Ethereum Node Hardware Requirements (2025 Edition)

Ethereum has changed a lot since "The Merge" in September 2022, when it moved from Proof-of-Work (PoW) to Proof-of-Stake (PoS). This big change updated what full nodes, archive nodes, and validator nodes do. Because the network is growing fast with more decentralized apps (dApps), more transactions, and new updates coming, the computer power needed to run a node has gone up a lot.

This guide will explain the Ethereum node requirements and setup you'll need in 2025. We'll look at how complex each type of node is and offer tips to make sure your setup is ready for the future. Whether you're running your own validator, building apps, or working on blockchain tools, this article will give you clear, proven information.

#What is an Ethereum node?

An ethereum node is essentially a computer (or server) running the Ethereum client software that connects to the network and helps maintain the blockchain. These nodes play a cruicial role in validating new blocks, transactions, managing the current state, relaying messages, and offering APIs (like JSON‑RPC) for wallets, dApps, or validator clients.

There are three main types of nodes:

• Full nodes downloads and verify all blocks and maintain recent state (~128 blocks), supporting the integrity and decentralization of the network.

• Archive nodes are similar to full nodes but also store every historical state since the genesis block—making them indispensable for deep analytics, explorers, and archival queries.

• Validator nodes require staking 32 ETH and running both a full node and a validator client. They actively participate in proposing and validating blocks under Ethereum’s Proof‑of‑Stake consensus mechanism.

For a practical, in-depth setup guide, Cherry Servers' "How to Run an Ethereum Node" blog walks through step-by-step deployment, including client pairings like Geth (execution) and Prysm (consensus): how to run an Ethereum node.

#Full node vs archive node

A full node stores recent blockchain history, validates new blocks, and serves data to wallets or dcentralized applications (dApps), reducing older states to conserve space. An archive node, by contrast, maintains every historical state since genesis—crucial for deep analytics, historical querying, and blockchain explorers.

Archive nodes require enterprise-grade infrastructure—such as high-performance NVMe SSDs, ECC RAM, redundant power supplies, and efficient cooling—to reliably handle constant high I/O load. For deeper insight, read our Blockchain Hardware and Infrastructure: Best Setup for Nodes article.

#1. Ethereum Full Node Requirements

An Ethereum full node runs two components: an execution-layer client (like Geth, Erigon, or Nethermind) and a consensus-layer client (such as Lighthouse or Prysm). Post‑Merge, both are essential to validate transactions, sync blocks, and serve JSON‑RPC/API requests.

By mid‑2025, the blockchain size has surpassed 2 TB, so most node operators use 2–4 TB NVMe SSDs, with a 4 TB drive offering several years of buffer before needing an upgrade.

For reliable performance and recommended Ethereum full node requirements, the typical hardware specs are:

• CPU: A modern processor with at least 4 cores, ideally around 3.5 GHz per core, to handle block validation during peak loads .

• RAM: While 16 GB is functional, 32 GB provides significantly smoother performance and better support for additional services.

• Storage: A 2–4 TB NVMe SSD is recommended, with 4 TB preferred for future-proofing.

• Network: A minimum of 25 Mbps, though most setups favor 50–100 Mbps, with 1 Gbps considered best, especially for MEV‑Boost, RPC endpoints, or quick syncs (ethdocker.com).

#2. Ethereum Archive Node Requirements

Archive nodes store the entire state history since the genesis block, unlike full nodes that only retain recent snapshots. They're essential for deep analytics, blockchain explorers, auditing, and historical querying. For recommended Ethereum archive node requirements:

Key Requirements:

• Storage: ~12 TB for Geth (archive mode), ~2–3 TB for Erigon (but plan for at least 3 TB)

• CPU: 4+ cores, with faster speeds improving sync time during the initial catch-up phase

• RAM: Minimum 32 GB is recommended, particularly for indexing or running multiple services

• Storage Type: High-performance NVMe SSDs only (HDDs insufficient), ideally with RAID/ZFS for redundancy

• Bandwidth: Similar to full nodes—25 Mbps minimum, with 50–100 Mbps or 1 Gbps preferred

Note: Initial sync may take days or weeks and is I/O‑intensive. Archive nodes require far more resources and maintenance, so unless you have a specific use case, consider using hosted archive-node services.

#3. Ethereum Validator Hardware Requirements

A validator node is more than just a full node—it includes a Proof-of-Stake validator client responsible for proposing and attesting blocks. To maintain reliability, avoid penalties, and maximize rewards, your Ethereum validator hardware requirements should meet robust standards:

#CPU

• A modern CPU with at least 4 cores, but 8 cores/16 threads is ideal for optimal performance.

• Aim for strong single-thread performance (PassMark ≥ 3,500) and solid multi-thread capability (MT ≥ 25,000), as recommended by the Ethereum consensus team via HackMD (hackmd.io).

#RAM

• 32 GB RAM is the standard minimum.

• To future-proof your setup, especially if you’re running a local block builder or MEV-Boost, opt for 64 GB).

#Storage

• Use a 4 TB NVMe SSD with high endurance (TLC/MLC NAND and ≥1,000 TBW).

• Performance specs should include read speeds ≥ 7 GB/s and 1M IOPS for 4K random reads to handle heavy I/O loads .

#Network

• Minimum bandwidth: 25 Mbps down / 10 Mbps up.

• Recommended bandwidth: 50–100 Mbps.

• For MEV-Boost or local block-building setups, aim for a 1 Gbps connection).

#Power & Reliability

• Include a UPS to prevent unclean shutdowns and data corruption.

• A backup internet connection is a smart safeguard against ISP failures.

#Summary

#Conclusion

In 2025, running your own Ethereum node requires careful hardware planning tailored to your objectives. If you're hosting a full node, focus on reliability and data responsiveness: a 4+ core CPU (~3.5 GHz), 16–32 GB of RAM, a 2–4 TB NVMe SSD, and a robust 50–100 Mbps internet connection will meet most needs .

For archive nodes, storage demands are significantly higher—approximately 12 TB with Geth or around 2–3 TB using Erigon. To sustain performance and ensure data longevity, these setups also require fast NVMe SSDs, a minimum of 32 GB RAM, and solid network bandwidth.

Finally, validator nodes, which include both full node functionality and Proof-of-Stake duties, need even more resilience. Recommended specs include 8-core processors with strong single-thread scores, 32–64 GB RAM, a 4 TB endurance-focused NVMe SSD, and a reliable network—paired with UPS protection to guard against downtime and penalties .

By aligning your hardware with these guidelines, you’ll be well-equipped to support Ethereum’s decentralization, run deep historical queries, or earn staking rewards—all with infrastructure that’s built to last.