Running a Sui node has become increasingly popular among blockchain enthusiasts, staking providers, and infrastructure operators. Whether contributing as a Full Node or participating in consensus as a Validator, choosing the proper hardware and configuration is crucial. This guide walks you through the latest Sui node requirements for 2025 and shares best practices for server setup.

Full Node Requirements

A Full Node maintains a complete copy of the blockchain, facilitating transaction validation and network synchronization.

Recommended Hardware:

• CPU: 8 physical cores / 16 vCPUs

• Memory: 128 GB RAM

• Storage: 4 TB NVMe SSD; a separate drive for the OS is recommended but not necessary.

• Network: 1 Gbps dedicated internet connection

Note: These specifications align with the official Sui documentation for Full Nodes.

Tip: While older specs mention 64 GB RAM and 2 TB SSD as a starting point, rapid chain growth and system demands in 2025 require a higher baseline for stability and performance.

Validator Node Requirements

Validator Nodes are responsible for proposing and validating new blocks, requiring higher performance to handle consensus operations.

Recommended Hardware:

• CPU: 24 physical cores (48 vCPUs)

• Memory: 128 GB DDR4 or DDR5 RAM

• Storage: A 4 TB NVMe SSD with sustained high IOPS is recommended, but not necessary. A separate drive for the OS is also recommended.

• Network: 1 Gbps dedicated bandwidth (10 Gbps recommended for optimal performance)

Note: We always recommend checking the Sui documentation for Validator Nodes.

Tip: Validators are expected to process consensus traffic and maintain uptime with minimal latency. Enterprise-grade networking is key.

Server Configuration Guidelines

To ensure your Sui node operates smoothly, consider the following configuration best practices:

• Operating System: Ubuntu 22.04 LTS (preferred) or other compatible Linux distributions

• Dependencies: Install and regularly update Docker, Rust, and other necessary packages

• Firewall Settings: Configure to allow required ports for node communication

• Storage Optimization: Utilize high-speed NVMe SSDs for efficient blockchain data access

• Monitoring Tools: Implement solutions like Prometheus and Grafana for real-time monitoring

• Backup Solutions: Set up automated backups to prevent data loss