Welcome to the first post in our Friday Feature series on building your very own FiveM server! In this first post, we’ll tackle one of the most critical decisions—choosing the right hosting setup for your FiveM server.
Why Hosting Matters
Your server’s performance depends on the quality of your hosting. Poor hosting can cause lag, crashes, and frustration for your players. On the other hand, a well-chosen setup provides the stability needed to run a smooth, responsive server that keeps your community engaged.
Hosting Options for FiveM Servers
Several hosting options are available, each with pros and cons. Let’s break them down:
Home Hosting (DIY Hosting)
Running the server on your own PC at home is cheap or free and gives you full control, but there are major drawbacks:
📉 Limited Uptime – Your server is only online when your machine is running.
🔐 Security Risks – Your home network is exposed to attacks.
🛜 Performance Issues – Most home internet connections don’t have the stability or speed needed for hosting multiple players.
This might work for small test servers, but it’s not viable for serious FiveM communities.
Shared Game Hosting
These budget-friendly options are marketed for game servers. You’re renting space on a server shared with other users, making it easy to set up but limiting in key ways:
🧑🤝🧑 Resource Sharing – You share CPU, RAM, and bandwidth, leading to performance drops during peak times.
🚫 Limited Control – Your customisation options are often restricted, with no root access.
Shared hosting works for small servers with low traffic, but it’s not ideal if you expect growth or need more control.
Virtual Private Server (VPS) Hosting
VPS hosting is a step up from shared hosting. You’re still sharing a physical server, but you get dedicated resources like CPU cores, RAM, and storage:
📈 Scalability – Easily upgrade resources as your server grows.
🛞 More Control – Typically includes root access for more customisation.
🏎️ Better Performance – Dedicated resources help avoid many issues tied to shared hosting.
VPS hosting is a solid choice for most FiveM servers, balancing flexibility and power for growing communities.
Dedicated Server Hosting
This premium option gives you an entire physical machine. It’s ideal for larger communities or servers running complex mods and scripts:
🚀 Top Performance – Full control over all resources—no sharing with others.
⚖️ High Stability – Dedicated servers reduce the risk of lag, crashes, and downtime.
🤸♀️ Ultimate Flexibility – Configure the server exactly how you want, without limitations.
Though more expensive, dedicated servers are the best choice for serious server owners building a high-performance, professional-grade FiveM experience.
Choosing the Right Specs
After choosing the type of hosting, consider these key specs:
CPU – FiveM is CPU-intensive, especially with many players and complex scripts. Look for high clock speeds (3.5GHz+), multiple cores, and good single-thread performance.
RAM – For small servers, 8GB may suffice, but larger servers should aim for 16GB or more.
Storage – NVMe SSDs offer fast loading speeds for assets and data. Avoid traditional HDDs if possible.
Bandwidth: A stable, high-speed connection with enough bandwidth is crucial for handling data transfers between players and the server.
Why 1up Hosting?
At 1up Hosting, we’ve designed server packages perfect for FiveM owners. Whether you’re just starting out or need a dedicated beast for a large community, we offer:
High-Performance CPUs – Tailored for gaming and demanding server environments.
Scalable Solutions – From VPS options to powerful dedicated servers, we’ve got you covered.
Optimized for Gaming – Our solutions are tested and optimized for Game servers, ensuring lag-free performance and fast load times.
Final Thoughts
Picking the right hosting is crucial for your FiveM server’s success. It’s the foundation that everything else is built on. Take your time to evaluate your needs and consider what’s best for your server’s growth. Whether you’re running a small private community or aiming to be the next big roleplay server, the right hosting setup makes all the difference. Next week, we’ll dive into setting up your FiveM server from scratch, so stay tuned! Got questions or need advice let us know!
