Realtime synchronization increases Node.js and database activity.
Busy collaborative workspaces.Requisitos de hardware de Etherpad: RAM, CPU, almacenamiento e implementación
Planifica el hardware de Etherpad según la RAM, la CPU, Node.js, la base de datos, los usuarios en tiempo real y Docker, con una guía directa para implementarlo desde la tienda de aplicaciones de ZimaOS.
Etherpad requirements at a glance
Etherpad 3.1.0 is a realtime collaborative editor. Upstream publishes no numerical whole-host CPU/RAM minimum; the current ZimaOS package lists 256 MB minimum memory.
- Upstream RAM minimum
- No numerical whole-host RAM minimum published.
- ZimaOS package memory
- Current official ZimaOS listing: 256 MB minimum memory.
- Node.js
- Etherpad 3.x requires Node.js 24 or newer for non-container installs.
- Database
- DirtyDB is the default fallback, but the Docker configuration explicitly recommends choosing a real supported database instead.
- Port
- The official Docker image exposes Etherpad on port 9001.
- Best Zima starting point
- ZimaBoard 2 832 is ample for small and medium collaborative use; use a real SQL database for durable production data.
From official requirements to the right setup
Size Etherpad from the real workload and deployment topology rather than generic server assumptions.
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Official requirements
Install Etherpad directly from the official ZimaOS App Store.
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Confirm your needs
For production, choose a supported database instead of relying on the DirtyDB fallback.
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Leave room to grow
Estimate simultaneous editors, active pads and plugin count because realtime collaboration and plugins drive CPU/RAM beyond idle usage.
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Run it on ZimaOS
Persist database/application data and expose port 9001 behind HTTPS or a reverse proxy.
Check every playback client
- 256 MB package memory
- Node.js 24+
- Database backend
- Concurrent editors
- Active pads
- Plugin count
- Port 9001
- Backup retention
Official minimum requirements
Etherpad upstream documents Node.js, Docker and database configuration but no numerical host-hardware minimum; ZimaOS provides package-level minimum memory.
Use 256 MB only as current ZimaOS package metadata. Realtime concurrency, database choice and plugins determine actual production resource needs.
| Requirement | Official minimum | What this supports |
|---|---|---|
| Upstream host RAM minimum | No numerical minimum published | Depends on realtime users and plugins. |
| ZimaOS package minimum memory | 256 MB | Current public App Store metadata. |
| Node.js | 24+ | Etherpad 3.x non-container requirement. |
| Web port | 9001 | Current official Docker image. |
| Database fallback | DirtyDB | Official Docker config says to choose a real DB instead. |
| Official image | etherpad/etherpad | Published on Docker Hub and GHCR. |
When to upgrade your hardware
Scale Etherpad when these workload signals appear.
Many users edit the same pads
Plugins add server work
Pad history grows
Import/export, authentication and plugin ecosystems can raise memory and CPU needs.
Customized Etherpad deployments.Long-running collaboration increases database size and backup time.
Persistent team knowledge bases.Plan hardware growth with confidence
Scale Etherpad only where the workload justifies additional resources.
Use a real database for production
This matters more than adding raw compute to the default DirtyDB setup.
Use SSD-backed PostgreSQL/MySQL/SQLite as appropriate.Use ZimaBoard 2 832 for normal teams
8 GB is far above the current package memory value.
ZimaBoard 2 832.Use 16 GB for many plugins or co-hosted apps
Extra RAM helps the wider Node/database stack.
ZimaBoard 2 1664.Use stronger CPU only for large realtime workloads
High concurrent editing and plugin work can justify more CPU.
ZimaCube 2 Pro.Can it run on ZimaOS?
Etherpad deployment on ZimaOS should follow the verified route below.
Install Etherpad from the ZimaOS App Store
Install the current Etherpad package directly from ZimaOS; for production, replace the DirtyDB fallback with a supported database and persist it.
Install Etherpad from the ZimaOS App Store ↗Review Etherpad upstream deployment
Use upstream documentation to understand ports, persistence and feature-specific requirements.
Review Etherpad Docker docs ↗Keep persistent data outside disposable containers
Map configuration, database or uploaded-file paths to durable ZimaOS storage where the app uses persistent state.
Review ZimaOS download and app platform ↗Choose Zima hardware for Etherpad
Etherpad is lightweight at small scale, but realtime concurrency and database history determine growth.
Which Etherpad workload are you running?
Small/medium collaborative editing
Use ZimaBoard 2 832 with a real database.
- Best starting pointZimaBoard 2 832
Heavy realtime use / many plugins
Add RAM and CPU headroom.
- More memoryZimaBoard 2 1664
- Higher-processing headroomZimaCube 2 Pro
The ZimaOS 256 MB package value is not an upstream production sizing guarantee.
| Zima hardware | Best for | Example workload | Core configuration | Recommended boundary | Next step |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ZimaBoard 2 832 | Small and medium Etherpad teams. | Etherpad, SQL database and normal collaborative editing. |
|
Use a durable database rather than default DirtyDB for production. | Get Now |
| ZimaBoard 2 1664 | Plugin-heavy or multi-app collaboration servers. | More database/cache and co-hosted services. |
|
N150 CPU can still limit very high realtime concurrency. | Get Now |
| ZimaCube 2 Pro | Larger realtime collaboration workloads. | More editors, plugins and broader service consolidation. |
|
Actual capacity depends on pad activity and plugin behavior. | Get Now |
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Highlights from trusted reviewers worldwide.
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Frequently asked questions
These answers cover Etherpad RAM, CPU, storage and ZimaOS deployment.
How much RAM does Etherpad need?
Upstream does not publish a numerical whole-host minimum; the current ZimaOS package lists 256 MB minimum memory.
Which Node.js version does Etherpad 3.x require?
Current Etherpad 3.x requires Node.js 24 or newer for non-container installs.
Which port does Etherpad use?
Port 9001.
Which database should Etherpad use?
The Docker config falls back to DirtyDB if none is configured, but explicitly recommends choosing a supported database instead.
Does Etherpad need a GPU?
No.
Can ZimaBoard 2 run Etherpad?
Yes. The 8 GB model is ample for normal collaborative use.
What makes Etherpad need more hardware?
More simultaneous editors, active pads, plugins and database history.
Is Etherpad in the ZimaOS App Store?
Yes. A public official ZimaOS App Store page is available.
What sources informed this Etherpad hardware guide?
Current Etherpad ZimaOS listing, official Docker docs and release documentation plus Zima product pages.
