Best Gaming PC for Minecraft

Hardware Requirements

You will need the proper hardware to get the best gaming experience playing Minecraft. Understanding the game’s system requirements can help you make the right choices regarding the gaming PC’s specs. That said, let’s dive into the hardware requirements for Minecraft and discuss the various components you need to consider when building your gaming PC.

Processor

A sound processor is essential to enjoying a smooth and lag-free gaming experience. You will want to aim for at least an Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5 processor when selecting your CPU, as they offer excellent performance without costing too much. Any of the 10th-generation CPUs from Intel are a great option and should be capable of handling everything Minecraft throws at you.

If you have the budget for it, you may also want to look into an AMD Ryzen 7 or 9 processor—these will provide more power for intensive tasks like streaming and creating game content due to their higher core counts. Other processors are available, but these two brands should be your priority if you’re looking for the best gaming experience.

Graphics Card

A good graphics card is essential for gamers who want a smooth and detailed gaming experience. While the game does not require a powerful graphics card, having one can significantly improve your gameplay by providing higher framerates, better visuals, and better performance in more challenging areas.

Most hardcore gamers opt for at least an NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 or an AMD Radeon RX 480, as they provide an excellent combination of performance and value. However, these may be too expensive for some people, so if you’re on a budget, you can still get decent performance out of an NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 or an AMD Radeon RX 470.

If you want to go all-out, consider getting the latest generation of graphics cards, like the RTX series from NVIDIA or the RX 5000 series from AMD. These will provide you with some of the best graphics processing capabilities available today and should help boost your gaming experience with Minecraft.

Before buying any hardware, ensure you understand your specific needs to help ensure you get the proper setup for your computer!

Memory

Memory, also known as RAM (Random Access Memory), is used to store data while a program runs on a computer system. Without enough memory, the program can slow down or become unresponsive, leading to an overall decline in performance.

When selecting hardware for applications involving larger datasets and more complex processes, it’s essential to remember the amount of RAM necessary for the task. More memory allows software applications to handle larger datasets and enables multiple applications to run simultaneously without interference from one another. Modern computers typically include several gigabytes of RAM as standard, but this can vary depending on the complexity of the software and hardware specifications needed.

Although there are no hard and fast rules for determining the exact amount of memory needed for a particular usage scenario, some general guidelines can be followed:

for essential office work and web browsing applications, 2-4 gigabytes should be sufficient;
for programs such as photo and video editing, gaming, and virtualization, 8 gigabytes or more may be required;
if highly specialized scientific computations are involved, 16 gigabytes or more may be recommended by manufacturers.

It is also possible to add more memory modules to existing systems through expansion slots inside most computers. These slots allow additional memory modules to expand capacity beyond what comes installed with the system. However, it’s worth noting that adding more than 8 gigabytes of RAM may require purchasing a 64-bit operating system.

Storage

Having enough storage is vital when setting up any gaming PC, but mainly a PC meant to run Minecraft. In addition to the background processes like driver updates and other applications, games can take up quite a bit of space. Minecraft’s game data requires around 1GB of available space upon installation, so it isn’t much of an issue for many players. However, additional mods and maps need more space for some players to install them in-game.

For storage drive types, most Minecraft players opt for solid state drives (SSD), faster than hard disk drives (HDD) and much more reliable over long-term uses – often years of gaming at peak performance. However, price is sometimes a limiting factor as SSDs can typically be 2-3x the price of HDDs per gigabyte of storage capacity. With this in mind, budget-conscious gamers may opt for a hybrid setup that takes advantage of HDD and SSD technologies by installing the operating system on a fast SSD drive while storing larger game files on cheaper HDDs.

When shopping for any PC components, the rule is “buy as much as you can afford”. This indicates that having enough storage to support your numerous background processes along with installing games should be a top priority when deciding on components; whether opting for a single large-capacity HDD or multiple smaller-sized SSDs, or even a combination of both these drives, gamers should ensure they have enough and reliable enough storage to support their needs while playing Minecraft or other games!

Recommended Components

When building a gaming PC for running Minecraft, you’ll need to make sure you choose powerful enough components that can easily handle the game. Choosing the right parts can be crucial in gaming, and there are a few components you should consider when building a gaming PC for Minecraft.

This section will provide a list of recommended components for your gaming PC for Minecraft:

Processor

The processor is the heart of your gaming computer. Depending on your budget, a fast processor will ensure smooth performance with minimal frame drops. To play Minecraft smoothly, we recommend getting a processor with at least 4 cores and 8 threads for higher-end gaming performance.

Intel’s Core i5 or Core i7 CPUs are good options here, and AMD’s Ryzen 5 or Ryzen 7 CPUs are equally good performers if you’re looking to save some money (they’re also no slouches in just about every area). These CPUs come in a wide range of prices depending on their core count and clock speed, making them suitable for both budget buyers and hardcore gamers who want the latest and most significant components available.

Graphics Card

The graphics card is one of the most critical components in a gaming PC build and is often considered the centerpiece. Playing games at higher settings and resolutions means a better, more immersive experience, so investing in a good GPU (graphics processing unit) for your gaming PC is vital to get the best out of your system.

When selecting a graphics card for Minecraft, you’ll want to pick at least a mid-range that supports modern DirectX versions, such as one with an Nvidia 10-series or AMD RX 500/400 series GPU. Entry level cards such as Nvidia GTX 1050 Ti or Asus R5 230 can still run Minecraft but will have difficulties handling more demanding titles. If you’re looking to game on higher settings and resolutions, we recommend looking into mid-high-range cards such as the Nvidia 1660 Super or AMD 5700XT or even flagship cards like the RTX 2070/80 if budget permits.

No matter which card you choose, make sure it has enough VRAM (video RAM) to handle your selected resolution – 4GB should be sufficient for most keys above 1080p – otherwise, and this could become a bottleneck if other components are too demanding on the video memory. Also, pay close attention to the ports on your chosen GPU – if planning on extensive use of multi-monitor setups (surround view) or virtual reality headsets, you must select a card with enough ports/connectors available, i.e., DisplayPort x3, HDMI, x2 and DVI also remember that some cards won’t have every port available – such as DisplayPort and HDMI connectors being exclusive on some models – so double check before purchase!

Memory

A reliable memory, or RAM as it is commonly known, is essential to the smooth running of your gaming PC. Players building their PCs should consider investing in suitable quality RAM. Before selecting any individual components, you should consider what RAM the motherboard and processor can support.

The critical factors for selecting memory for PC gaming are clock speed (measured in MHz) and capacity (measured in GB). The clock speed determines how quickly the memory processes data and is measured in mega transfers per second (MT/s). The capacity indicates how much data can be stored at one time, with 8GB typically providing enough power for most games available today. Higher RAM requirements will be needed for more demanding games, such as virtual reality titles or 4k titles requiring higher-performing GPUs.

It is recommended that a minimum 16GB initial gaming setup be used to enjoy Minecraft without interruption. Players should select at least two 8GB modules with 3000MHz or greater clock speed gaming RAM. As technology progresses, the number of cores and threads available with each processor continues to increase, so 16GB will soon become a general requirement during extended gaming sessions.

Storage

When it comes to storage in your Minecraft gaming PC, you have a few different options. It is recommended that you opt for an SSD (Solid State Drive) or an NVMe (Non-Volatile Memory Express Drive) as they are better suited to the faster loading times of a gaming PC. However, if budget is an issue, you can also choose to go with a hard disk drive (HDD), which will offer more storage space at a lower cost but at the expense of slower read/write speed.

If you choose an HDD, ensure that it has enough capacity for all your needs; a good rule of thumb is to get at least 1TB of storage space if possible. If you want even faster response times and load times, upgrading to an NVMe drive may be a worthwhile investment. An important factor in choosing your storage device is how often you expect to upgrade games or content; this will impact what type of drive and how much capacity you should have.

Budget Options

A budget gaming PC can still deliver excellent performance for Minecraft, provided some essential components are upgraded. Several budget options are perfect for running the game, and you can choose the right one depending on your budget.

In this section, we will look at the best budget-friendly gaming PCs that are suitable for running Minecraft:

Processor

When choosing a processor for your gaming PC, budget options can prove to be quite robust and suitable for a budget build. Selecting Intel as the recommended processor will allow you to enjoy better performance and longer life due to the Intel Core i5 or i7 series of available processors.

An excellent mid-range selection is an Intel Core i5-8400 which offers 6 cores and 12 threads of processing power. This should provide plenty of ability to run Minecraft smoothly with a quality gaming experience. Also, it should be noted that an unlocked chipset allows people to overclock their processors, providing more performance at little cost if needed.

For larger budgets, Ryzen processors offer 8 core 16 thread processors with significant gains over their Intel counterparts in terms of performance while remaining within budget.

Graphics Card

Regarding budget gaming PCs, the graphics card is often where corners can be cut. Sadly, gamers on a budget will have to accept that they won’t get the next generation of graphical power, but that doesn’t mean they still don’t have great options.

Although integrated graphics cards, such as Intel Graphics and AMD Radeon built-in alongside processors, might seem affordable, some are much better than others, so ensure compatibility with your chosen processor before purchasing.

Alternatively, you could opt for a dedicated graphics card from either NVIDIA or AMD in the form of GeForce GTX 1050 Ti or Radeon RX 5500 for just over £100 GBP/$120 USD. These cards can play Minecraft with no issues and come at a fraction of the cost – delivering great results for gamers on a budget.

Memory

When building a gaming PC on a budget, it’s essential to find the right balance of affordability and performance, especially regarding memory. 8GB of RAM for most gaming setups is enough to get the job done without breaking the bank. Many budgets build use DDR4 RAM modules because they tend to be easier on the wallet than their DDR3 counterparts.

The best budget gaming PCs for playing Minecraft will usually have at least 8GB of RAM, but 16GB is ideal for high-resolution gaming or if you plan on running multiple programs at once. If your budget allows it, bump it up from 8GB to 12 or 16 GB. This will ensure that your machine runs smoothly even with more demanding games and applications. Additionally, look for RAM with clock speeds higher than 2400MHz; this will give you an edge over other players while playing online multiplayer games like Minecraft.

Storage

Storage is a crucial component when selecting the best gaming PC for Minecraft. Minecraft is a resource-intensive game and can benefit from having enough storage space. Depending on the size of the world you have created, you’ll need between 2GB to 4GB of available storage space to function correctly. The minimum requirement for running Minecraft is 512MB of RAM, but this will be restrictive and limit the detail and texture you can use in gameplay.

In terms of cost-benefit, traditional hard disk drives (HDD) will be your most cost-effective option for additional storage space on a budget gaming PC for Minecraft. HDDs are available in various sizes, from 500GB to 8TB, with prices ranging from $30 to around $200, depending on size and type. Solid state drives (SSDs) are becoming increasingly popular but remain at a higher price than HDDs (starting at $25 for 250GB). Opting for an M2 type SSD could offer enhanced speed speeds, but even these remain relatively expensive, with prices starting at around $60, with SK Hynix 1TB 600p models offering read speeds up to 1800 MB/s being some of when we tested.

Building the PC

Building the perfect gaming PC for a game like Minecraft can be difficult. You want to ensure you have the right components to get the most out of the game. To build the best gaming PC for Minecraft, you must consider your budget, the parts you need, and the power you want to get out of your PC.

This guide will walk you through all the steps of building the best gaming PC for Minecraft:

Consider your budget.
Choose the components you need.
Determine the amount of power you want to get out of your PC.

Unboxing the components

Now that you’ve picked out the components for your PC, it’s time to unbox, assemble and configure them. Unboxing can be an exciting experience – but be careful! Many of the components in your build are delicate and sensitive. Handle each component carefully and take precautions to prevent static shock from damaging sensitive parts of your PC.

When opening the box, start with the most significant component first. Carefully remove it, setting it aside on a hard surface so you can access all other components in the box. Remove any packing materials or documentation before unpacking the remaining pieces. Keep all screws and fasteners together; they will be needed during the build process!

Once all your components have been unpacked, assemble them as prescribed by instructions included in their packages or on manufacturer websites. This typically involves connecting cables (such as fan headers), mounting heatsinks, installing fans, and attaching drives. After assembly is complete, you’ll need to plug in your power supply before powering up for the initial configuration steps.

Follow manufacturer instructions carefully when performing these steps so that no damage is caused to delicate hardware components. Doing this properly will help ensure success when playing Minecraft on your new gaming PC!

Installing the components

In order to get your gaming PC up and ready for playing Minecraft, you’ll need to make sure that all of the components are correctly installed. Here are the basic steps taken in setting up a gaming PC:

Carefully unbox and remove all peripherals that come packaged with the components.
Unscrew and lay aside the case side panels, place each component inside the case, and secure using screws (as applicable). Nothing should move once each component is attached.
After mounting all components, use cables to connect all the necessary parts – including power supplies, fans, disk drives, CPU heatsinks, and motherboards.
Plug-in cables for any devices you intend on connecting – including USBs for keyboards or gamepads. Also, make sure to plug your monitor into your graphics card.
Double-check every connection before flipping on the power switch. Make sure any peripheral cords are securely connected to a power source, then turn on your gaming PC, and it should boot!

Installing the operating system

Installing the operating system on a new computer is the first essential step in setting up your new personal computer (PC). Before beginning, you will need to check that your hardware meets the minimum requirements for the operating system of your choice. You will also need to purchase a license or key for installation.

The installation process can vary depending on the specific version of the operating system. For most modern versions, you will likely be prompted to choose basic settings such as language, username, and password. Sometimes, you may also have additional setup options available during installation.

Once you have confirmed your choices and accepted any terms of service or EULAs, if applicable, the installation process should proceed without any further input from you. Your computer should then reboot after completing setup and welcome you to its desktop interface so that you can begin working with your newly installed OS.

Testing the PC

When choosing the best gaming PC for Minecraft, it’s crucial to perform a few tests to ensure a smooth gaming experience. This includes ensuring the PC has enough memory, a strong graphics card, and a powerful processor.

We’ll go through each of these tests here to help you find the best PC for your gaming needs:

Check for enough memory.
Check for a strong graphics card.
Check for a powerful processor.

Stress testing

Before purchasing a gaming PC, it is essential to perform a stress test. This test puts the computer under maximum load and checks its performance in extreme conditions. The intent is to ensure the laptop can reliably run all the games you want to play at maximum settings.

A stress test can be completed through the software on your computer or professionally done at a local shop. Stress testing typically involves checking the one-hour and 24-hour temperature levels, running demanding programs that draw heavy use out of your system (such as 3DMark or FurMark), running rigorous benchmarking programs such as Cinebench, and overclocking the GPU and CPU to their max potential while under full load.

If you are performing the stress, test yourself. Use appropriate tools such as graphics card temperature monitors, voltage meters, and other devices for safely overclocking your CPU and GPU. It is also highly recommended to refer to online user guides for these tasks before making any severe overclocking attempts. Such online tutorials generally provide detailed instructions for achieving good performance increases with minimal risk of overheating components or causing other damage. With safe monitoring and adequate preparation, stress testing your PC will let you know how it will fare when gaming on Minecraft—or any other games—at maximum settings!

Benchmarking

Benchmarking is a process of assessing the performance of a gaming PC against various criteria. It allows you to determine how your PC stacks up against others and determine where improvements need to be made to optimize performance. There are several different methods for benchmarking, but all involve the use of software that measures various aspects of your computer’s performance, such as CPU speed, RAM capacity, storage speed, graphics card power, and more.

To start benchmarking your gaming PC for Minecraft, look into famous software makers like PassMark PerformanceTest and Cinebench. These are two frequently used programs that run tests on PCs as they’re running games or tasks so that you can get an accurate measure of performance based on a comparison against other testers’ results. While running the benchmark tests, pay close attention to the results to pinpoint any weak areas or potential bottlenecks affecting your system’s overall performance. You can optimize settings or upgrade components where necessary by identifying these problems ahead of time.

Playing Minecraft

For gaming fans, playing Minecraft is frequently the way to go when testing a PC’s power and capability. For an optimal gaming experience, you will need components with enough memory and graphic ability to run the heavy graphics and textures of this 3D world. First, check the hardware compatibility list of games you plan to play.

Once you’ve identified your hardware needs, select a processor with at least 4 cores or higher, such as Intel Core i5-9400F or i7-9700K, if you have a robust budget. The next step is RAM; allow 8GB if possible, but at least 6GB should get you started without any major issues. After that, your GPU requirements will depend on resolution & graphical settings, but NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 or AMD Radeon RX 580 are good options for low to mid locations with 1080p resolution.

Finally, consider storage capacity and speed when selecting your complex drive configuration; preferably SSD for accelerated loading times for programs (especially game maps) & HDD for media files like streaming footage or digital downloads like music and movies. Be sure to compare prices between similar specifications from different brands since different versions may offer more benefits than competitors at similar cost levels. Invest in blocking unwanted popups/malware before playing for peaked gaming performance & minimal distractions.