How much RAM does Drone CI need?

Plan on 2–4 GB for typical use; add headroom if you expect many concurrent users.

What stack does Drone CI run on?

Docker + Drone server and runner.

Yes — size the plan so Drone CI plus your other workloads fit in RAM with room to spare.

Development

A container-native CI/CD system.

Run pipelines defined in YAML, executing each step in a container, on your own infrastructure and tied to your Git forge.

Drone is a compact CI engine that pairs well with Gitea/Forgejo and keeps your build secrets inside your network.

1
Provision a VPS
Pick a Debian/Ubuntu template and get root SSH in about a minute.
2
Install the runtime
Install Docker + Drone server and runner.
3
Deploy the application
Net what you need from the project’s official source and run it.
4
Put it behind TLS
Reverse-proxy with Nginx and issue a Let’s Encrypt certificate.
5
Add it to your backups
Include the data directory and database in your backup routine before you rely on it.

Give Drone CI its own database user with rights only on its own schema.
Reverse-proxy Drone CI and terminate TLS at the proxy so certificates are managed in one place.
Take a VPS snapshot before major upgrades so you can roll back cleanly.
Keep Drone CI patched — most self-hosting incidents are unpatched software.

How much RAM does Drone CI need?: Plan on 2–4 GB for typical use; add headroom if you expect many concurrent users.
What stack does Drone CI run on?: Docker + Drone server and runner.
Can I run other things on the same VPS?: Yes — size the plan so Drone CI plus your other workloads fit in RAM with room to spare.

Looking for something else? Popular alternatives include Woodpecker CI, Gitea Actions, GitLab CI — browse all app guides.