Running a full node is essential for maintaining blockchain networks, contributing to decentralization, and validating transactions. This article compares the setup, requirements, and costs of running nodes on Solana, Celestia, and SUI.

1. Solana Full Node

Solana is a high-performance blockchain with a focus on scalability. Running a full node requires high-end hardware and significant bandwidth.

Minimum Requirements: 12-core CPU, 128 GB RAM, 1TB NVMe SSD, 1 Gbps+ network
Setup Complexity: High – Requires GPU optimization and advanced configurations.
Estimated Cost: $500 – $1,500 per month (cloud or dedicated server)
Setup Guide: Solana Node Docs

2. Celestia Full Node

Celestia is a modular blockchain designed for data availability and scalability. It has lower hardware requirements compared to Solana.

Minimum Requirements: 4-core CPU, 16 GB RAM, 500 GB SSD
Setup Complexity: Medium – Requires syncing data availability layer.
Estimated Cost: $100 – $300 per month
Setup Guide: Celestia Node Docs

3. SUI Full Node

SUI is optimized for smart contracts and high transaction throughput with parallel execution.

Minimum Requirements: 8-core CPU, 32 GB RAM, 1TB NVMe SSD
Setup Complexity: Medium – Requires Rust and Move language support.
Estimated Cost: $150 – $500 per month
Setup Guide: SUI Node Docs

Conclusion

Choosing the right blockchain to run a full node depends on the required hardware, cost, and setup complexity:

Solana: Best for high-performance validators but requires costly infrastructure.
Celestia: More lightweight, focused on data availability.
SUI: Balanced between performance and hardware requirements.

Each blockchain has its strengths, and running a node can be a great way to contribute to decentralization while earning potential rewards.