The n8n system requirements for local installation depend heavily on your specific workload, but a basic setup can run comfortably on as little as 1-2 vCPUs, 2-4GB of RAM, and 20GB of SSD storage. The most critical factor is RAM, as complex workflows or those handling large files can consume significant memory. This guide will walk you through choosing the right specs for your CPU, RAM, and database, ensuring your self-hosted n8n instance is stable, performant, and perfectly suited to your needs.
Why “It Depends” is the Most Honest Answer
So, you’re ready to take control of your automations and self-host n8n. Fantastic choice! The first question that usually pops up is, “What kind of server or PC do I need?” And if you ask around, you’ll hear the classic, frustratingly vague answer: “It depends.”
Let’s be honest, that’s not very helpful. But it is the truth. Think of it like this: asking for n8n’s system requirements is like asking a car dealer, “How much horsepower do I need?” Well, are you commuting to work or are you hauling a boat? The same logic applies here. The resources your n8n instance will consume are directly tied to what you ask it to do. Key factors include:
- Number of Workflows: How many automations will be active?
- Execution Frequency: Are workflows running every minute, every hour, or only when triggered by a webhook?
- Workflow Complexity: Are you just moving simple text data, or are you running complex JavaScript in the Code node, processing images, or handling large files?
- Data Volume: A workflow processing ten rows from a spreadsheet is very different from one processing ten thousand.
Understanding these factors will help you move from a vague guess to an informed decision.
The Core Components: A Breakdown of n8n System Requirements
Let’s break down the hardware into three main parts: CPU, RAM, and Storage. This will give you a clearer picture of where you can save money and where you really shouldn’t skimp.
H3: CPU (Central Processing Unit): Surprisingly Lenient
Here’s some good news: n8n generally isn’t very CPU-intensive. Most of its time is spent waiting for APIs to respond or moving data around. You don’t need a top-of-the-line processor to get great performance.
For most use cases, especially when you’re just starting, 1 to 2 virtual CPUs (vCPUs) are perfectly adequate. In my experience, you’ll hit memory limits long before you max out your CPU. The focus should be elsewhere.
H4: RAM (Memory): Where the Real Action Is
Pay attention, because this is the most important part. RAM is the single most critical resource for a stable n8n instance. Why? Because every time a workflow runs, the data it processes is held in memory. If you’re dealing with large JSON payloads, downloading files, or (and this is a big one) using the Code node, your memory usage can spike dramatically.
(A little inside baseball: the Code node often creates both pre-processing and post-processing copies of your data, effectively doubling the memory needed for that step.)
I once tried to run a client workflow that downloaded a 50MB CSV file on a tiny 1GB RAM server. It crashed. Every. Single. Time. A simple upgrade to a 4GB RAM instance solved the problem instantly. While you can technically run n8n on 1-2GB of RAM for very light tasks, I strongly recommend a minimum of 4GB of RAM for any serious use. It’s cheap insurance against failed executions and late-night troubleshooting headaches.
H4: Storage & Database: Think Speed and Stability
Your n8n instance uses a database to store three key things: your workflows, your encrypted credentials, and your execution history. By default, n8n uses a simple SQLite file, which is fine for getting started.
However, for any production setup, you’ll want to use PostgreSQL. It’s more robust and handles concurrent executions much better.
As for the storage itself, always opt for an SSD (Solid State Drive). The speed improvement over a traditional hard drive is massive and directly impacts the responsiveness of the n8n editor and the speed of workflow executions. A 20-40GB SSD is a great starting point.
Sizing Your Server: From Hobby Projects to Production Powerhouses
To make this more practical, I’ve broken down the requirements into tiers. Find the one that sounds most like you.
| Scenario | CPU (vCPUs) | RAM | Storage (SSD) | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Hobbyist/Tinkerer | 1 – 2 | 2-4 GB | 20 GB+ | Learning n8n, personal automations, and a few low-frequency workflows. |
| The Small Business Pro | 2 – 4 | 4-8 GB | 40 GB+ | Managing multiple client workflows, moderate traffic, and small team use. |
| The Production Powerhouse | 4+ | 8-16+ GB | 80 GB+ | High-volume automations, complex data processing, and enterprise use. |
Beyond the Specs: Practical Tips for a Smooth Local Install
Getting the hardware right is half the battle. Here are a few pro-tips I’ve learned from setting up dozens of n8n instances:
- Use Docker: Seriously. Whether you use Docker Desktop on your PC or Docker on a Linux server, it makes installing, updating, and managing n8n incredibly simple. A
docker-composesetup is the gold standard for a reason. - Back Up Your Data: Your workflows are valuable assets. Set up automated backups of your n8n data directory. A simple cron job or a tool like Duplicati can save you from a catastrophic failure.
- Secure It with HTTPS: If your n8n instance will be accessible from the internet (for webhooks, for example), you must put it behind a reverse proxy with an SSL certificate. Tools like Caddy or Nginx Proxy Manager can make this a surprisingly easy, set-and-forget process.
Ultimately, the beauty of self-hosting n8n is the freedom it gives you. You can start small on an old laptop or a cheap cloud server and scale up as your automation ambitions grow. Just remember to prioritize RAM, and you’ll build a reliable foundation for all your future workflows.
