4 GBto start

How much memory your AI agent really needs.

Start with 4 GB. That is Anthropic's stated minimum for Claude Code, and it leaves room for one OpenClaw, Hermes Agent or n8n setup that thinks with an AI service like Claude or GPT. A 4 GB server is $6.49 a month today, paid as $155.76 up front for 24 months.

See the size for what you run or jump to prices

Sizes taken from each maker's own docs, not from a host's sales page
Prices read from each host's own site in November 2026
Hostinger's Black Friday prices end December 14, 2026, per Hostinger's sale page. After that they may go up.

The short answer

Memory is what runs out first. The heavy thinking happens at the AI company, not on your server, so your server only has to keep the agent awake, hold its files and answer messages.

That is why a small server is enough for one agent. Anthropic says Claude Code needs 4 GB or more. The Hermes Agent page says it runs "on a $5 VPS". OpenClaw and n8n give no fixed minimum.

Go to 8 GB when you run more than one thing on the same server, or when your agent drives a web browser. Go much bigger only if the AI model itself runs on your server, and that is a different kind of machine.

Our pick for one agent

Hostinger KVM 1 server

Price: $6.49 / mo
You pay today: $155.76 for 24 months
After that: Renews at $11.99 / mo
Memory: 4 GB
Processor: 1 vCPU core
Storage: 50 GB
Setup: OpenClaw, Hermes Agent and n8n install from 1-click templates. After that, updates and security are your job.
AI usage: Extra. Billed by your AI provider, on top of the server.
Change your mind: 30-day money back

See this server on Hostinger

Partner link. We may earn a commission. Your price is the same.

Running more than one thing? The 8 GB server is $8.79/mo, paid as $210.96 up front. See every size

Read from the host's own site on Nov 12, 2026

What size for what you run

Find the row that matches your setup. The right column says where the number comes from, so you can check it yourself.

Maker docs read on Nov 12, 2026
What you run	Start with	Where the number comes from
One OpenClaw or Hermes agentThinking with Claude, GPT or another AI service	2 to 4 GB	The Hermes Agent page says it runs "on a $5 VPS". The OpenClaw docs give no minimum. 4 GB is our pick so you are not on the edge.
Claude CodeWorking on your code while you are away	4 GB	Anthropic's setup docs: "4 GB+ RAM". Or skip the server and use Claude Code on the web.
n8nYour own automations, no run limit	4 GB	The n8n docs give no fixed number. They say memory grows with the amount of data, the number of steps, the Code step and how many workflows run at once.
Two or more of these on one serverOr an agent that drives a web browser	8 GB	Each one adds its own share, and a web browser is one of the hungriest programs there is. Hostinger marks its 8 GB server as the most popular one.
The AI model itself on your serverNo AI company, everything at home	Far more, often a graphics card	A different kind of machine, priced in a different range. Not covered on this page.

What each size costs

The same sizes from the hosts we work with. Look at "you pay today", not just the monthly number.

Hostinger read Nov 12, 2026. Vultr and Railway read Nov 11, 2026.
Size	Per month	You pay today	Renews at	Link
2 GB, VultrMonth to month, you install the agent	$10	$0 for the first month. Our link adds $300 in credit, good for 30 days.Needs a card or PayPal	$10/mo	Try Vultr
4 GB, Hostinger KVM 1Our pick for one agent	$6.49	$155.76 for 24 months	$11.99/mo	See this server
4 GB, VultrMonth to month, you install the agent	$20	$0 for the first month with the $300 credit	$20/mo	Try Vultr
8 GB, Hostinger KVM 2Two or more things, or a browser	$8.79	$210.96 for 24 months	$14.99/mo	See this server
16 GB, Hostinger KVM 4More room than most people need to start	$12.99	$311.76 for 24 months	$28.99/mo	See this server
RailwayPay for the memory you use	$5 plus usage	$0 to try. Our link adds $20 in credits.Memory is billed by the second, so a small agent costs less than a big one	$5/mo with $5 of usage included	Try Railway

Three signs your server is too small

The agent restarts on its own

When memory runs out, Linux shuts down a program to make room. The OpenClaw docs say it is set up so that smaller helper jobs get shut down first, so tools fail before the agent goes quiet.
n8n says "JavaScript heap out of memory"

That is n8n telling you it ran out of room. Its docs suggest smaller batches of data, fewer Code steps, or more memory.
Everything slows down when the browser opens

If your agent browses the web for you, that browser can use more than the agent does. That is the moment to move from 4 GB to 8 GB.

Questions people ask

How much RAM does OpenClaw need?

The OpenClaw docs do not give a minimum. For one agent that uses an AI service, 2 GB runs it and 4 GB gives you room. Add more if it drives a web browser.

How much RAM does Hermes Agent need?

The Hermes Agent page on GitHub says it runs "on a $5 VPS", meaning a small, cheap server. We suggest 4 GB so you are not on the edge.

How much RAM does Claude Code need?

Anthropic's setup docs say 4 GB or more. If you do not want a server at all, Claude Code also runs in Anthropic's own cloud at claude.ai/code.

How much RAM does n8n need?

n8n does not give one number. Memory grows with how much data each workflow moves and how many run at once. 4 GB is a safe start for one person's automations.

Do I need a graphics card?

Not if your agent uses an AI service like Claude or GPT. You only need one if the AI model itself runs on your server.

Can I start small and move up later?

Yes, that is the usual path. Start with the size for what you run today, and move up when you see the signs above.

How fresh are these prices?

We read Hostinger's prices off its own page on November 12, 2026, and Vultr's and Railway's on November 11. Hostinger is running a Black Friday sale right now, so its prices may change when the sale ends. Always check the total at checkout.

How does RunAgents247 make money?

Some hosts pay us a commission when you sign up through our links. It does not change your price. Some options on this site pay us nothing. They are here because sometimes they are the right answer.

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