RHEL 10 System Requirements: Hardware & Software Checklist

Table of Contents

• Introduction to RHEL 10 System Requirements
• Hardware Requirements for RHEL 10
• Software Requirements for RHEL 10
• Supported Architectures
• Storage and File System Requirements
• Network Configuration Requirements
• Virtualization and Containerization Requirements
• Installation Media and Methods
• Security and Compliance Considerations
• Best Practices for System Setup
• Key Requirements Summary
• Conclusion
• FAQ

Introduction to RHEL 10 System Requirements

Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) 10, launched in May 2025, is a powerful operating system tailored for enterprise-grade stability, security, and scalability. Designed for hybrid cloud, edge, and mission-critical workloads, RHEL 10 supports advanced features like AI/ML and containerization. This guide details the hardware and software requirements to ensure a seamless deployment and optimal performance for enterprise environments.

Key highlights include:

• Hardware compatibility: Supports modern 64-bit processors and large-scale storage.
• Software ecosystem: Includes DNF, subscription management, and cloud-native tools.
• Virtualization support: Optimized for KVM, Podman, and Kubernetes.
• Security features: Tools for FIPS, GDPR, and HIPAA compliance.

Hardware Requirements for RHEL 10

RHEL 10 requires specific hardware to support its enterprise-grade capabilities. Below are the minimum and recommended specifications:

• Processor:
  • Minimum: 1 GHz 64-bit processor (x86_64, ARM64, IBM Power, or IBM Z).
  • Recommended: 2 GHz multi-core processor for high-performance workloads.
  • Note: Modern Intel or AMD processors are ideal for AI/ML and database tasks.
• Memory (RAM):
  • Minimum: 1.5 GiB for local media installation; 3 GiB for network installation.
  • Recommended: 4 GiB or more for enterprise and virtualized environments.
  • Note: Additional RAM is needed for Kickstart or memory-intensive applications.
• Disk Space:
  • Minimum: 10 GiB free disk space for minimal installation.
  • Recommended: 20 GiB or more for applications, logs, and data.
  • Note: Requires separate / and swap partitions; IBM Power needs PReP.
• Display:
  • Minimum: 800x600 resolution for graphical installation.
  • Recommended: 1024x768 for enhanced user experience.
  • Note: GUI is optional; supports headless server mode.
• Network:
  • Minimum: 1 Gigabit Ethernet.
  • Recommended: 10 Gigabit Ethernet for cloud and server performance.

Software Requirements for RHEL 10

RHEL 10 requires specific software configurations for optimal operation:

• Supported File Systems:
  • Ext4 (default for standard installations).
  • XFS (optimized for large-scale storage).
  • Btrfs (optional for advanced use cases).
  • Note: Choose based on workload and scalability needs.
• System Booting:
  • Supports UEFI and BIOS boot modes.
  • Secure Boot supported but may need disabling for Beta releases.
• Package Management:
  • Red Hat Subscription Manager: Required for repository access and updates.
  • DNF: Primary tool for package and dependency management.
  • YUM: Supported for backward compatibility.
• Additional Software:
  • cloud-init for cloud-based deployments.
  • Ansible for automation and system configuration.
  • Cockpit for web-based administration.

Supported Architectures

RHEL 10 supports a variety of architectures to meet enterprise needs:

• AMD and Intel 64-bit (x86_64).
• 64-bit ARM (aarch64).
• IBM Power Systems, Little Endian (ppc64le).
• IBM Z (s390x).
• RISC-V (developer preview, in partnership with SiFive).

Note: Verify hardware compatibility using the Red Hat Ecosystem Catalog.

Storage and File System Requirements

RHEL 10 provides robust storage support for enterprise workloads:

• Supported Storage Types:
  • Internal interfaces: SATA, SAS, SCSI, NVMe.
  • BIOS/firmware RAID on x86_64, ARM64, and ppc64le.
  • Fibre Channel and multipath devices.
  • VirtIO and Xen block devices for VMs.
• Advanced Storage Features:
  • Stratis: Simplifies volume and pool management.
  • VDO: Enables compression and deduplication.
  • XFS/Ext4: Optimized for large files and high-demand workloads.
  • Scalability: Supports petabyte-scale storage.
• Limitations:
  • USB drives and SD cards not supported as installation targets.
  • Minimum 10 GiB unpartitioned disk space required.

Network Configuration Requirements

Network setup is essential for RHEL 10 functionality:

• Internet Access: Required for package downloads and updates.
• Static IP: Recommended for consistent server addressing.
• DNS: Essential for repository access and connectivity.
• Network Speed: Minimum 1 GbE; 10 GbE recommended.
• Firewall: Use firewalld or nftables for security.

Virtualization and Containerization Requirements

RHEL 10 is optimized for virtualized and containerized environments:

• Virtualization Requirements:
  • Hypervisors: KVM, VMware, or other supported platforms.
  • Hardware: Intel VT-x or AMD-V for virtual CPU support.
  • Resources: Minimum 1.5 GiB RAM, 10 GiB disk per VM.
• Containerization Support:
  • Podman, Buildah, and CRI-O for container workflows.
  • Kubernetes and OpenShift for orchestration.
  • Multi-tenant container environments supported.

Installation Media and Methods

RHEL 10 supports multiple installation methods:

• Local Media: DVD ISO (4 GiB+) or USB installer.
• Network Installation: HTTP, HTTPS, FTP, or NFS.
• Kickstart: Automated installations with configuration files.
• Image Mode: Container-based deployment for efficiency.

Note: Source installation media from official Red Hat repositories.

Security and Compliance Considerations

RHEL 10 includes features for enterprise security and compliance:

• SELinux: Fine-grained access controls for security.
• Secure Boot: Verifies kernel integrity (disable for Beta).
• FIPS Compliance: Meets FIPS 140-3 standards.
• Auditing: Tools for GDPR, HIPAA, and PCI DSS compliance.
• Post-Quantum Cryptography: Initial support for quantum-resistant algorithms.

Best Practices for System Setup

• Verify hardware compatibility with Red Hat Ecosystem Catalog.
• Allocate 20 GiB disk space and 4 GiB RAM minimum.
• Configure static IPs and DNS for reliable networking.
• Enable SELinux in enforcing mode; review audit logs.
• Use Stratis or VDO for storage efficiency.
• Test containers/VMs in isolated environments before production.
• Automate with Kickstart or Ansible for consistency.
• Maintain detailed configuration documentation.

Key Requirements Summary

Conclusion

RHEL 10 is a robust enterprise platform, but its deployment requires meeting specific hardware and software requirements. This checklist ensures compatibility, enabling organizations to leverage RHEL 10’s security, scalability, and cloud-native features for mission-critical applications.

FAQ

What are the minimum hardware requirements for RHEL 10?

RHEL 10 requires a 1 GHz 64-bit processor, 1.5-3 GiB RAM (based on installation type), and 10 GiB disk space for minimal setups.

Which architectures does RHEL 10 support?

It supports x86_64, ARM64 (aarch64), IBM Power (ppc64le), IBM Z (s390x), and RISC-V (developer preview).

Which file systems are supported by RHEL 10?

Ext4 (default), XFS (for large storage), and Btrfs (for advanced use cases) are optimized for performance.

Does RHEL 10 support virtualization?

Yes, it supports KVM, VMware, and other hypervisors with Intel VT-x or AMD-V for virtualized workloads.

Can RHEL 10 run containerized applications?

Yes, it supports Podman, Buildah, CRI-O, and Kubernetes for efficient container workflows and orchestration.

What are the network requirements for RHEL 10?

Minimum 1 GbE, recommended 10 GbE, with static IP and DNS for reliable server and cloud connectivity.

How does RHEL 10 ensure compliance?

SELinux, Secure Boot, FIPS 140-3 compliance, and auditing tools support GDPR, HIPAA, and PCI DSS standards.

What installation methods are available for RHEL 10?

Local media (DVD/USB), network installation (HTTP/HTTPS/FTP/NFS), Kickstart, and image mode are supported.

Is Secure Boot supported in RHEL 10?

Yes, but it may need to be disabled for Beta releases due to kernel signing limitations.

What storage features does RHEL 10 offer?

Stratis for volume management, VDO for compression/deduplication, and optimized XFS/Ext4 for efficient storage.

Can RHEL 10 run on older hardware?

It may work if minimum specs are met, but modern hardware is recommended for optimal performance.

Does RHEL 10 require internet access for installation?

Yes, internet access is needed for downloading packages and updates during network-based installations.

How does RHEL 10 support cloud deployments?

It integrates with AWS, Azure, Google Cloud, and private clouds using cloud-init and Kubernetes.

What is the minimum display resolution for RHEL 10?

800x600 for graphical installation, with 1024x768 recommended for a better user experience.

Can RHEL 10 handle AI/ML workloads?

Yes, kernel optimizations and multi-core support enable efficient AI, ML, and high-performance computing workloads.

How does RHEL 10 improve package management?

DNF provides fast dependency resolution, module streams for version flexibility, and rollback for update safety.

Is RHEL 10 suitable for mission-critical workloads?

Yes, its robust security, scalability, and long-term support make it ideal for mission-critical applications.

What automation tools does RHEL 10 support?

Ansible for configuration management and Kickstart for automated installations streamline setup and maintenance.

Does RHEL 10 support advanced cryptography?

Yes, it includes FIPS 140-3 compliance and initial support for post-quantum cryptographic algorithms.

What best practices should enterprises follow for RHEL 10?

Verify hardware compatibility, enable SELinux, use automation, optimize storage, and maintain detailed configuration documentation.