Building a $100 Minecraft Server! (2025)

One Sentence Summary:

This video demonstrates how to build an affordable, under $100 dedicated Minecraft (and other games) server using a repurposed mini PC with easy setup and management tools.

Main Points:

1. Use an old pre-built PC like HP EliteDesk 705 G4 for cost-effective server hardware.
2. Upgrade hardware with extra RAM and SSD to optimize performance for hosting game servers.
3. Install Ubuntu Server OS for a lightweight, free, and customizable server environment.
4. Set up webmin and AMP panel for user-friendly server management and monitoring.
5. Configure network settings, including static IP and port forwarding alternatives like Play it.GG.
6. Install and run Minecraft servers with options for mods, custom seeds, and performance tweaks.
7. Use AMP to easily create, manage, and customize multiple game instances without deep command-line knowledge.
8. Implement automated backups and restore points for data safety and easy recovery.
9. Connect with friends via Play it.GG tunnels, avoiding complex port forwarding.
10. Keep system costs low, with minimal power consumption, making it a practical solution for home gaming.

Takeaways:

• Repurposing older hardware is a budget-friendly way to run dedicated game servers.
• Using management panels like AMP simplifies server setup, especially for beginners.
• Automating backups ensures data integrity and quick recovery from issues.
• External hosting services like Play it.GG streamline multiplayer access without exposing your IP.
• Regular system updates and security practices are essential for maintaining a reliable, safe server environment.

Step By Step

How to Build a $100 Minecraft Server

Step 1: Buy the Base System

• Purchase an HP EliteDesk 705 G4 (around $55–$60 on eBay or similar sites).
• Ensure it includes:
  • Ryzen 5 Pro 2400G (4-core, 8-thread CPU)
  • 8GB DDR4 RAM
  • Power adapter (some listings exclude it).

Step 2: Upgrade the Hardware

1. Open the PC:
   • Remove the thumb screw and slide off the top panel.
2. Add RAM:
   • Install an extra 8GB DDR4 stick (~$12 on Amazon).
   • Total RAM: 16GB.
3. Install an SSD:
   • Add a 256GB NVMe SSD (~$20 on Amazon).
   • (Optional: 512GB SSD for more storage, ~$30).
4. Reassemble:
   • Reattach the drive cage, fan, and panel.

Step 3: Install Ubuntu Server

1. Download Ubuntu Server:
   • Get the installer from ubuntu.com.
2. Create a bootable USB:
   • Use Balena Etcher to flash Ubuntu Server onto a USB drive.
3. Boot from USB:
   • Plug the USB into the server, enter BIOS (F10), and set USB as the first boot option.
4. Install Ubuntu Server:
   • Follow prompts:
     • Select language (English).
     • Choose "Standard Ubuntu Server".
     • Configure storage (use entire disk, disable LVM).
     • Set username (e.g., "Matt"), server name (e.g., "games"), and password.
     • Enable OpenSSH server (for remote access).
     • Skip additional software installs.
   • Reboot when done.

Step 4: Set Up Remote Access

1. Find the server’s IP:
   • After logging in, note the IPv4 address (e.g., 192.168.0.243).
2. SSH into the server:
   • On your main PC, open Command Prompt (Windows) or Terminal (Mac/Linux).
   • Type:

     ssh yourusername@serverip  
     

   • Enter your password when prompted.

Step 5: Install Webmin (Optional)

1. Run these commands:

   sudo apt update  
   sudo apt upgrade  
   

2. Install Webmin:
   • Follow the steps at webmin.com/docs/install.
   • Access Webmin at: http://serverip:10000.

Step 6: Install AMP Game Panel

1. Purchase a license:
   • Buy a $10 basic license from Cubecoders.
2. Install AMP:
   • Run:

     sudo su -  
     curl -sL https://cubecoders.com/ampinstmgr.sh | bash  
     

   • Follow prompts:
     • Create an admin user/password.
     • Install Java (for Minecraft) and SteamCMD (for Valheim/Terraria).
3. Access AMP:
   • Open http://serverip:8080 in a browser.
   • Log in with your admin credentials.

Step 7: Set Up a Minecraft Server

1. Create a new instance:
   • In AMP, click "Create Instance" → "Minecraft Java".
   • Name it (e.g., "Test Server").
2. Configure the server:
   • Under "Java & Memory", allocate 4GB RAM (4096 MB).
   • Select Fabric as the server type (or Vanilla/Paper).
   • Adjust settings (e.g., world seed, difficulty).
3. Start the server:
   • Click "Start" and accept the Minecraft EULA.

Step 8: Add Mods (Optional)

1. Download Fabric mods (e.g., from CurseForge).
2. Upload mods:
   • In AMP, go to File Manager → mods folder.
   • Drag and drop .jar mod files.
3. Restart the server.

Step 9: Let Friends Join (No Port Forwarding)

1. Install Playit.gg:
   • Run:

     curl -SsL https://playit-cloud.github.io/ppa/KEY.gpg | sudo gpg --dearmor -o /usr/share/keyrings/playit.gpg  
     echo "deb [arch=amd64 signed-by=/usr/share/keyrings/playit.gpg] https://playit-cloud.github.io/ppa ./" | sudo tee /etc/apt/sources.list.d/playit.list  
     sudo apt update && sudo apt install playit  
     

2. Claim a tunnel:
   • Visit the link provided after installation (e.g., playit.gg/claim/XXXXX).
   • Create a Minecraft tunnel and note the public IP.
3. Share the IP with friends.

Step 10: Set Up Backups

1. In AMP:
   • Go to Backups → Setup Schedule.
   • Set daily backups (e.g., 3 AM).
2. Manual backups:
   • Click "Play" to create a backup anytime.

Total Cost Breakdown

• HP EliteDesk 705 G4: $60
• 8GB RAM: $12
• 256GB SSD: $20
• AMP License: $10
• Total: $102 (slightly over, but under $100 if you skip AMP or reuse parts).

That’s it! You now have a dedicated Minecraft server for under $100. Enjoy playing with friends! 🎮