How to Create a Counter Strike Server

How to Create a Counter Strike Server: Bandwidth and Hardware Needs

One of the most frequently asked questions when talking about Counter Strike is “How to create or setup a server?”. Some CS players think of setting up a server as a daunting task that is very difficult to complete especially when they have no experience with it at all. But in reality, creating a Counter Strike server is not that much difficult. In fact, you can create a server quite as easily as a seasoned server creator if you just have the right amount of determination. Many individuals create servers with different configurations which run on a Half Life based game on a regular basis. In fact, some create servers for a living. So if you wanted to setup your own server then continue reading this article. In this article, you will learn the needed hardware and bandwidth to get you started to creating your very own Counter Strike server.

Before proceeding to the actual process, let us get to know some of the most popular CS servers in the world. Here they are:

· NORD LLG CS 1.6 with de_nuke32 server map

· Zajecar Alfa by kgb-hosting.com with de_dust2_kontra server map

· PTM LaLeagane Classic Server with de_train_32 server map

· Warcraft 3 FT – Custom Shopmenus with de_dust server map

· Zajecar Beta by kgb-hosting.com with de_inferno server map

· Texas War3FT XP Saved with de_dust server map

· Yugoslavia Gaming with de_dust2 server map

· PGN Guangame Classic with de_train server map

· Play Hard. Go Pro #1 [Public] with de_nuke server map

· Vozdovac Gaming p48 only by www.MILF-CS.info with de_inferno server map

· KILL Laleagane @ cauta admini withed_dust2 server map

Those servers host millions of players. Of course, accommodating that huge number of players will not be applicable for this tutorial as it will only teach you how to create small servers that is good for you and your friends. Plus, the technical requirements to create huge servers are just too much for a novice like you. As we are already in the topic of technical requirements, it is just right to discuss now what you will be needing to start setting up your own server.

Bandwidth

You do not need to have huge bandwidth in order to run a server especially when you only want to create a small server for a group of friends. You can run a server even with your own DSL internet connection at home with at least 256 to 384 kbps speed. But with this kind of connection, you should not be ambitious to run commercial servers as it is only good for hosting a game with friends. As a rule of thumb, you need to a lot at least 6KB per player slot. This size still varies upon your cvars HL/CS customization. Here is a general guideline on how much bandwidth you need:

· For 1-4 players you will need 256kbps

· For 4-8 players you will need 384 kbps

· For 8-10 players you will need 512 kbps

· For 12-18 players you will need 768kbps

· For 20-24 players you will need 1,024kbps

· For 26-28 players you will need 1,284kbps

· For 30-32 players you will need 1,512kbps

Hardware Requirements

Since the release of Steam and the latest CS Source Engines; hardware requirements have also been put up into a different level. You see, not having enough hardware is just similar to not having enough bandwidth when it comes to destructive consequences. Having the right hardware is essential in the smooth operation of your server and also to have a proper game play. Hardware requirement is dependent upon the size of the server that you wanted to run and on one other thing: dedicated server or listen server.

In terms of memory, you can a lot as much memory as you want as there is no “overkill” here. Having a bigger memory means faster processing time which translates to smooth game. Listed below is the summary of the hardware needs that you should have:

· For 4-8 players; the minimum memory is 256MB while the maximum memory is 512MB

· For 10-18 players; the minimum memory is 768MB while the maximum memory is 1,024MB

· For 20-26 players; the minimum memory is 1,024MB while the maximum memory is 1,536MB

· For 28-32 players; the minimum memory is 1,536MB while the maximum memory is 2,048MB

CPU Speed and Processor

Just like allocating the right amount of bandwidth and memory space, you also need to consider your CPU speed and your processor. You could not possibly run a server if you are running an Intel Pentium 4 computer. There are two most popular processor makers for computers today: Inter and AMD. Well, it does not matter what brand you choose just as long as the processor is powerful. For one, you can choose a Dual Core CPU or any I Series processor as they are the best processors to host a dedicated server environment. But if your budget is limited then why not go with a single core 2.4Ghz CPU in the least. The aforementioned CPUs would be enough to host a small server that can accommodate 28 players.

Hard Disk

Now we will not talk about how big should your hard disk is or what brand it should be. All you need to know is that you have to choose a hard disk that has a very fast RPM. If you really have the budget then go for a 10,000 RPM disk. However, if you lack the budget then a 7200 SATA disk with at least 8MB cache would do well. As much as possible, you have to stay away from older disks with 5400 RPM because they will not perform well and will only cause lags in your game.

Having the right hardware and bandwidth when planning to make a server is essential because they are the core and they will be responsible for the smooth operation of your game. Counter strike weapons would look good without pixilated parts or chopped parts because you have the needed items.