How to Turn Your Mini PC into a Minecraft Server: A Step-by-Step Guide
In this guide, we will walk you through the process of transforming your Mini PC into a fully functional Minecraft server. Whether you own a Minisforum UM760 Slim, UM680 Slim, UM870 Slim, or UM690 Slim, this tutorial will provide you with all the necessary steps, from software installation to server setup. By the end, you’ll have your own Minecraft server ready for multiplayer fun!
Step 1: Download Ubuntu Server
The first step in setting up your Minecraft server is to install the Ubuntu Server. Follow these instructions:
- Visit the Ubuntu Server download page: Ubuntu Server.
- Choose the version compatible with your Mini PC and download the ISO file.
Step 2: Create a Bootable USB Drive
Once you have the Ubuntu ISO, you’ll need to create a bootable USB drive. Use Balena Etcher to simplify the process:
- Download Balena Etcher from this link.
- Open Balena Etcher and select the downloaded Ubuntu ISO file.
- Connect your USB drive and select it as the target.
- Click on Flash! to create the bootable USB drive.
Step 3: Install Ubuntu Server on Your Mini PC
Now that your USB drive is ready, you can install Ubuntu Server:
- Insert the bootable USB drive into your Mini PC and restart it.
- Access the boot menu (usually by pressing F12 or Esc during startup) and select the USB drive to boot from it.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to install Ubuntu Server.
- Ensure that you create a user account and note down the password for future access.
Step 4: Install Webmin for Easy Server Management
Webmin provides a powerful and user-friendly interface to manage your server:
- Follow the Webmin install guide available at this link.
- Once installed, access Webmin through your web browser using the server’s IP address followed by the port number (default is
10000
). - Log in using the user credentials you created during the Ubuntu installation.
Step 5: Install AMP (Application Management Panel)
AMP allows you to easily manage your Minecraft server:
- Visit the AMP installation page: AMP Install.
- Follow the instructions for setting up AMP to manage your server environment.
Step 6: Set Up Minecraft Server with Fabric
Now it’s time to set up your Minecraft server:
- Download the Fabric installer from here.
- Run the installer and follow the prompts to install Fabric on your server.
- After installation, use the fabric server files and configure your server settings (e.g., server properties, game modes).
Step 7: Configure Mods and IP Protection
You can enhance your gameplay by adding mods compatible with your server build:
- Search for Minecraft mods compatible with Fabric and your server version.
- To hide your IP address while hosting, consider utilizing Playit.gg.
Extra Tips & Common Issues
Here are some tips to ensure a smooth server setup:
- Regularly back up server files to avoid data loss.
- Check compatibility of mods with your Minecraft version before installation.
- If you encounter performance issues, consider allocating more RAM to the server through the server settings.
Conclusion
By following this guide, you have successfully turned your Mini PC into a Minecraft server. Now you can invite your friends to join you in multiplayer adventures. For more tutorials related to Minecraft or server management, check out additional guides and resources.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use any Mini PC for hosting a Minecraft server?
Yes, as long as the Mini PC meets the recommended hardware specifications for running a Minecraft server, you can use any model.
How much RAM do I need for a Minecraft server?
A minimum of 2 GB of RAM is recommended for small servers, but more is advisable if you host several players or mods.
What if my server is lagging?
Check your internet connection and allocate more resources to your server if necessary. Optimize server settings for better performance.