Hardware Recommendations for Kubernetes Cluster

General Discussions
1

Hi everyone,

I’m planning to set up a small Kubernetes cluster for testing and learning purposes, and I need advice on the hardware side. My current plan includes using multiple nodes with moderate specs to simulate a real-world environment.

One of the options I’m considering for storage is the SATA 6Gbps SSD/120GB-MU-2.5Inch, primarily for the master node to ensure faster etcd performance and smoother control plane operations. Would this SSD be sufficient for a small cluster, or should I look for something with more capacity or higher IOPS?

Additionally, are there any other specific hardware components (e.g., network interfaces, memory configurations) that I should prioritize for an efficient Kubernetes setup?

Thanks in advance for your insights and recommendations!

1 Like
2

Stop overthinking it. Just use Virtaulbox VMs and install your kubeadm cluster, it is how I use K8s. Here is a video for setting up your Virtualbox VMS for kubernetes , https://youtu.be/lOxwwq0LQYo . ANd here’s another video for installing a Kubeadm cluster on your VMs, https://youtu.be/W3337KFn5I0 . Hope it helps

3

A 120GB SATA SSD is sufficient for a small Kubernetes test cluster, but for better etcd performance and scalability, an NVMe SSD with higher IOPS is recommended. Prioritize at least 8GB RAM for the master node and 4GB+ per worker node, a multi-core CPU, and Gigabit Ethernet for smooth networking. If simulating a real-world setup, ensure a reliable power supply and consider redundant storage for etcd stability.