9950X3D, so you're fine. 32 GB should suffice for a single dedicated server, but is already too little for two server instances.
Alternatively, you could just run the dedicated server on one of the clients (with 64G RAM or more). Neither the dedicated server nor the client currently max out many CPU cores. Even on an 8-core CPU, there may be no noticeable performance impact when running server and client in parallel. IMHO, worth a try before you spend half a grand.

[CassieGiang]

 

@ActiumI am not sure you need terrain on dedicated server at all. I am currently renting Fox3, and they don't have any of the terrains installed yet all the maps are still working. But getting that 2TB isn't that expensive nowadays; if I need I'll get it. Yes, I was thinking of trying to run it client as I do have 64G of RAM. Process Lasso could help with using the right cores. Thanks for your assesment.

[Actium]

1 hour ago, CassieGiang said:

I am not sure you need terrain on dedicated server at all.

You do need to install the terrains on the dedicated server using the updater, as detailed here.

[CassieGiang]

I see, 2TB it is then.

[Potato]

How would you rate following root sever performance as dedicated server? 

AMD EPYC™ 9634 with 

12 dedicated cores

(Frequency: 2.25 GHz | Turbo Clock: up to 3.7 GHz) 

32 GB DDR5 ECC RAM

2TB SSD NVMe

 

Is the core speed to low? 

Edited April 25 by Potato

[Actium]

@Potato Is that a VM? 12 dedicated cores and 32 GB RAM for an 84 core CPU with 12 memory channels sounds very much like it. The current dedicated server implementation relies primarily on its main thread. Actual performance will depend on the mission (number of active units) and the peak single thread performance you get from the CPU. If it's a VM, the hosting provider may have opted to disable the turbo to improve overall stability. Unfortunately, there's no rule of thumb regarding DCS dedicated server performance.

For optimum performance, rent a physical server with a CPU with very high single-thread performance. Otherwise, find a VM hosting provider with no setup fee and hourly billing, so you can simply give VMs a shot with the most complex mission you plan on running. For intuitive, real-time server performance monitoring, I've written FPSmon.lua, which will warn in global chat if the performance (server simulation frame rate) hits configurable thresholds.

[Mr_sukebe]

Is this dedicated server primarily single thread, or does it now use multiple cores?

[Maverick87Shaka]

On 4/26/2025 at 6:48 PM, Mr_sukebe said:

Is this dedicated server primarily single thread, or does it now use multiple cores?

It's able to use multiple threads, but of corse a single thread task can't be splitted furthermore. Basically, it's still valid the reccomendation to have a faster CPU in terms of IPC / Ghz rather than have several cores at lower clock speed. It may also depends of kinf of mission (AI units) and player population.
For a middle complezity mission and 20 players, modern server cpu even if it's cloccked at 2ghz can do the job.

Just stay away from old atom/celeron cpu or really low wattage cpu intended to be used more for NUC/Router/firewall, and you're fine. If it's possible select a cpu with choerent core, all p-core for example  (even if I do the exact opposite ).

Here the example of our last setup:





 

Edited May 3 by Maverick87Shaka