# How to get started as a Node Operator

To join the network as a node operator, complete the [Render Network Interest Form](https://renderfoundation.com/gpu)[ ](https://renderfoundation.com/gpu)and you will be added to the on-boarding queue. When your node is ready to be added, The Render Network Team will follow up with more on-boarding information.

## Recommended Hardware

Please see [**Hardware FAQs**](https://help.otoy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360054367272-Hardware-Guide-for-OctaneRender) for more detailed hardware information, while general recommendations are:

* A CUDA-enabled NVIDIA® GPU and a minimum of CUDA® 10.1 [drivers](https://www.nvidia.com/download/index.aspx?lang=en-us) with support for [compute capability 3.0 or higher](https://www.nvidia.com/download/index.aspx?lang=en-ushttps://developer.nvidia.com/cuda-gpus) (the minimum driver version is 566.36). We recommend a minimum 6GB of VRAM, and 8+GB VRAM is preferred. Higher VRAM is key to better performance on the network. 
* 32+ GB System Memory (RAM) is a recommended minimum with more RAM helping your node process more complex scenes.
* Strong Network Connectivity is required to download and upload assets.
* 100GB Free Disk Space is recommended. SSDs and non-mechanical hard drives are also preferred for faster read/write speeds. Render Network uses a node's C-Drive, so if you have multiple drives, please use the faster Drive or SSD as the Temp Folder in the C-Drive, and ensure there is sufficient space.