Workload guide · Networking
DNS sinkhole / ad-block: hardware requirements guide
Pi-hole / AdGuard Home network-wide ad blocking and DNS.
Hardware requirements by tier
Three tiers for every workload: the minimum that works, the recommended sweet spot, and the comfortable headroom level. These are the same tiers the WisePC decision engine uses when it plans a build around your goal.
| Tier | CPU cores | RAM | Storage | GPU | Network |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum | 1 cores | 1 GB | 0 TB (ssd) | None | 1 GbE |
| Recommended | 2 cores | 2 GB | 0 TB (ssd) | None | 1 GbE |
| Comfortable | 4 cores | 4 GB | 0 TB (ssd) | None | 1 GbE |
Which tier do you need?
- Pick Minimum (1 cores, 1 GB RAM) only for a single-purpose machine on a tight budget — expect little headroom.
- Recommended (2 cores, 2 GB RAM) is the sweet spot: enough for the workload plus the usual side-services, without overspending.
- Pick Comfortable (4 cores, 4 GB RAM) when this workload shares the machine with others or will grow — you pay for headroom, not for anxiety.
- GPU rule for this workload: None.
Frequently asked questions
How much RAM does dns sinkhole / ad-block need?
1 GB is the sensible minimum, 2 GB covers most real setups, and 4 GB gives comfortable headroom for growth and extra services.
How many CPU cores does dns sinkhole / ad-block need?
A 1-core CPU is the minimum, 2 cores is the recommended sweet spot, and 4 cores is comfortable when it shares the machine with other workloads.
Does dns sinkhole / ad-block need a dedicated GPU?
No — integrated graphics or a headless setup is enough.
What storage and network does dns sinkhole / ad-block expect?
Storage: 0 TB of SSD is the recommended baseline (0 TB minimum, 0 TB comfortable). Network: 1 GbE is the recommended baseline.
What runs well alongside dns sinkhole / ad-block?
It pairs naturally with: Router / gateway, Firewall.