Hardware Guide
Choose the right setup for your OpenClaw installation. From budget Raspberry Pi to powerful Mac Mini.
What You Need
OpenClaw runs on almost any modern computer. The key is choosing hardware that matches your usage patterns and budget.
Power Efficiency
For 24/7 operation, power consumption matters. A Raspberry Pi uses less power in a year than a gaming PC uses in a day.
Processing Power
API-only usage needs minimal CPU. Local models (Ollama) need significant power. Choose accordingly.
๐ฅ๏ธ Hardware Options
Detailed breakdown of the most popular OpenClaw hardware setups.
Mac Mini (M-series)
Perfect for macOS integration and always-on operation
Pros
- Native macOS features (iMessage, Notes)
- Excellent performance per watt
- Silent operation
- Compact design
- Great build quality
Cons
- Higher upfront cost
- Limited to macOS
Raspberry Pi 5
Perfect for always-on, low-power setups
Pros
- Very low power consumption
- Affordable
- Excellent community support
- GPIO for hardware projects
- Small footprint
Cons
- Limited processing power
- Requires USB SSD for performance
- ARM compatibility considerations
Intel NUC / Mini PC
Balance of power and efficiency for x86 compatibility
Pros
- x86 compatibility
- Good performance
- Multiple OS options
- Moderate power usage
- Expandable
Cons
- Higher power than Pi
- Can be noisy under load
- Larger than Pi
Cloud VPS
24/7 operation without home hardware
Pros
- No hardware maintenance
- Professional networking
- Scalable resources
- Multiple locations
- Built-in backups
Cons
- Ongoing monthly cost
- Internet dependency
- Less control
- Privacy considerations
โ๏ธ Cloud VPS Providers
Popular options for running OpenClaw in the cloud:
Hetzner
DigitalOcean
Vultr
Linode
๐ก Tip: Many providers offer free credits for new users. Hetzner and DigitalOcean often have the best price/performance for OpenClaw.
โก Power Consumption Breakdown
Annual electricity costs for 24/7 operation (at $0.12/kWh):
๐ ๏ธ Real Setup Examples
How people in the community run OpenClaw.
The Budget Setup
USB SSD, Ethernet connection
Perfect for: API-only usage, basic automation, learning
Watch Setup Guide โThe Premium Setup
Native macOS integration
Perfect for: iMessage, Apple Notes, local models, power users
The Cloud Setup
2 vCPU, 4GB RAM, 40GB SSD
Perfect for: No hardware, global access, professional setup
๐ก Installation Tips
Raspberry Pi
- Use 64-bit Raspberry Pi OS
- USB SSD greatly improves performance
- Ensure stable power supply (official adapter)
- Enable SSH for headless operation
Mac Mini
- 16GB RAM recommended for local models
- Enable remote login for SSH access
- Set up automatic login for service restart
- Use Homebrew for easy dependency management
Cloud VPS
- Choose a server close to your location
- Set up automatic backups
- Use SSH keys instead of passwords
- Configure UFW firewall
General
- Set up monitoring for uptime tracking
- Configure automatic restarts
- Plan for regular backups
- Monitor resource usage initially
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Try OpenClaw Cloud →Ready to Get Started?
Check out our quick start guide once you've chosen your hardware.