Build a Budget Dedicated Game Server Under $100

Building a dedicated game server can be a rewarding way to enjoy multiplayer gaming without relying on costly rentals. Thanks to the abundance of refurbished office PCs on the market, you can now create a Budget Dedicated Game Server for under $100 and run popular titles like Minecraft, Valheim, and others. With a bit of know-how, some upgrades, and the right software tools, you’ll have a compact system capable of supporting you and your friends around the clock.

Why Build a Budget Dedicated Game Server?

• Cost Savings: Renting a game server can become expensive over time. By setting up your own, you pay once for hardware and enjoy ongoing savings.
• Flexibility: You choose exactly which software to install, what operating system to run, and how much power to allocate to your servers.
• Compact Footprint: If you pick a small refurbished PC, it can discreetly fit on a shelf, under a modem, or in a networking closet. You save room without the bulk of a large tower.
• Satisfying Experience: There’s a certain satisfaction in configuring your own Budget Dedicated Game Server. Plus, you’ll learn valuable skills for troubleshooting and further expansion.

Gathering Your Hardware

1. Refurbished Mini PC
   Look for an older small-form-factor PC with a decent CPU. For instance, the HP Elite Desk 705 G4 features a 4-core, 8-thread Ryzen 5 Pro 2400G. These systems often come with a power adapter and a modest amount of RAM.
2. Extra RAM
   Most prebuilt office machines include 8 GB of memory, but adding another 8 GB ensures smoother performance for multiple players or multiple games. Memory is relatively inexpensive, so this is a simple upgrade.
3. Boot Drive (SSD)
   Install an M.2 SSD or 2.5-inch SATA SSD. A 256 GB drive may suffice for several worlds, but consider stepping up to 512 GB if you plan to save large backups or host multiple games simultaneously.

With these elements combined, you can typically stay under $100 for the entire build. This sweet spot of affordability is central to creating your own Budget Dedicated Game Server.

Preparing and Cleaning the System

1. Initial Testing
   Before you tear anything apart, plug in the PC to a monitor and keyboard to confirm it boots. Enter the BIOS (often F10 on HP systems) to check CPU, RAM, and general stability.
2. Opening the Case
   Once you’ve confirmed the system is functional, remove the panels to access the motherboard, fan, and drive bay. Dust off any accumulated debris, especially around fan blades and heat sinks.
3. Installing Memory and SSD
   Pop in your additional memory stick, ensuring it’s the correct DDR4 SODIMM type. Secure your SSD into the M.2 slot (or the appropriate bay). Double-check that you have all necessary screws, as some refurbished systems may be missing the M.2 mounting hardware.
4. Refreshing the Thermal Paste
   If you remove the CPU cooler, clean off old thermal paste with an isopropyl alcohol wipe, apply fresh thermal paste, and reseat the cooler securely.

Choosing and Installing Your Software

1. Ubuntu Server

Ubuntu Server is a free, reliable operating system designed for server use. Download the ISO, flash it to a USB drive using a tool like Balena Etcher, and install it on your newly upgraded machine. During the setup process, remember to:

• Configure your username and password.
• Enable OpenSSH to remotely manage your server.
• Perform a quick system update (sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade) once it’s installed.

2. Webmin (Optional but Handy)

Webmin provides a graphical interface for managing your Ubuntu Server. You can install it by following a few simple commands in the terminal, and then you’ll be able to log into a browser-based dashboard to handle package updates, services, backups, and more.

3. AMP Game Panel

For the simplest route to manage multiple game servers, consider the AMP (Application Management Panel) from Cube Coders. While there are free alternatives like Pterodactyl, AMP offers a beginner-friendly experience for a modest one-off fee. It streamlines tasks such as:

• Spinning up Minecraft, Valheim, Terraria, and other servers.
• Allocating memory and customising server configurations.
• Scheduling backups or installing mods with minimal fuss.

After purchasing a licence (note in Australian English, “licence” is the noun) for AMP, you’ll enter your unique key, configure your panel as “Standalone”, and proceed to create your first instance (e.g., a Minecraft server). You can manage up to five instances on the basic plan—more than enough for a small system like this.

Setting Up Your Minecraft Server

1. Create a New Instance
   In the AMP dashboard, choose “Minecraft Java Edition” from the available templates. Name it, skip automatic updates on creation if you wish, then start configuring it.
2. Allocate Memory
   Under “Java and Memory” settings, select how many gigabytes of RAM you want to dedicate. 4 GB is often a sweet spot, but it may vary depending on your total RAM and how large your player base is.
3. Server Type & Version
   AMP can install vanilla servers or help you run modded setups like Fabric, Forge, or even entire mod packs. Select the server type (e.g., Fabric), choose a version (e.g., 1.21.4), and specify details like world seed, view distance, and difficulty settings.
4. Adding Mods
   Simply drop mod files into the server’s “mods” folder through AMP’s file manager. Make sure your players install matching mods locally if required.
5. Multiplayer Access
   If you’d rather avoid configuring port forwarding on your router, use a tunnelling service like Playit.gg. It assigns a public address so friends can connect from anywhere without you exposing your home IP address.

Backups and Maintenance

• Scheduled Backups: AMP allows you to automate daily or weekly world backups. Keep your backups local or, if space allows, store multiple snapshots to revert to if any corruption or unexpected changes occur.
• System Updates: Through Webmin or the command line, frequently run updates to keep your server secure and stable.
• Resource Monitoring: AMP provides usage graphs for CPU, memory, and active players. Keep an eye on spikes and consider upgrading RAM or storage if you plan to host additional servers or more players.

Considerations for Other Games

Because AMP supports numerous titles, you’re not limited to Minecraft. Games like Valheim, Terraria, and even more complex SteamCMD-based servers can be hosted on your Budget Dedicated Game Server as long as you have sufficient system resources. Experiment by creating additional instances in AMP, adjusting CPU and RAM allocations for each. If one game becomes significantly larger in scope, you might choose to shut down other instances temporarily or upgrade your hardware further.

Power Usage and Long-Term Savings

A small-form-factor PC with a 35 W TDP processor is surprisingly energy efficient. You might see power draws of around 18 W at idle and roughly 55 W under load. Based on average Australian electricity rates, operating costs remain quite modest—often just a few dollars a month. This is far cheaper over time compared to monthly server rental fees.

Wrapping Up

Creating a Budget Dedicated Game Server doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. A retired mini PC, a bit of extra RAM, a modest SSD, and intuitive software like AMP combine to deliver an at-home server that’s cost-effective and simple to maintain. You’ll enjoy the freedom of customising the experience, and if you ever decide to expand into additional titles, your system is ready to accommodate them.

So if you’ve been considering a personal game server, there has never been a better time to jump in. By repurposing affordable hardware and leveraging user-friendly management software, you can join friends in your favourite titles anytime without the continual fees of a rental service. This small investment leads to big gaming possibilities—exactly what a Budget Dedicated Game Server is all about.

Want more? Click here for Apple Refurbished Devices: A Closer Look at Quality

Zachary Skinner

Zachary Skinner is the editor of TechDrivePlay.com, where tech, cars and adventure share the fast lane.
A former snowboarding pro and programmer, he brings both creative flair and technical know-how to his reviews. From high-performance cars to clever gadgets, he explores how innovation shapes the way we move, connect and live.