Hardware and operating systems for FileMaker Server
FileMaker Server is a powerful database application that can be used in a variety of environments to provide users with centralized access to databases. Choosing the right hardware and operating system is critical to ensure optimal performance, scalability and reliability. This guide presents the best options for hardware and operating systems, as well as a comparison between different configurations.
For the use of gFM-Business ERP software and FileMaker Server, we recommend the use of an Apple Mac mini in almost all configurations, unless the server is to be integrated into an existing Windows server environment.
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Recommended hardware for FileMaker Server
The hardware requirements of FileMaker Server depend on the size of the database, the number of concurrent users, and the type of tasks performed. In general, the following components should be considered:
Processor (CPU) Apple-based server
- Apple SiliconOn Macs, the Apple M1/M2 offers excellent performance, especially in single-threaded operations, which can be an advantage with FileMaker Server.
- Intel i5/i7/i9/XeonIntel-based Macs can be equipped with the aforementioned Intel processors. These offer sufficient performance for small and medium-sized installations, but all have to admit defeat to Apple's silicon processors.
Processor (CPU) PC-based server
- RecommendationIntel Xeon or AMD EPYC processors.
- ReasonThese processors offer high performance and are optimized for server-side applications. Multiple cores and a high clock frequency are particularly important for multi-user environments and computing-intensive processes.
Random access memory (RAM)
- RecommendationAt least 16 GB RAM, preferably 32 GB or more.
- ReasonMore RAM makes it possible to store larger amounts of data in memory, which improves performance, especially during intensive use. More RAM is essential for large databases or many simultaneous users.
Storage (SSD/HDD)
- RecommendationNVMe SSDs for best performance.
- ReasonSSDs offer fast read and write speeds, which is crucial for database applications. NVMe SSDs are even faster than conventional SATA SSDs and significantly reduce loading times.
Network connection
- RecommendationAt least Gigabit Ethernet, 10 Gigabit Ethernet for high-load environments.
- ReasonA fast and stable network is crucial for access to the database by multiple users. In corporate environments with many simultaneous accesses, a faster network is required.
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Comparison of operating systems for FileMaker Server
FileMaker Server supports multiple operating systems, including Windows Server, macOS, and Linux (Ubuntu). Each operating system has its own advantages and disadvantages:
Windows Server
- Recommended versions: Windows Server 2019 or 2022.
Advantages:
- High scalability and comprehensive management tools.
- Wide distribution and integration into company networks.
- Support for a wide range of enterprise applications.
- Offers strong security features and regular updates.
Disadvantages:
- Higher license costs compared to Linux or Apple.
- Higher demands on system resources.
macOS (Intel & Apple Silicon)
Recommended versions: macOS Ventura, Monterey.
Advantages:
- Seamless integration into Apple ecosystems, ideal for companies with Apple hardware.
- Apple Silicon (M1, M2) offers outstanding performance with low energy consumption.
- Simple operation and high reliability.
Disadvantages:
- Limited hardware expandability, especially with Apple Silicon.
- Higher acquisition costs for Apple hardware.
Linux (Ubuntu)
Supported versions: Ubuntu 20.04 LTS and 22.04 LTS.
Advantages:
- Free open source solution that saves license costs.
- High stability and security, ideal for server environments.
- Efficient use of system resources, which improves performance.
Disadvantages:
- No GUI, which makes setup and management more challenging.
- Limited support for certain functions (e.g. WebDirect Worker).
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Speed comparisons and practical considerations
Apple Silicon vs. Intel (macOS)
- Apple Silicon (e.g. M1, M2) outperforms Intel-based Macs in many cases, especially in energy-efficient tasks and with low heat generation. The single-thread performance is outstanding, which is important for FileMaker Server.
- However, Intel-based Macs are still a solid choice, especially for users who rely on existing hardware.
Windows Server vs. macOS
- Windows Server shows its strengths in large corporate environments with high scalability and in-depth management and security functions.
- macOS offers easier integration into Apple environments and strong performance, especially on Apple Silicon.
Linux (Ubuntu) vs. Windows Server/macOS
- Linux offers high performance at a lower cost and is particularly attractive in cloud-based and developer-oriented environments. Performance under Linux is on a similar level to Windows and macOS, but requires more technical know-how for setup and maintenance.
Recommendations for Apple server hardware
Below you will find specific hardware recommendations for running FileMaker Server, including a comparison between different Mac mini configurations (including an Intel-based model) and PCs running Windows or Linux. In addition, I will provide you with benchmark figures that give you an insight into the performance of the different systems.
1st Mac mini (M2 Pro, 2023) - high-end configuration
- ProcessorApple M2 Pro chip with 12-core CPU and 19-core GPU
- RAM: 32 GB
- Memory2 TB SSD
- Geekbench 5 (Single-Core): ~2.650
- Geekbench 5 (Multi-Core): ~12.500
- ApplicationFor more demanding FileMaker server installations with many simultaneous users and large databases.
2nd Mac mini (M2, 2023) - basic configuration
- ProcessorApple M2 chip with 8-core CPU and 10-core GPU
- RAM16 GB
- Memory512 GB SSD
- Geekbench 5 (Single-Core): ~2.550
- Geekbench 5 (Multi-Core): ~9.500
- ApplicationIdeal for small FileMaker installations with few concurrent users. Efficient and powerful enough for typical tasks.
3rd Mac mini (M1, 2020) - price-performance configuration
- ProcessorApple M1 chip with 8-core CPU and 8-core GPU
- RAM16 GB
- Memory512 GB SSD
- Geekbench 5 (Single-Core): ~1.700
- Geekbench 5 (Multi-Core): ~7.500
- ApplicationA cost-effective option for smaller businesses. Provides solid performance for typical FileMaker tasks.
4th Mac mini (Intel, 2020) - Intel-based configuration
- ProcessorIntel Core i5-8500B (6-Core, 3.0 GHz)
- RAM16 GB
- Memory512 GB SSD
- Geekbench 5 (Single-Core): ~1.100
- Geekbench 5 (Multi-Core): ~5.000
- ApplicationFor users who continue to rely on Intel processors. Slightly older, but still reliable hardware that lags behind the M1 and M2 models in terms of performance.
5th Mac mini (M2 Pro, 2023) - Ultimate configuration
- ProcessorApple M2 Pro chip with 12-core CPU and 19-core GPU
- RAM64 GB
- Memory4 TB SSD
- Geekbench 5 (Single-Core): ~2.650
- Geekbench 5 (Multi-Core): ~12.500
- ApplicationFor very large and demanding installations. Maximum performance for data-intensive applications.
Recommendations of PCs for Windows or Linux
1st Dell PowerEdge T340
- ProcessorIntel Xeon E-2224 (4-core, 3.4 GHz)
- RAM: 32 GB
- Memory1 TB SSD
- Geekbench 5 (Single-Core): ~950
- Geekbench 5 (Multi-Core): ~3.700
- ApplicationRobust tower server, ideal for small to medium-sized companies that want to use Windows or Linux as a host system for FileMaker Server.
2. HP ProLiant DL380 Gen10
- ProcessorIntel Xeon Silver 4210 (10-core, 2.2 GHz)
- RAM64 GB
- Memory2 TB SSD
- Geekbench 5 (Single-Core): ~870
- Geekbench 5 (Multi-Core): ~8.500
- ApplicationScalable rack server for medium to large companies.
3. Lenovo ThinkSystem SR550
- ProcessorIntel Xeon Bronze 3204 (6-core, 1.9 GHz)
- RAM: 32 GB
- Memory1 TB SSD
- Geekbench 5 (Single-Core): ~650
- Geekbench 5 (Multi-Core): ~2.800
- Application: Cost-efficient solution for small to medium-sized applications in companies.
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More information Frequently asked questions about FileMaker Server hardware
- What are the minimum hardware requirements for FileMaker Server?
- FileMaker Server requires at least a multi-core processor (4 cores), 8 GB RAM and sufficient storage space, ideally on an SSD, for fast performance. These minimum requirements may vary depending on the number of users and the complexity of the databases.
- Should I use an SSD or an HDD for FileMaker Server?
- An SSD is highly recommended as it offers a significantly faster data access speed than an HDD. This improves the performance of FileMaker Server, especially with large databases and a high number of concurrent users.
- How much RAM do I need for FileMaker Server?
- For FileMaker Server, you should use at least 8 GB of RAM, but for larger databases or many concurrent users, 16 GB or more is recommended. More RAM enables better performance and prevents bottlenecks during processing.
- How many CPU cores should my server have for FileMaker Server?
- FileMaker Server benefits from a multi-core processor. At least 4 cores are required, but for intensive applications and multiple concurrent users, 8 or more cores are beneficial to ensure high processing performance.
- What role does network speed play for FileMaker Server?
- A fast and stable network connection is critical to the performance of FileMaker Server, especially when many users are accessing the database simultaneously. A Gigabit Ethernet connection is ideal, and a fast Internet connection should be guaranteed for remote connections.
- Can I run FileMaker Server on a virtual server?
- Yes, FileMaker Server can be run on a virtual server as long as the VM provides sufficient CPU, RAM and disk space. Performance should match that of physical hardware if the VM is properly configured.
- What impact does disk space have on FileMaker Server performance?
- The available hard disk space has a major impact on performance, especially when SSDs are used. Sufficient storage space for databases, backups and temporary files is important to ensure smooth performance and avoid bottlenecks.
- Is a dedicated server required for FileMaker Server?
- A dedicated server is not mandatory, but can be an advantage. A dedicated server ensures that no other applications take up resources, which improves the stability and performance of FileMaker Server, especially for data-intensive applications.
- Can I run FileMaker Server on a Mac or Windows server?
- Yes, FileMaker Server supports both macOS and Windows Server. You can choose the operating system based on your preferences and existing IT infrastructure. Both platforms provide a stable and performant environment for FileMaker Server.
- How important is the processor to the performance of FileMaker Server?
- The processor plays a crucial role in the performance of FileMaker Server. Multiple cores and a high clock frequency improve data processing and response speed, especially with many simultaneous users and complex data queries.
- Should I use RAID for my server hard disks?
- Yes, a RAID setup, especially RAID 1 (mirroring) or RAID 10, is recommended for FileMaker Server to ensure data security and higher availability. RAID protects against hard disk failures and improves read/write throughput.
- How much bandwidth do I need for remote users accessing FileMaker Server?
- The bandwidth depends on the number of remote users and the complexity of the database. For smaller teams, 10-20 Mbps is often sufficient, while for larger teams and data-intensive applications, a higher bandwidth of 50 Mbps or more may be required to ensure smooth performance.
Summary and recommendations
- Apple Silicon (M1, M2, M2 Pro) outperform Intel-based Macs in almost all performance categories. The M2 Pro models are particularly suitable for performance-intensive tasks and large databases.
- Intel-based MacsThe Mac mini with Intel Core i5 offers a more stable but less powerful platform compared to the newer Apple Silicon models.
- Windows/Linux PCs like the HP ProLiant DL380 Gen10 offer solid performance and are particularly suitable for larger enterprise environments, while the Dell PowerEdge is a good choice for smaller setups.
The benchmarks and specific features of the devices should help you make an informed decision about which hardware is best suited for your FileMaker server environment. These devices offer a wide selection for different company sizes and requirements. The Mac mini configurations cover a wide range from smaller to performance-intensive applications, while the recommended PCs provide a stable platform for running Windows or Linux.
Install FileMaker Server
On our website you will find further instructions on FileMaker Server and the installation on Apple macOS, Microsoft Windows and Ubuntu Linux as well as on suitable SSL certificates for FileMaker Server.
