How to Run AVAX Node: Requirements 

Avalanche is a Layer-1 blockchain, compatible with Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM), which focuses on scalability and development efficiency. Its architecture uses three independent chains (X-, C, and P-chains) for different purposes to maximize efficiency, while developers can run their own virtual machines and even separate L1s using Avalanche capacities.

Here, let’s focus on Avalanche nodes and explore how to run them.

Avalanche structure and peculiarities

To understand Avalanche nodes and how they work, we should start with the blockchain’s core structure and peculiarities.

Avalanche structure and consensus

Avalanche uses a Delegated Proof-of-Stake (DPoS) consensus for validating transactions.

It’s realized via a network of validators who stake the native network’s token, AVAX. They receive transactions and confirm their validity, and then they’re reviewed by other validators. Only after a vast majority of them are confident in the transaction's legitimacy, it is recorded into the blockchain.

Source: AVAX documentation

To become a validator, one needs as many as 2,000 AVAX, which roughly translates into $50,000, given the median price of AVAX as $25 for May-July 2025. That’s a huge sum, comparable to those required for becoming an Ethereum validator. Validators get staking rewards and can participate in chain governance.

One can become a delegate instead, which reduces the minimum amount to 25 AVAX or roughly $625. Instead of direct consensus participation, they vote for validators and get rewards along with them. Delegates aren’t required to run their own node and are limited in their governance capacities, but still get staking rewards with about 8-10% APY.

Thus, with the Avalanche’s DPoS consensus, it’s possible to start participating in it and earn rewards even with much lower AVAX amounts.

X-, C, and P-chains of Avalanche

Avalanche has a unique operating structure that allows it to be highly interoperable and adjustable. Its ultimate goal is to enable every Web3 developer to build their own L1 for their specific purpose, while ensuring that they all remain interoperable. One can see its scheme below.

Source: AVAX documentation

Here, we won’t delve too deeply into the Avalanche's peculiarities, as that would require a separate series of articles. Let’s describe the three primary network layers of Avalanche, each of which functions as a separate L1: X-chain, P-chain, and C-chain.

• X-chain works on the Avalanche Virtual Machine and focuses on asset minting and trading, including the native Avalanche token AVAX.
• P-chain focuses on staking, transaction validation, and governance, so Avalanche validators must stake AVAX here.
• C-chain uses Coreth Virtual Machine, a modified version of EVM, and focuses on smart contract execution, being fully EVM-compatible.

The main reason why these chains are separate is to maintain high throughput and efficiency by isolating different network functionalities. X-chain ensures fast and cheap transactions, P-chain is responsible for efficient governance and network management, and C-chain enables robust development and execution of EVM-compatible smart contracts.

Still want to dive deeper into the network’s chains and peculiarities? Look at our specialized article!

Now, we can explore our primary subject: Avalanche nodes and how to run them.

What is AVAX node

A node is a computer that runs a full blockchain copy and synchronizes it with other nodes. It’s their primary function, and it ensures that the blockchain remains intact and all unauthorized changes are quickly reverted. In the case of Avalanche, every node runs instances of all three chains: X-, P-, and C-chain.

Types of Avalanche nodes

One can distinguish three types of AVAX nodes:

• full nodes;
• validator nodes;
• RPC nodes.

Let’s look closer.

Full nodes are the primary type of AVAX nodes, as they store the full blockchain copy and synchronize it with other nodes. Validator and RPC nodes are basically subtypes of full nodes, which are set up to perform specific tasks. A full node can also be pruned by deleting old blocks to reduce required disk space.

Every full node can participate in two basic blockchain functions: Web3 development and transaction validation, each of which requires a corresponding node type.

• Web3 development on Avalanche requires an RPC node with an active API URL, which can be used to trigger AVAX methods in decentralized applications.
• Transaction validation uses validator nodes to secure smart contract execution and ensure that only legitimate transactions can be recorded into the blockchain.

Now we can explore how one can run a node—and what benefits it may give.

How to run AVAX node

Compared to other programmable PoS chains, like Ethereum and Solana, requirements are lower, both in terms of hardware and initial investment for staking. We’ll also learn when a node provider, like GetBlock, may be a better choice.

Avalanche node requirements

First, let’s explore the hardware requirements for the AVAX node.

• Disk: 1 TB SSD
• RAM: 16 GB
• CPU: at least 8-core
• Internet: at least 5 Mbps

In addition, AVAX node requires a Unix operating system, either Linux or macOS, while Ubuntu is recommended. Note that it cannot be run on Windows.

Installation and deployment

There are several ways to install and configure the Avalanche node client, AvalancheGo, which are precisely described in their documentation. Here, we’ll compile various options together and present a very short, generalized setup algorithm. The Unix CLI will be used actively during the installation.

1. Install required dependencies: go and gcc
2. Install AvalancheGo, either from source, using Docker, or with a pre-built binary
3. Run AvalancheGo and wait for node synchronization (also called bootstrapping)
4. Configure the node using config flags, including chain-specific ones
5. Set up the node pruning via C-chain settings to reduce disk space usage

After that, one needs to maintain and monitor node functioning, which also includes overseeing AvalancheGo updates. Various CLI commands and third-party services, such as Prometheus, are used for that. The monitoring dashboard will look like depicted below.

Source: AVAX documentation

One can also specialize a node as a validator or get an RPC endpoint and use it in Web3 development.

Using a node provider

If one needs an RPC node for Web3 development purposes, it may be a better idea to get a ready-to-go end product instead of setting up the node oneself. It includes aspiring blockchain startups who need AVAX nodes to realize their smart contract ideas and large-scale Web3 enterprises who must process transactions from tens of thousands of users every day.

Instead of being required to spend time and operational capacities on running their own node, they can order a reliable RPC API endpoint and use it in their ventures, increasing operational efficiency and reducing time expenses.

One can compare the node provider usage with running one’s node in the table below.

Therefore, while running an Avalanche node provides direct control and secures the network, ordering an RPC node from the node provider is quicker and, often, cheaper. It’s recommended for commercial projects that need Avalanche nodes to ensure the steady work of their services.

Benefits of running Avalanche node

Avalanche node operators ensure the network's security, stability, and development. Every full node stores the same copy of the blockchain, although it may be pruned for disk space economy. Still, all missing fragments are verified by the constant synchronization with other nodes, so the chain security is maintained.

Node operators can proceed with smart contracts and transactions much faster and more efficiently, which may be crucial for various applications. They can also specialize as validators and participate in chain security and governance, earning AVAX rewards. And of course, they can deploy decentralized applications (dApps) quickly with their own RPC nodes.

However, an RPC node provider can bring much more benefits for commercial AVAX node usage, be it Web3 development, NFT game creation, or large-scale trading. It provides an RPC API endpoint without the need to set up the node, enabling quick and efficient dApp deployment.

GetBlock offers efficient, secure, and scalable AVAX nodes that can grow along with your Web3 enterprise. Start with our generous free plan and acquire computing capacities as your project grows, while our dedicated nodes serve well for established Avalanche projects. And not only that—our clients are also our partners and we support them in their development, promoting them at conferences and adding them to our Dapp Hub! Sign up now, select your plan, and start your BUIDL with us.