Installation Overview
Dappnode can be installed on Linux (Debian/Ubuntu) and macOS machines. Whether you are setting up a dedicated home server or running Dappnode on your personal computer, choose the platform and installation method that best fits your needs.
Supported Platforms
| Platform | Installation Methods | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Linux (Debian/Ubuntu) | ISO, Script | Recommended for dedicated servers and staking |
| macOS | Script | Apple Silicon & Intel supported |
| ARM (Linux) | Script | Raspberry Pi and similar boards |
Hardware Recommendations
Hardware requirements depend heavily on your intended use case. Below are general guidelines:
Home Server (24/7 staking, full nodes)
This is the recommended setup for staking, running full blockchain nodes, and other always-on workloads.
| Component | Recommended | Minimum |
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Intel Core i5/i7 or AMD equivalent | Intel Core i3 |
| RAM | 32 GB | 16 GB |
| Storage | 4 TB NVMe | 2 TB NVMe or fast SSD |
Personal Desktop / Laptop (light usage)
If you are running Dappnode on your personal computer for lighter workloads (e.g. testing, light node operation, development), lower specs are acceptable:
| Component | Recommended | Minimum |
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Intel Core i5 / Apple M1 or better | Intel Core i3 / Apple M1 |
| RAM | 16 GB | 8 GB |
| Storage | 1 TB NVMe or SSD | 512 GB SSD |
AI & Advanced Workloads
Running AI packages or other compute-heavy workloads alongside blockchain nodes requires significantly more resources:
| Component | Recommended |
|---|---|
| CPU | Intel Core i7/i9 or Apple M2 Pro/Max or better |
| RAM | 64 GB+ |
| Storage | 4 TB+ NVMe |
| GPU | Dedicated GPU recommended for AI inference |
macOS Compatibility
Dappnode supports macOS on both Apple Silicon (M1/M2/M3/M4) and Intel Macs. Server-class Macs (Mac mini, Mac Studio, Mac Pro) are recommended for always-on usage. Laptops and iMacs can run Dappnode in desktop/personal mode. See the macOS installation guide for details.
If you don't have enough technical experience to customize your own hardware, you can always get a plug-and-play Dappnode Home from our online shop.
Installation Methods at a Glance
Linux (Debian/Ubuntu)
| Method | Best For | Link |
|---|---|---|
| ISO | Clean installs on dedicated machines; wipes disk and installs Dappnode over Debian | ISO Installation |
| Script (server) | Installing on an existing Debian/Ubuntu system as a 24/7 server | Script Installation |
Script (desktop / --lite) | Installing on a personal Linux desktop or laptop | Script Installation |
macOS
| Method | Best For | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Script (server) | Always-on Mac mini / Mac Studio / Mac Pro | macOS Installation |
Script (desktop / --minimal) | Personal MacBook, iMac, or Mac mini used as a desktop | macOS Installation |
Dappnode is designed to run 24/7 when used as a server. Many features, especially blockchain nodes and validators, rely on continuous uptime:
- Blockchain Nodes: Turning off Dappnode causes nodes to lose sync. Re-syncing can be resource-intensive and time-consuming.
- Validator Nodes: For staking, continuous uptime is crucial. Being offline may result in missed rewards or penalties.
If you are running Dappnode on a personal desktop or laptop, be aware that shutting down or suspending the machine will stop all Dappnode services.