# Can I run a Bitcoin or Monero node on a dedicated server?

> Can I run a Bitcoin or Monero node on a dedicated server? Yes: disk, RAM and sync needs, pruned or full. Ironatoll: no KYC, paid in crypto; no mining.

- URL: https://ironatoll.com/dedicated-server-for-bitcoin-node/
- Last updated: 2026-11-03
- Publisher: Ironatoll (https://ironatoll.com)

Disk, RAM and traffic for Bitcoin Core and monerod, full or pruned, the plan that fits each node, and why a node is not mining.

**Quick answer — Can I run a Bitcoin or Monero node on a dedicated server?**

Yes: **Ironatoll** lets you run a Bitcoin or Monero node on a dedicated server. Full nodes are allowed; mining is not. A full Bitcoin node now holds about 780 GB of blocks and a full Monero node about 265 GiB, and pruning shrinks both. Servers cost from $63.68 per 30 days, no KYC, paid in crypto, Bitcoin and Monero included.

## Node numbers, October 2026

| Attribute | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Bitcoin Core, latest version | 32.1 (bitcoincore.org) |
| Bitcoin block data | Some 779 GB (28 October 2026), 83 GB more than a year before; indexes not included (blockchain.com chart) |
| Bitcoin, pruned | `prune=550` is the minimum: about 7 GB of disk in all (bitcoin.org) |
| Bitcoin RAM | 2 GB minimum recommended (bitcoin.org, for Bitcoin Core 31.0) |
| Bitcoin traffic | About 740 GB downloaded once, then about 150 GB uploaded a month by default (bitcoin.org) |
| Monero, latest CLI | 0.18.5.4 "Fluorine Fermi" (getmonero.org) |
| Monero blockchain | Full: 265 GiB. Pruned: 105 GiB. Both as of 5 October 2026 (Monero documentation) |
| Monero hardware | SSD storage and at least 4 GB of RAM (Monero documentation) |
| Nodes at Ironatoll | Allowed on every plan |
| Mining at Ironatoll | Not allowed, with any coin or software |
| Payment | BTC, USDT, USDC, ETH, SOL, LTC, XMR; Monero credited after 10 confirmations (about 20 minutes) |

## Is running a node the same as mining?

No. A full node downloads every block, checks it against the rules and passes blocks and transactions on to other nodes. A miner spends CPU or GPU power on proof of work to create new blocks.

**A full node checks a blockchain; a miner competes to extend it. Ironatoll allows the first and forbids the second.** Our rules of use list what is banned: Spam and bulk email, phishing, malware and botnet control, DDoS and other attacks, scanning or brute-forcing systems that belong to others, booter and stresser services, carding and fraud, child sexual abuse material, cryptocurrency mining and any service to sanctioned people or companies are all forbidden.

Starting monerod's built-in miner, joining a pool or running any mining software counts as mining, even next to a node. Read the [acceptable use policy](https://ironatoll.com/acceptable-use/ "What is not allowed on an Ironatoll server") before you start.

## How much storage does a full Bitcoin node take in 2026?

Plan for at least 1 TB of usable space for a full Bitcoin node. On 28 October 2026, Blockchain.com's chart showed some 779 GB of block data, indexes not counted. A year earlier, on 30 October 2025, it showed about 696 GB. bitcoin.org's requirements page, written for Bitcoin Core 31.0, already asks for 750 GB.

**At the pace of the past year, about 83 GB, Bitcoin's block data alone passes 1 TB around mid-2029.** The optional transaction index, `txindex=1`, adds more space and cannot run on a pruned node.

bitcoin.org also asks for a disk that reads and writes at 100 MB/s or more. A pruned node needs only about 7 GB: it validates every block, then deletes old ones.

## How much disk does a Monero node need?

The Monero documentation, dated 5 October 2026, puts a full node at 265 GiB and a pruned one at 105 GiB. Its node guide asks for SSD storage and 4 GB of RAM or more.

Pruning keeps one eighth of the ring signature data and saves about two thirds of the space. The Moneropedia says pruning has no privacy or security downside. A pruned node still shares its eighth with other nodes. In `monerod.conf`, `prune-blockchain=1` prunes, and `sync-pruned-blocks=1` downloads blocks that are already pruned.

## Should I run a pruned or a full node?

| Node | Disk today | What you give up | Fits on |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Bitcoin, full | About 780 GB of blocks, plus indexes | Nothing | Atoll 64 or larger |
| Bitcoin, pruned (`prune=550`) | About 7 GB | Serving old blocks to peers, `txindex` and wallet rescans of old blocks | Every plan |
| Monero, full | 265 GiB | Nothing | Atoll 32 or larger |
| Monero, pruned | 105 GiB | Seven eighths of old ring signature data, kept by other nodes | Every plan |

Sizes from blockchain.com (28 October 2026) and the Monero documentation (5 October 2026). Leave room to grow: both chains get bigger every day.

## Which Ironatoll plan fits my node?

Pick by usable disk space first, then RAM for the first sync. Every plan holds a pruned node of either coin; full nodes need the larger disks.

### Ironatoll plans for Bitcoin and Monero nodes

| Plan | Price per 30 days | CPU | RAM | Disks | Fits |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Atoll 16 | $63.68 | Intel Xeon E-2236 | 16 GB | 2 × 480 GB SSD | Pruned Bitcoin and pruned Monero side by side |
| Atoll 32 | $72.15 | AMD Ryzen 5 5600 | 32 GB | 2 × 512 GB NVMe | A full Monero node and a pruned Bitcoin node |
| Atoll 64 | $72.62 | Intel Xeon E-2288G | 64 GB | 2 × 960 GB NVMe | A full Bitcoin node, if at least 1 TB stays usable after RAID |
| Atoll 128 | $205.27 | AMD Ryzen 9 7950X | 128 GB | 2 × 1.92 TB NVMe | Full Bitcoin with `txindex` and a full Monero node, even on a mirror |
| Atoll 256 | $406.37 | AMD EPYC 7443P | 256 GB | 2 × 3.84 TB NVMe | Several full nodes and indexers, with years of growth |

On plans with two disks, the system is installed on software RAID 1 (mirrored) unless you ask support for RAID 0 or separate disks before the server is ready. A mirror halves the usable space.

A VPS fits a pruned node. A full node needs whole disks, which is where a rented machine pays off: compare [a dedicated server and a VPS](https://ironatoll.com/dedicated-server-vs-vps/ "Dedicated server or VPS: which one do I need?").

## How long does the first sync take, and does a fast disk help?

The first sync, called initial block download, takes at least several days for Bitcoin, per bitcoin.org. It runs longer on slow disks or CPUs, and it uses a lot of bandwidth, CPU and disk while it runs.

Three things speed it up on a dedicated server:

- **RAM for the cache.** Bitcoin Core's notes say a lower `dbcache` makes the first sync much longer. The default is 1,024 MiB. With 16 GB or more, raise it for the sync, then lower it.
- **A fast disk.** The node reads and writes its database all the time. SSD and NVMe disks leave the most headroom, and each plan lists its disks.
- **Whole cores.** Bitcoin Core checks signatures on several threads at once. Every CPU core, all the RAM and every disk of the server are yours alone: nothing is shared with another customer.

## How much traffic does a node use?

A Bitcoin node downloads about 740 GB once, then uploads about 150 GB a month with default settings, per bitcoin.org. Nodes on fast links often upload 200 GB or more. Every server has one dedicated IPv4 address and an IPv6 /64. The port speed and the monthly traffic are listed with each plan; traffic counts outgoing data per 30-day period, and over the quota there is never an automatic extra charge. The first download is incoming, so only uploads count against the quota.

To cap uploads, set `maxuploadtarget` in MiB per day. `blocksonly=1` stops transaction relay and cuts traffic further. For monerod, `out-peers` and `in-peers` limit the number of connections.

*bitcoin.conf (full node) and monerod.conf (pruned node)*

```ini
# ~/.bitcoin/bitcoin.conf
server=1
dbcache=8000          # MiB, for the first sync; lower it afterwards
maxuploadtarget=5000  # MiB per day, about 150 GB per 30 days
# txindex=1           # full transaction index (full nodes only)
# prune=550           # pruned node instead: about 7 GB, no txindex

# /etc/monerod.conf
# Pruned chain, downloaded already pruned
prune-blockchain=1
sync-pruned-blocks=1
# Storage
data-dir=/var/lib/monero/bitmonero
# Peers: cap them to keep traffic predictable
in-peers=48
out-peers=12
# Ports: peer-to-peer, then the restricted public RPC
p2p-bind-port=18080
rpc-restricted-bind-port=18089
```

## Can I pay for my node server with Bitcoin or Monero?

Yes, with either coin. Ironatoll accepts BTC, USDT, USDC, ETH, SOL, LTC, XMR, paid into a prepaid balance. A Monero top-up goes to our Monero address for the exact amount and counts once 10 confirmations are in, about 20 minutes; a public explorer then shows neither who sent it nor how much, but our billing still links it to your account by the TXID you declare. **According to Ironatoll's check of 30 October 2026, 15 of 34 dedicated-server hosts accepted Monero.**

The Bitcoin steps are on [how to buy a dedicated server with Bitcoin](https://ironatoll.com/buy-dedicated-server-with-bitcoin/ "Paying for a rented dedicated server in BTC, step by step"). Every coin and host is compared on [where to buy a dedicated server with crypto](https://ironatoll.com/buy-dedicated-server-with-crypto/ "Dedicated servers paid in crypto, compared").

## How much does a node server cost at Ironatoll?

Pruned nodes fit the smallest plan; a full Bitcoin node starts at Atoll 64. Prices for the five plans: [how much an Ironatoll dedicated server costs](https://ironatoll.com/pricing/ "Ironatoll plans and prices per 30 days").

| Plan | Quantity | 30 days | 3 months | 6 months | 1 year |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Atoll 16 | 6 cores · 16 GB RAM | $63.68 | $171.93 (−10%) | $305.66 (−20%) | $534.91 (−30%) |
| Atoll 64 | 8 cores · 64 GB RAM | $72.62 | $196.07 (−10%) | $348.57 (−20%) | $610 (−30%) |
| Atoll 128 | 16 cores · 128 GB RAM | $205.27 | $554.22 (−10%) | $985.29 (−20%) | $1,724.26 (−30%) |

In every plan: Whole machine · Root access · RAID 1 on two disks · Dedicated IPv4 · No logs · No KYC

**Before you pay**

- Minimum top-up $1. Top up once in crypto, then buy any plan from your balance.
- Credit on your balance does not expire and renews any of your servers. When a top-up is only made to reach the minimum, the unspent part comes back on request within 30 days of payment, in USDT or USDC. The rest of a balance is not paid out unless the law requires it.
- Credited once your payment is checked on the blockchain. Typical network confirmation time: BTC ≈ 20 min · USDT TRC-20 ≈ 1 min · USDT ERC-20 ≈ 5 min · USDC ERC-20 ≈ 5 min · ETH ≈ 5 min · SOL ≈ 1 min · LTC ≈ 15 min · XMR ≈ 20 min

## Bitcoin and Monero nodes on a dedicated server: FAQ

### Is it allowed to run a crypto blockchain node on a dedicated server?

At Ironatoll, yes: Bitcoin, Monero and other full nodes are allowed on every plan. Mining is not. Other hosts set their own rules, so read their terms before you order.

### How much RAM does a Bitcoin node need?

bitcoin.org recommends at least 2 GB for Bitcoin Core. More RAM shortens the first sync, because a bigger `dbcache` keeps more of the database in memory. Every Ironatoll plan has at least 16 GB.

### Can I mine Bitcoin or Monero on my dedicated server?

No. Mining any coin, with any software, breaks Ironatoll's rules of use. A node that only checks and relays blocks is fine.

### What is a Bitcoin node?

A Bitcoin node is a computer that runs Bitcoin software, keeps a copy of the blockchain and checks every block against the rules. It relays blocks and transactions to other nodes. Your wallet can then rely on your own node instead of someone else's.

### How do I set up a Bitcoin node on a dedicated server?

Download Bitcoin Core from bitcoincore.org, verify the release, and run `bitcoind` as a service. Set a large `dbcache` for the first sync and `maxuploadtarget` to stay under your traffic quota. The first sync then takes days, not hours.

**Run your node on whole disks** Atoll 64: Intel Xeon E-2288G (8 cores / 16 threads), 64 GB RAM, 2 × 960 GB NVMe in RAID 1, 60 TB a month at 1 Gbit/s, 1 IPv4 and an IPv6 /64, for $72.62 per 30 days. Nodes allowed; pay in crypto, no KYC. [Order Atoll 64](https://ironatoll.com/app/checkout/?plan=atoll-64&lang=en) · [Compare plans](https://ironatoll.com/pricing/ "How much does an Ironatoll dedicated server cost?")

## Sources

1. [Running a full node](https://bitcoin.org/en/full-node) — bitcoin.org (read 2026-10-30)
2. [Bitcoin Core requirements (Bitcoin Core 31.0)](https://bitcoin.org/en/bitcoin-core/features/requirements) — bitcoin.org (read 2026-10-30)
3. [Download Bitcoin Core (version 32.1)](https://bitcoincore.org/en/download/) — Bitcoin Core (read 2026-10-30)
4. [Reduce memory (dbcache)](https://github.com/bitcoin/bitcoin/blob/master/doc/reduce-memory.md) — Bitcoin Core (read 2026-10-30)
5. [Reduce traffic (maxuploadtarget, blocksonly)](https://github.com/bitcoin/bitcoin/blob/master/doc/reduce-traffic.md) — Bitcoin Core (read 2026-10-30)
6. [Blockchain size chart data (30 days and 1 year)](https://api.blockchain.info/charts/blocks-size?timespan=1year&format=json) — Blockchain.com (read 2026-10-30 (value of 2026-10-28))
7. [Running monerod with systemd (blockchain sizes dated 5 October 2026)](https://docs.getmonero.org/running-node/monerod-systemd/) — Monero documentation (read 2026-10-30)
8. [Pruning (Moneropedia)](https://www.getmonero.org/resources/moneropedia/pruning.html) — The Monero Project (read 2026-10-30)
9. [Downloads (CLI 0.18.5.4)](https://www.getmonero.org/downloads/) — The Monero Project (read 2026-10-30)

---

Ironatoll: Ironatoll rents offshore dedicated servers (bare metal) in Amsterdam, Reykjavik, Zurich and Bucharest, paid in crypto with no KYC: no ID, no selfie, no documents. Each server is a whole physical machine for one customer, with root access over SSH. It is run by DomaineGoat LLC, a company registered in Panama that ignores DMCA notices, answers only to Panamanian law, allows Tor exit relays and keeps no logs. On the 30-day term, each plan is priced at least 25% under a named comparable dedicated server from 17 no-KYC crypto hosts, read on 30 October 2026.