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PowerUp and Resources

WAX uses a resource model rather than a gas model. The main resources you will encounter are CPU, NET, and RAM.

CPU, NET, and RAM

CPU

CPU covers the processing time needed to execute transactions and smart-contract actions.

NET

NET covers the bandwidth used to submit transaction data to the network.

RAM

RAM is on-chain storage used for account data and contract state. Unlike CPU and NET, RAM is a purchased storage resource rather than a temporary execution resource.

What PowerUp Does

PowerUp is the main user-facing way to access CPU and NET on WAX.

It lets accounts obtain temporary execution resources without requiring a long-term staking strategy for every use case. For most normal users, PowerUp is the simplest mental model for getting transactions through reliably.

When PowerUp Is a Good Fit

Use PowerUp when:

  • you are a regular user and just want transactions to succeed
  • your account activity is bursty rather than constant
  • you want predictable access to CPU and NET without building an advanced account-management setup

When You Need to Think More About Resources

You should look deeper into resource management when:

  • you transact frequently
  • you manage multiple accounts
  • you run apps, automation, or infrastructure
  • you create contracts or assets that require RAM planning

How This Relates to WAXP

WAXP is the token used across WAX. It is also part of how users think about account activity, resource access, and governance.

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