Thinking about running a Monero (XMR) node? This guide explains the practical hardware, storage, RAM, bandwidth, and software requirements—plus how to size a full vs. pruned node, which ports to open, and tips to sync faster. For curated tools, public nodes, and how-tos, check the community directory at Monerica.com.
Quick Specs at a Glance
- Current chain size: ~230 GiB full, ~95 GiB pruned (mid-2025).
- Recommended free SSD space: ~575 GiB (full) or ~237.5 GiB (pruned) to allow for growth and overhead.
- RAM: 4 GiB minimum; more helps with faster initial sync.
- Default ports: P2P 18080, RPC 18081, restricted RPC often 18089.
- OS support: Official CLI/GUI builds for Linux, Windows, macOS.
Full vs. Pruned Node: What’s the Difference?
Full nodes keep the entire blockchain and serve it to peers. Pruned nodes discard older, non-essential data after verification, keeping roughly one-third of the chain while still fully validating. Expect ~95 GiB pruned vs. ~230 GiB full as of 2025.
Hardware Requirements
Storage (SSD/NVMe recommended)
- Capacity: ~575 GiB free for a full node, ~237.5 GiB for a pruned node.
- Note: HDDs work but SSD/NVMe greatly improve sync speed and reliability.
Memory (RAM)
- Baseline: 4 GiB+. More RAM = larger DB cache and faster validation during initial sync.
CPU
- Recommendation: A modern multi-core CPU (2–4+ cores). Extra cores help during initial sync and reorgs.
Network & Ports
- P2P: Open TCP 18080 so your node can accept peers (helps your sync and strengthens the network).
- RPC: Default is 18081 TCP for wallets on the same machine or LAN. For public access, use a restricted RPC port (commonly 18089) to disable sensitive calls.
- Privacy routing: You can run over Tor or I2P to hide IP metadata.
Software & OS
- Downloads: Get official CLI/GUI builds from the Monero project (Linux, Windows, macOS). Always verify signatures.
- Service management: On Linux, running
monerodunder systemd is common; official docs include a sample unit and sizing advice.
Sizing Examples (2025)
- Home full node: 1 TB NVMe, 8 GiB RAM, port 18080 open; holds full chain and serves peers robustly.
- Home pruned node: 256–512 GB SSD, 4–8 GiB RAM; stores ~1/3 of the chain but fully validates.
- Server/VPS: Provision recommended free space (~575 GiB full or ~237.5 GiB pruned) to avoid running out mid-sync.
Configuration Tips
- Pruning: Use
--prune-blockchainto save disk (~1/3 chain kept). - Run wallets locally: Point wallets to your own RPC (18081) for maximum privacy.
- Cache tuning: On higher-RAM systems, increasing DB cache (
--db-sync-mode) speeds up sync. - Backups: Always back up your wallet seed; nodes can re-sync, but seeds are irreplaceable.
FAQ
How much bandwidth do I need?
Depends on peers, serving others, and network activity. With P2P open, expect higher upload. If capped, limit peers or firewall connections and monitor usage.
Do I need a full node for privacy?
Privacy is best when using your own node. A pruned node offers nearly identical wallet privacy with lower disk requirements.
Can I run my node over Tor/I2P?
Yes. Guides are available to route Monero nodes over Tor or I2P, hiding your IP from peers and ISPs.
Where to Go Next
- Download Monero (official builds) and verify signatures before installing.
- Check systemd + sizing docs for recommended free space and RAM values.
- Visit Monerica.com for curated tools, public node lists, and community-vetted resources.
Tip: Not sure if you need full or pruned? Start with pruned. You can always re-sync as full later when you add storage.
