Quake 3 - Pi4 - Dedicated Server Setup and Performance

Installing and running a Quake 3 dedicated server on a Raspberry Pi. Skip to the bottom for timestamps and resources. I'm using "ioquake3" as a server since it's incredibly simple to set up.Show more

The server is running with around 19 bots, who gradually join and increase resources. I also join in from a test machine to show what actual game play feels like. While playing I'll show system resource stats and core temp of the Pi.

The server is 'ioquake3', which is a single command to install. You'll then need to copy some files over before using the single line launch command. I try a LAN and Internet server, highlighting any differences between the 2.

My Equipment / Prerequisites:
=========================
- Pi Model 4
-- With 64GB class 10 SD card.
-- Using ethernet.
-- I have the 4GB version, which seems overkill for this server. Even if running mods or larger levels, it's doubtful you'll get anywhere near 4GB.
-- The CPU takes a hit when running a lot of bots. Will likely be a lot less with human players.
- I have a small fan on my Pi 4 which I took off my old Pi 3. There's no mount so I just taped it on. it doesn't make a big difference to core temp, but it's better than nothing.
- Raspbian Buster with desktop (10/07/2019)

- Desktop PC
-- i7-5820K, 16GB DDR4, NVIDIA 1060 6GB, mechanical drives.
-- For installing Quake 3 to play and rip files.

- Copy of Quake 3
-- To join the server once running.
-- To pull out pak files to copy on to server.
-- I'm using the Steam version, which is missing pak files. See resources section.

- USB memory stick (optional)
-- For copying files to the Pi, but you can use any method (ftp, samba...).

Resources:
=========
- Config files and core temp script:
-- https://drive.google.com/open?id=1G4GfwPfZBtzQMIJOZde8L3uOamGF7R8v

- Quake 3 patch data.
-- The Steam version is missing some pak files which supposedly come from a patch. The server won't launch without them but you can get them from the official ioquake3 page
-- https://ioquake3.org/extras/patch-data/

Timestamps:
===========
00:00 - 00:22.... Intro
00:22 - 06:35... Copying files on to usb with desktop PC
06:35 - 07:37... Updating Raspbian (new install of OS)
07:37 - 10:27... Installing server
10:27 - 11:21... Setting up resource and temperature monitoring
11:21 - 14:21... Launching Quake 3 Arena LAN server
14:21 - 16:13...Launching Quake 3 Team Arena LAN server
16:13 - 20:43...Launching Quake 3 Team Arena Internet server
20:43 - end ...Summary