At least once a week I get questions from the people watching my videos like, “how do you get such good performance on that modpack?” or “… running shaders?” In this post I include my own PC build, which I built myself — which isn’t necessarily the best — but it works well. And I include information to help you decide what build is best for you.
On top of playing Minecraft, I’m doing other things like recording on OBS and editing videos with DaVinci Resolve. Not to mention having browsers and other tools open at the same time. I generally run with all of these things going at once and while my PC definitely feels it, I rarely experience issues.
So if you want to know what are are the best PC specifications for to optimize your setup for shaders, Distant Horizons, and large modpacks? You came to the right place!
Having the right PC setup can make all the difference. Whether you’re enhancing your gameplay with stunning shaders, exploring distant horizons, or managing large modpacks, a powerful and well-optimized PC is essential. This guide provides comprehensive recommendations on the best PC specs and optimization tips to ensure a smooth and enjoyable modded Minecraft experience.
Table of contents
TL;DR
Want just the overview? Here it is.
To ensure a smooth and enjoyable modded Minecraft experience, especially with demanding shaders, distant horizons, and large modpacks, you need a powerful and well-optimized PC. Here are the key middle-of-the-road recommendations. For more details and what these decisions are impacted by, read on.
- CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 5800X or Intel Core i7-11700K
- GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 or AMD Radeon RX 6800
- RAM: 16GB DDR4 (3200MHz or faster), 32GB for very large modpacks
- Storage: 1TB NVMe SSD
- Motherboard: Compatible with your CPU choice, supporting PCIe 4.0
- Power Supply: 650W 80+ Gold certified PSU
- Cooling: Quality air or liquid cooling
Optimization Tips
- Allocate more RAM to Minecraft.
- Install performance mods like OptiFine, Sodium, and Phosphor.
- Adjust shader settings and optimize render distance.
- Keep drivers and Java updated.
- Use optimized resource packs and disable unnecessary mods.
- Manage background processes and maintain proper cooling.
Maximizing FPS
- Consider overclocking your CPU and GPU, but proceed with caution.
- Upgrade to faster RAM and enable XMP/DOCP.
- Ensure SSD optimization and improve cooling solutions.
Running a Server
Upgrading your hardware enhances server performance, stability, and the gaming experience for friends. Focus on CPU power, RAM, storage speed, network performance, cooling, and reliable power supply.
For more detailed insights and specific hardware recommendations, read on!
What Makes Minecraft Unique Among Games as Far as Performance Goes?
Minecraft’s unique combination of simplicity and complexity creates specific performance challenges that impact PC hardware recommendations. Why is that though?
- Procedural Generation and Large Worlds – Minecraft’s worlds are procedurally generated and virtually infinite. This requires substantial CPU power to generate and manage the terrain, especially as players explore new areas. Worlds can grow infinitely large, which can put stress on RAM and disk storage.
- Single-Threaded Performance – Despite being capable of using multiple cores, Minecraft heavily relies on single-threaded performance. The game’s core mechanics, such as world generation and entity handling, are often bottlenecked by single-core CPU performance.
- Java-Based Engine – Minecraft runs on the Java platform, which can be less efficient than natively compiled code. Java’s garbage collection and memory management can introduce performance hiccups, especially with large modpacks.
- High Customizability with Mods – Minecraft’s extensive modding community adds a wide range of features and mechanics. Mods can significantly increase CPU, RAM, and GPU demands, varying widely in their impact on performance.
- Graphical Simplicity with Complex Rendering – While Minecraft’s blocky graphics appear simple, advanced features like shaders, high-resolution textures, and distant rendering can be demanding on the GPU. The game’s ability to render vast distances and intricate lighting effects with shaders can tax even high-end GPUs.
- Continuous Development – Minecraft receives regular updates that add new features and optimizations. This continuous development can introduce new performance requirements over time.
How These Factors Change PC Recommendations
Given Minecraft’s unique performance characteristics, the PC recommendations differ from those for other games. Here are the key considerations:
CPU Recommendations
- Focus on Single-Core Performance – Emphasize CPUs with high single-core performance. For instance, the Intel Core i9-12900K or AMD Ryzen 9 5950X are excellent choices due to their superior single-threaded capabilities.
- Multi-Core Benefits for Mods and Servers – Multi-core performance is still important for running large modpacks and hosting servers. CPUs with a higher number of cores, such as the AMD Ryzen 7 5800X, can better handle these tasks.
GPU Recommendations
- Balanced GPU for Vanilla and Light Modding – A mid-range GPU like the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 is sufficient for vanilla Minecraft and light modding.
- High-End GPU for Shaders and Heavy Modding – For advanced shaders and heavy modding, a high-end GPU like the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 or even the RTX 4090 ensures smooth performance.
RAM Recommendations
- Higher RAM for Modpacks – Modded Minecraft can use a significant amount of RAM. While 16GB is adequate for vanilla and light mods, 32GB is recommended for large modpacks to avoid performance bottlenecks.
- RAM Allocated to Java – The above is overall System RAM recommendations. You generally allocate much less RAM than what’s on your PC to Java for use. Allocating 8GB is common for large mod packs, rarely over 10GB, but you need to leave plenty of RAM for the Operating system and other apps.
Storage Recommendations
- Fast Storage for Quick Load Times – NVMe SSDs are recommended to reduce load times and improve overall responsiveness. Large modpacks and world files benefit from the fast read/write speeds of drives like the Samsung 980 Pro.
Cooling and Power Supply
- Effective Cooling – Minecraft can be demanding on the CPU and GPU, generating significant heat. Quality cooling solutions, such as the Noctua NH-D15 or liquid coolers like the NZXT Kraken Z73, ensure stable performance.
- Reliable Power Supply:
- A reliable power supply with sufficient wattage, such as the Corsair RM650x or the Corsair AX1600i, ensures stability and longevity of components.
Recommended PC Specs for Modded Minecraft
CPU
- Good: AMD Ryzen 5 5600X
- Better: Intel Core i5-11600K
- Best: AMD Ryzen 7 5800X or Intel Core i7-11700K
- Extreme: AMD Ryzen 9 5950X or Intel Core i9-12900K
- Why: Modded Minecraft, especially with many mods, is CPU-intensive. High clock speeds and multiple cores help manage the additional load from mods and background processes.
GPU
- Good: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060
- Better: AMD Radeon RX 6700 XT or NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070
- Best: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 or AMD Radeon RX 6800
- Extreme: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090 or AMD Radeon RX 7900 XTX
- Why: Shaders and mods like Distant Horizon rendering require a powerful GPU to maintain smooth performance and high graphical quality.
RAM
- Good: Corsair Vengeance LPX 16GB DDR4 3200MHz
- Better: G.Skill Ripjaws V 32GB DDR4 3600MHz
- Best: Corsair Dominator Platinum RGB 32GB DDR4 3200MHz
- Extreme: G.Skill Trident Z Royal 64GB DDR4 4000MHz
- Why: Modded Minecraft can consume more RAM than the vanilla version. 16GB is typically sufficient and really the minimum you want in any build, but 32GB can future-proof your setup and ensure smooth multitasking.
Storage
- Good: Western Digital Blue SN550 500GB NVMe SSD
- Better: Samsung 970 EVO Plus 1TB NVMe SSD
- Best: Samsung 980 Pro 1TB NVMe SSD
- Extreme: Sabrent Rocket 4 Plus 2TB NVMe SSD
- Why: Fast storage speeds up game loading times and overall system responsiveness. NVMe SSDs offer the best performance.
Motherboard
- Good: MSI B450 TOMAHAWK MAX (for AMD) or MSI Z490-A PRO (for Intel)
- Better: ASUS TUF Gaming B550-PLUS (for AMD) or ASUS ROG Strix Z590-E (for Intel)
- Best: MSI MPG B550 Gaming Edge WiFi (for AMD) or ASUS ROG Maximus XIII Hero (for Intel)
- Extreme: ASUS ROG Crosshair VIII Hero (for AMD) or ASUS ROG Maximus XIII Extreme (for Intel)
- Why: Compatibility and future-proofing are key when selecting a motherboard.
Power Supply
- Good: EVGA 600 W1, 80+ WHITE 600W
- Better: Corsair RM650x 650W 80+ Gold
- Best: Seasonic PRIME TX-750 750W 80+ Titanium
- Extreme: Corsair AX1600i 1600W 80+ Titanium
- Why: A reliable power supply ensures stability and longevity of your components. You need a power supply that’s strong enough to handle your CPU and GPU choices. If it’s overtaxed, that can severely impact it’s lifespan. I had a 750 Watt EVGA power supply that died on me after a year. I assume that’s because I was pushing it so hard on graphics and CPU use. I replaced it with an EVGA 1000GT.
Cooling
- Good: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO
- Better: Noctua NH-D15
- Best: Corsair H100i RGB Platinum (liquid cooling)
- Extreme: NZXT Kraken Z73 (liquid cooling)
- Why: Modded Minecraft and demanding graphical mods can generate significant heat. Proper cooling ensures stable performance.
Optimization Tips for Shaders, Distant Horizons, and Large Modpacks
- Allocate More RAM: Increase the amount of RAM allocated to Minecraft through the launcher settings. For large modpacks, allocating 6-8GB is recommended.
- Install OptiFine: OptiFine enhances performance and provides advanced graphics settings. It’s essential for using shaders.
- Use Performance Mods: Mods like Sodium, Lithium, Phosphor, and Starlight can significantly improve performance by optimizing various aspects of the game.
- Adjust Shader Settings: Shaders can be very demanding. Lower the render distance, reduce shadow quality, and disable unnecessary effects to improve performance.
- Optimize Render Distance: Distant Horizons mod helps manage rendering distances more efficiently. Fine-tune its settings based on your GPU’s capabilities.
- Update Drivers: Keep your GPU drivers and Java version updated for the best performance and compatibility.
- Resource Packs: Use optimized resource packs that are lighter on the system. Avoid using high-resolution textures unless necessary.
- Disable Unnecessary Mods: Only enable the mods you are actively using. Disabling unused mods can free up resources and improve performance.
- Manage Background Processes: Close unnecessary background applications to free up CPU and RAM resources for Minecraft.
- Cooling and Maintenance: Ensure your PC is well-ventilated and regularly cleaned to prevent overheating, which can throttle performance.
Maximizing FPS with Hardware
- Overclocking:
- CPU: Overclocking your CPU can provide a significant boost in performance. Ensure you have a robust cooling solution and use BIOS or dedicated software to safely increase the clock speed.
- GPU: Overclocking your GPU can also help enhance graphics performance. Use tools like MSI Afterburner to tweak settings safely.
- Warning: Overclocking can increase power consumption and heat output, potentially reducing the lifespan of your hardware. Always monitor temperatures and system stability. Overclocking can void warranties and, if done improperly, can damage components. Proceed with caution and ensure you have adequate cooling.
- Upgrade to Faster RAM – Faster RAM with lower latency can improve game performance. Upgrading to 3200MHz or even faster RAM can reduce lag and enhance FPS.
- Enable XMP/DOCP – Enable XMP (Extreme Memory Profile) for Intel or DOCP (Direct Overclock Profile) for AMD in your BIOS settings to ensure your RAM is running at its rated speed.
- SSD Optimization – Ensure your NVMe SSD is installed in a slot that supports the full bandwidth (e.g., PCIe 4.0 if available). This maximizes read/write speeds and reduces load times.
- Cooling Upgrades – Better cooling can prevent thermal throttling. Consider upgrading your CPU cooler, adding case fans, or improving case airflow to keep temperatures down.
- Monitor and Adjust Power Settings – Use tools like HWMonitor to track your system’s performance. Adjust power settings in Windows to High Performance to ensure your system uses full power when needed.
- BIOS Updates – Ensure your motherboard BIOS is up to date. Manufacturers often release updates that can improve compatibility and performance with newer hardware.
- Windows Optimization – Disable unnecessary startup programs, adjust visual effects for performance, and ensure your system is free from malware to maximize available resources for gaming.
Example PC Build
- CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 5800X
- GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070
- RAM: 16GB DDR4 3200MHz
- Storage: 1TB NVMe SSD
- Motherboard: MSI B550 Tomahawk
- Power Supply: Corsair RM650x 650W 80+ Gold
- Cooling: Noctua NH-D15 or Corsair H100i Liquid Cooler
- Case: Fractal Design Meshify C (ensure good airflow)
My Personal PC Specs
If you’re watching my videos and like my computer’s performance, here’s the setup I’m using:
- Operating System: Windows 11 Home 64-bit (Build 26120)
- CPU: 12th Gen Intel(R) Core(TM) i9-12900K (24 CPUs), ~3.2GHz
- GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080
- RAM: 32GB
- Storage: NVMe SSD
- Motherboard: ASUS
- Cooling: Air cooled CPU and NZXT case
- Monitor: Dual XZ270 X, 1920 x 1080 (60Hz)
- Case: NZXT
- Sound: HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless
Benefits of Hardware Upgrades for Running a Minecraft Server
Running a Minecraft server on your own PC to play with friends can be a great way to enjoy the game together. Here are the benefits of upgrading your hardware for this purpose:
- Improved Performance – A powerful CPU with multiple cores and high clock speeds (like the AMD Ryzen 7 5800X or Intel i9-12900K) can handle the additional load of running a server and client simultaneously, ensuring smooth gameplay for all players.
- Increased RAM – More RAM (32GB or more) allows the server to handle more players and more complex modpacks without lag or performance issues. Allocating sufficient RAM to the server can prevent crashes and improve overall stability.
- Faster Storage – An NVMe SSD can significantly reduce world load times and improve the responsiveness of the server. Fast storage ensures quick access to game files and reduces lag caused by disk read/write operations.
- Better Network Performance – Upgrading your network card or using a dedicated network interface card (NIC) can enhance your server’s ability to handle multiple connections, reducing latency and improving the gameplay experience for all connected players.
- Efficient Cooling – Running a server can generate additional heat. Upgrading your cooling solutions helps maintain optimal temperatures, preventing thermal throttling and ensuring consistent performance.
- Reliable Power Supply – A high-quality PSU ensures that your components receive stable power, reducing the risk of crashes or hardware failures during extended gaming sessions.
- Dedicated Server Environment – Consider setting up a dedicated server environment on your PC. This can be done using virtualization software or by creating a separate user profile to run the server, ensuring that server resources are not interrupted by other applications.
Pre-Built PC Recommendations for Modded Minecraft
If you prefer purchasing a pre-built PC, here are some excellent options categorized into good, better, best, and extreme levels. These recommendations are tailored to handle modded Minecraft, including demanding shaders, distant horizons, and large modpacks.
Choosing the right pre-built PC depends on your budget and performance needs. The “good” options provide a solid starting point, while the “better” and “best” options offer enhanced performance for more intensive modding and gaming. The “extreme” options are for those who want the absolute best performance and future-proofing. With these recommendations, you can enjoy a seamless and enjoyable modded Minecraft experience.
Good
- CyberPowerPC Gamer Xtreme VR Gaming PC
- CPU: Intel Core i5-11400F
- GPU: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 Super
- RAM: 8GB DDR4
- Storage: 500GB NVMe SSD
- Why: A solid entry-level option that provides good performance for modded Minecraft with moderate settings.
- HP Pavilion Gaming Desktop
- CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 3500
- GPU: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650
- RAM: 8GB DDR4
- Storage: 256GB SSD + 1TB HDD
- Why: Great for budget-conscious gamers looking to start with modded Minecraft.
Better
- SkyTech Archangel 3.0 Gaming Computer
- CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 3600
- GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060
- RAM: 16GB DDR4
- Storage: 1TB NVMe SSD
- Why: Offers a significant performance boost for running larger modpacks and shaders smoothly.
- iBUYPOWER Pro Gaming PC
- CPU: Intel Core i7-10700F
- GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060 Super
- RAM: 16GB DDR4
- Storage: 480GB SSD + 1TB HDD
- Why: A balanced choice for gamers needing a bit more power for their modded Minecraft adventures.
Best
- Alienware Aurora R10 Gaming Desktop
- CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 5800
- GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070
- RAM: 16GB DDR4
- Storage: 1TB NVMe SSD
- Why: High performance and reliability for a seamless modded Minecraft experience with high settings and complex mods.
- Corsair Vengeance i7200 Series Gaming PC
- CPU: Intel Core i7-11700K
- GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080
- RAM: 32GB DDR4
- Storage: 1TB NVMe SSD + 2TB HDD
- Why: Ideal for gamers seeking top-tier performance and multitasking capabilities.
Extreme
- Origin PC Millennium
- CPU: AMD Ryzen 9 5950X
- GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090
- RAM: 64GB DDR4
- Storage: 2TB NVMe SSD + 4TB HDD
- Why: Ultimate performance for running the most demanding modpacks, shaders, and server hosting.
- Falcon Northwest Talon
- CPU: Intel Core i9-12900K
- GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090
- RAM: 64GB DDR5
- Storage: 2TB NVMe SSD + 4TB HDD
- Why: Extreme power and future-proofing for enthusiasts wanting the best of the best.
Insights from the Community
Researching advice from previous years, this is what was recommended on Reddit and other places. You can see here an evolution of recommending the higher end CPU and GPUs from that time.
5 Years Ago:
- CPU: Intel i5 8th gen, Ryzen 5 2nd gen, Ryzen 7 2700X
- GPU: GTX 1060/1080, GTX 970/980, RX 570/580
- RAM: 16GB minimum, 32GB for heavy modding
1 Year Ago:
- CPU: Intel i5 12600K
- RAM: 32GB DDR5 6400 CL32
- GPU: RTX 3070
Key Takeaways
- CPU: Modern CPUs with high single-core and multi-core performance are essential for handling the complex computations of modded Minecraft.
- RAM: 16GB is a solid baseline, but 32GB provides a buffer for larger modpacks and additional multitasking.
- GPU: While GPUs were less critical in the past, modern shaders and distant rendering require more powerful GPUs.
- Storage: NVMe SSDs offer significant performance benefits over traditional HDDs and SATA SSDs.
- Motherboard and Power Supply: Ensure compatibility and future-proofing, along with reliable power delivery.
- Cooling: Proper cooling is vital to maintaining performance and preventing thermal throttling.
- Maximize FPS: Overclocking, faster RAM, SSD optimization, and effective cooling can significantly boost your FPS.
- Server Performance: Upgrading hardware for a Minecraft server improves performance, stability, and the overall gaming experience for you and your friends.
By following these guidelines, you can ensure a robust and future-proof setup for modded Minecraft, capable of handling the latest mods, shaders, and graphical enhancements. Good luck!