OC-101 · Module 1

Choosing Your Hardware

3 min read

OpenClaw needs a machine that stays on. That is the only hard requirement. It does not need a GPU. It does not need 64 GB of RAM. It needs a stable internet connection and enough compute to run a Node.js process. The three most common options are a Mac Mini, an old laptop in clamshell mode, or a cloud VPS.

Do This

  • Mac Mini — silent, low power draw (~10W idle), reliable, sits on a shelf
  • Old laptop in clamshell mode — free if you already own one, close the lid and forget it
  • Cloud VPS ($5-20/month) — no hardware to maintain, but you lose the "own your machine" advantage

Avoid This

  • Do not use your daily-driver laptop — closing it kills your agent
  • Do not use a Raspberry Pi — too underpowered for Node.js + AI SDK overhead
  • Do not use a gaming desktop — unnecessary power consumption for a background process

For clamshell mode on a Mac, go to System Settings, Battery, and disable "Put hard disks to sleep when possible." Also disable the screensaver and set the display to never turn off when on power. On the network side, prefer ethernet over Wi-Fi for reliability. If ethernet is not an option, make sure your Wi-Fi does not drop when the lid is closed — some machines require a Bluetooth keyboard paired to stay awake in clamshell.