Question

Ubuntu 20.04 server on smallest droplet?

Is it feasible to run Ubuntu 20.05 LTS on the smallest (1GB ram) droplet?

Currently running one with 18.04 on the smallest, I’d like to create a new one and migrate things over from the old.

I think the heaviest thing I’m running is postgres under Ghost blog engine (which I’ll have to migrate over to mysql). Couple of static websites, openvpn server.

I’d like to make use docker more in a new droplet, hosting most/all of the above.

Can I stick to Ubuntu, will I need something slimmer? Don’t want to step up in tiers.


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Bobby Iliev
Site Moderator
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May 3, 2020
Accepted Answer

Hi there @romeozor,

As far as I can see Ubuntu 20.04 requires 512 MB RAM (system memory) and 1 vCPU so the smallest Droplet should be sufficient for your needs.

I would recommend adding a 1GB SWAP partition as well just so that you have some buffer:

https://www.digitalocean.com/community/tutorials/how-to-add-swap-space-on-ubuntu-18-04

As you deploy more and more service and Docker containers, the RAM consumption would go up, so I would recommend keeping a close eye on your resources’ utilization and upgrade your Droplet in case you notice a trend.

Hope that this helps! Regards, Bobby

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