Recommended vCPU
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The right size instead of a needlessly expensive server
The calculator estimates the resources you need for your own RTMP, SRT, SRTLA, or restreamer server. The recommendation takes into account simultaneous inputs, platform outputs, hours of operation, recording, and optional transcoding.
Planning value: Real load depends on things like the software, codec, resolution, CPU generation, encryption, and provider. Always run a longer test stream before going into production.
What determines the right VPS size?
For a pure relay, network performance usually matters more than a very strong CPU. Recording mainly raises storage needs and write load; transcoding, on the other hand, needs much more processing power. Several parallel platform outputs also multiply bandwidth and monthly traffic.
Treat the recommendation as a solid starting value. You also need to check plan limits, fair-use rules, the data center location, and allowed UDP traffic with your provider.
Relay, recording, or transcoding?
Relay: The server accepts an existing stream and passes it on without any new video processing. Stable network performance and enough traffic matter most here. Recording: You additionally need fast storage and enough free space. Transcoding: The server calculates a new resolution, frame rate, or bitrate and therefore needs a lot more CPU power.
If you only forward one SRT or RTMP input to a platform, you shouldn't automatically book a big CPU package. Conversely, a small VPS can be overwhelmed despite a fast network as soon as several 1080p outputs get re-encoded.
Estimating bandwidth and monthly traffic correctly
Every input and every output loads the network connection. A stream with several parallel destinations creates correspondingly more outgoing traffic. So your planning should include hours per day, number of streaming days, and headroom for audio, protocol overhead, and load peaks.
Before ordering, look at port speed, included data volume, possible throttling, and the data center location. A geographically sensible location can help a mobile stream more than extra CPU cores.
Sizing a streaming server
Recommended RAM
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Network port
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Monthly traffic
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SSD storage
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Profile
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Reading the result correctly
- Relay: The server accepts streams and distributes them without re-encoding. For a single simple relay, 1 vCPU and 1 GB RAM can technically be enough. As a dependable production recommendation, the calculator shows 2 vCPU and 2 GB RAM, so the operating system, containers, and load peaks have enough headroom. Network performance and traffic stay the deciding factors.
- Recording: You additionally need fast SSD storage and enough free space.
- Transcoding: A new resolution or bitrate needs considerably more CPU. For several 1080p outputs, a dedicated server or a GPU can make more sense than a small VPS.
- Unlimited traffic: Even on plans advertised that way, the provider's fair-use, port, or bandwidth rules often still apply.
Check before ordering
Privacy and security
This tool runs locally in your browser. IRL4YOU neither transmits nor stores your inputs. Even so, login credentials don't belong in screenshots or public support messages.