Is your VPS (Virtual Private Server) struggling to keep up with your workload? Slowdowns, lag, and crashes can be a nightmare, especially when your server starts running out of memory. But what if I told you there’s a way to boost your VPS performance by 4GB for free—no expensive upgrades required?
That’s right. You can get more virtual memory without spending a dime, and we’re going to show you exactly how to do it. In this guide, you’ll learn how to add swap space to your VPS, giving your server the extra boost it needs to run smoothly.
Ready to make your VPS faster? Let’s dive in!
What is Swap Space and Why Should You Care?
Picture this: Your VPS is running multiple applications, and suddenly, it hits its RAM limit. What happens next? Your server starts slowing down, processes freeze, and worst of all—your website or app might crash.
But there’s a simple solution. Swap space acts as virtual RAM, stepping in when your physical memory (RAM) is maxed out. It’s like giving your VPS an emergency memory boost without having to buy more hardware.
So, what exactly is swap space? It’s a dedicated portion of your hard drive (SSD or HDD) that acts as an overflow for your memory. When RAM is full, less-used data is moved to swap space, freeing up RAM for the tasks you need right now.
It’s not as fast as RAM, but it’s a lifesaver—especially when you don’t want to upgrade your VPS plan.
Why You Need Swap Space (Especially If Your VPS Is Slow)
If you’re dealing with slow performance, you could be running low on memory. Here’s why swap space should be your first line of defense:
- Instant Memory Boost: Add up to 4GB of extra memory (or more) with no added cost.
- No Need for Expensive Upgrades: You don’t have to pay for a more expensive VPS plan or additional RAM.
- Prevent Crashes & Slowdowns: Swap space prevents your VPS from freezing or crashing when it runs out of memory, keeping everything running smoothly.
Imagine how much more efficient your server could be with an extra 4GB of memory at no extra cost. Sounds good, right?
How to Unlock 4GB of RAM for FREE on Your VPS
Ready to get started? Follow these steps to set up swap space and unlock a 4GB boost to your VPS’s performance. It’s easier than you think!
Step 1: Create the Swap File
First, create a swap file. We’ll start with a 4GB file, but you can adjust it to fit your needs. Run this command:
sudo fallocate -l 4G /swapfileIf fallocate doesn’t work, use the following command instead:
sudo dd if=/dev/zero of=/swapfile bs=1M count=4096This will create a 4GB swap file.
Step 2: Set Permissions for Security
Next, secure the swap file by changing its permissions:
sudo chmod 600 /swapfileStep 3: Format the Swap File
Now, tell your VPS to use the file as swap space:
sudo mkswap /swapfileStep 4: Activate the Swap Space
Activate the swap file with this command:
sudo swapon /swapfileBoom! Your VPS now has 4GB of virtual RAM—no upgrade required.
Step 5: Verify Your Swap Space
You can check if the swap space is active by running:
sudo swapon --showWant Your Swap Space to Stick? Make It Permanent!
Don’t want to lose your new swap space after a reboot? No problem! Just add the swap file to your /etc/fstab file:
echo '/swapfile none swap sw 0 0' | sudo tee -a /etc/fstabNow your VPS will automatically use swap space every time it starts up—forever.
How Much Swap Space Do You Actually Need?
You don’t have to go overboard. Here’s a quick guide to figure out how much swap space is right for your VPS:
- Small VPS (1GB – 2GB RAM): 1GB to 2GB swap space.
- Medium VPS (4GB – 8GB RAM): 2GB to 4GB swap space.
- Larger VPS (16GB+ RAM): 4GB to 8GB swap space should be more than enough.
For most VPS users, 4GB of swap space is the sweet spot, giving you a good balance of performance and stability.
Conclusion: More RAM for Free, No Strings Attached
You don’t have to break the bank to boost your VPS performance. With swap space, you can unlock an extra 4GB of RAM (or more) without upgrading your plan, increasing memory, or spending a dime.
It’s the perfect solution if you want better stability, faster performance, and a more reliable server—all for free.
What are you waiting for? Follow the steps above, and get your VPS running like a pro today!
Don’t Let Your VPS Slow You Down
If your VPS is running slow or you’re facing crashes, try adding swap space for a quick performance boost. Set it up now and enjoy a faster, more stable server at no extra cost!