As an avid Minecraft player and laptop enthusiast, I understand the importance of finding the best laptop for Minecraft to fully enjoy the blocky universe. Minecraft may seem like a simple game, but its procedurally generated worlds and resource-intensive mods can demand more from your laptop than you'd expect. Your choice of hardware can make all the difference between a smooth, immersive experience and a laggy nightmare.
When searching for the perfect laptop to run Minecraft, I have reviewed an extensive laptop spreadsheet of recent releases, comparing specs and reviews from both professionals and fellow Minecraft gamers. I've narrowed down the top laptops based on the unique requirements of Minecraft, considering factors like performance, display quality, battery life, and various price ranges. This guide is tailored to help you find the ideal machine to explore, build, and survive in the captivating world of Minecraft.
In this laptop buying guide, I'll address the importance of a powerful processor and dedicated graphics card, especially for those looking to run shader mods or participate in intense PvP battles. Additionally, we'll delve into the benefits of a high-quality display and ergonomic keyboard for those late-night building sessions and adventures with friends on popular Minecraft servers. By the end of this guide, you'll be well-equipped to select the best laptop for Minecraft, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the limitless creativity that the game offers.
Processor
If you’re looking for a laptop specifically for Minecraft, the processor you choose can make a huge difference. While Apple has released MacBooks with their own ARM-based M1, M1 Pro, M1 Max and M2 system-on-chip modules which offer exceptional single-core performance and battery life, Windows laptops have been using Intel and AMD processors for many years. AMD has managed to take 20% of the CPU market with the 6th generation Ryzen processors, but we’re still waiting for Intel’s 13th-gen processors to reach laptops. Both Intel and Apple have adopted a hybrid performance/efficiency core design (based on big.LITTLE). So if you need a good battery life, then Ryzen models might be the way to go.
Since Minecraft is available on multiple platforms, we can assume that you’re looking for a MacBook; however, I’ll include Windows laptops in my recommendations. Minecraft is a single-threaded game, so we need to focus on the performance of a single core; however, the game does use multiple threads for some tasks such as loading chunks and rendering.
If you’re not worried about battery life, then I’d recommend going for an H-series processor from any manufacturer since these processors tend to offer better performance than their P-series counterparts; however, if you’re looking for a more lightweight laptop with less heat emission – go for an U-series processor (Intel or AMD).
When it comes to comparing processors, there are plenty of benchmarks out there – PassMark and Cinebench are my favorites since they’re relatively easy to find and don’t require much technical knowledge to understand their scores.
Recommendations
- Minimum: Ryzen 5 5500U
- Recommended: Ryzen 5 5600H
- High-end: i7-12700H
If you’re looking for a gaming laptop under $1,000, expect a significant drop in performance due to thermal throttling; if that’s OK with you – go ahead and get one with an Nvidia GPU; otherwise, I’d stick with AMD or Intel integrated graphics.
Graphic Power
With so many laptops on the market today, picking the right graphics card for your Minecraft laptop can be confusing and overwhelming. Fortunately, we can simplify the process with some helpful tips.
GPU Technologies
Nvidia continues to dominate the laptop GPU market. Their most recent notebook cards are in the RTX 30 series, such as the RTX 3070 Ti. Additionally, Nvidia has discontinued the Max-Q label for their RTX graphics cards. Now, an exact GPU wattage is determined by the laptop manufacturer (OEM). This results in a wide variance in graphics performance, even in laptops with the same GPU chipset.
Minimum Recommendation
For casual Minecraft players, you won't need too much graphical power. Integrated graphics should do just fine, as long as your laptop isn't too old.
Recommended Recommendation
For the best overall performance, you'll want to go with a gaming laptop with a dedicated graphics card. The Nvidia GTX 1650 is a great mid-range option that can handle most Minecraft graphics settings without breaking a sweat.
High-end Recommendation
If you're looking for a laptop that can handle the highest graphical settings, then you should look into an RTX 2070-based laptop. This will provide you with the best performance available and make sure your Minecraft experience is smooth and enjoyable.
When comparing GPUs, I recommend using 3DMark scores as they are an excellent proxy for in-game performance. Keep in mind that if you're looking for a budget gaming laptop, you might have to make some concessions in other areas such as RAM amount or processor performance.
So there you have it. If you keep these points in mind when searching for your next laptop, you'll be sure to find the perfect fit for your Minecraft needs.
RAM: Considerations
Choosing the right laptop RAM for Minecraft can be a daunting task, especially with the wide array of choices available on the market today. That's why we've broken down what you need to know about laptop RAM and how much RAM you need for playing Minecraft in this article.
What's Changed in the RAM Market
In recent years, the RAM market has seen some major changes. Most mid-range laptops come with 16 GB of RAM and high-end – 32 GB or more. Latest-gen Intel and AMD CPUs support DDR4 and DDR5, though DDR5 is still quite expensive and needs time to mature as a technology.
How much memory is needed for Minecraft?
Minecraft is a very demanding game, and it's not uncommon to need 16 GB of RAM to play at high settings with a large world. However, 8 GB should be enough for most people, especially if you're playing on a low-end laptop. If you're looking for the best possible performance, consider getting a gaming laptop with DDR5 RAM. However, this is only necessary if you're looking for the best possible performance in resource-intensive games or if you're doing some serious video editing on your laptop. For everyone else, DDR4 will be more than enough.
Is DDR5 worth it?
It really depends on your needs and budget. DDR5 RAM is more expensive than DDR4 RAM, so if you're on a tight budget, you may want to opt for the latter. That said, DDR5 RAM does offer better performance than its predecessor, so if you're looking for the best possible performance in resource-intensive games or if you're doing some serious video editing on your laptop, then DDR5 is definitely worth considering.
ECC vs Non-ECC – What to Look For
ECC (Error Correcting Code) RAM is typically more expensive than non-ECC RAM but offers better reliability and error correction. That said, ECC RAM is not necessary for gaming or video editing and is mostly used in data centers. If you're looking for a gaming laptop that can last you for years to come, try to get one with upgradable RAM (some laptops have their memory soldered onto the motherboard).
Table of Recommended RAM Configurations Depending on Your Budget
| Cost | RAM |
|---|---|
| Low | 8 GB |
| Mid | 16 GB |
| High | 32 GB |
5 Best Laptops for Minecraft
$6801.acer Nitro 5
Minecraft laptop- Terrific processor (Ryzen 7 6800H)
- Splendid graphics card (RTX 3070 Ti)
- Competent display (15.6)
- One of most affordable laptops with an AMD Ryzen 7 processor
- Middle-of-the-road memory amount (32GB)
- No IPS Panel (limited viewing angles)
Alternatives
Acer Nitro 50 N50-640-UA91 Desktop
- Solid memory amount (512GB)
- Ordinary graphics card (GTX 1650)
- No IPS Panel (worse viewing angles)
2.ASUS TUF F15 FX507VU-ES53
Asus TUF F15 FX507VU-ES53: Affordable gaming laptop with powerful performance, but lacks in webcam and speakers.- Superb 1080p gaming
- Strong productivity capabilities
- Great price
- Poor webcam, touchpad, and speakers
- Some games appear washed out on display
Summary
The Asus TUF F15 FX507VU-ES53 is a budget-friendly gaming laptop that delivers excellent 1080p gaming performance and strong productivity capabilities. However, it falls short in terms of its webcam, touchpad, and speakers, and some games may appear washed out on the display.
Alternatives
ASUS TUF Dash F15
- Lightweight and well built
- Good inputs and IO
- Some quirks affecting everyday ergonomics
- Ports squeezed together on the left edge
3.Dell G16
The Dell G16 offers power-packed performance at an affordable price, making it a solid choice for budget-conscious gamers and productivity users.- Relatively affordable
- Strong gaming and productivity performance
- Fast refresh rate options with G-Sync
- Good cooling
- Heavier and thicker than competitors
- Thunderbolt 4 only available on higher-end model
- No SD card reader
- Below-average battery life
Summary
The Dell G16 impresses with its strong gaming performance and robust productivity capabilities, all at a relatively affordable price. While it may have a few drawbacks like a lackluster display, average speakers, and below-average battery life, it still remains a recommended option for those seeking powerful performance on a budget.
Reviews
Alternatives
$1,430MSI Cyborg 15
- Able to play at the highest 1080p settings
- Peppy processor for the money
- Display is dim and disappointing
- Sharp chassis edge can dig into wrists during typing
4.ASUS ROG Strix G15
Unleash the power of Minecraft with the ASUS ROG Strix G15!- High-performance CPU and GPU
- Good workmanship and design
- Excellent display
- User-friendly maintenance
- Limited connectivity
- Coil whine in certain situations
Summary
The ASUS ROG Strix G15 is a powerhouse gaming laptop, featuring a high-performance RTX 3000 GPU and a Ryzen 5000 CPU. With its impressive display and sleek design, this laptop offers excellent performance and user-friendly maintenance. However, it does have limited connectivity and may experience coil whine in certain situations.
Reviews
Alternatives
Sager NP7881C
- Very good processor (i9-13900HX)
- Colossal 4TB SSD
- Garden-variety graphics card (RTX 4050)
- Bulky (6.27 lbs)
5.Lenovo Legion Pro 7i 16
Lenovo Legion Pro 7i 16: A sleek and powerful gaming laptop that offers great value for its price.- Strong overall performance
- Big, bright, and fast display
- Per-key RGB lighting
- Some flex to keyboard deck
- Poor battery life
Summary
The Lenovo Legion Pro 7i 16 combines impressive performance with a sleek design, making it an enticing choice for gamers looking for a long-term investment. While it may have some limitations in terms of GPU performance and battery life, it offers great value compared to its competitors.
Alternatives
HP Omen 17
- QHD display with 165 Hz
- Advanced Optimus technology
- High noise level
- Clattery case
FAQs for Laptops
Q: What is the best laptop for playing Minecraft?
The best laptop for playing Minecraft depends on your budget and performance needs. For a smooth and enjoyable experience, we recommend laptops with at least a Ryzen 5 5600H processor, GTX 1650 graphics, and 16 GB of RAM. However, if you want the ultimate gaming experience, you can opt for high-end laptops with an i7-12700H processor, RTX 2070 graphics, and 32 GB of RAM. Keep in mind that these high-end laptops come at a higher price point.
Can you play Minecraft on a budget laptop?
Yes, you can definitely play Minecraft on a budget laptop. While you may not be able to achieve the highest graphics settings or run resource-intensive mods, a budget laptop with a Ryzen 5 5500U processor, integrated graphics, and 8 GB of RAM will still allow you to enjoy Minecraft at lower graphics settings. It's a great option for casual players or those on a tight budget.
What are the recommended laptop specs for Minecraft?
The recommended laptop specs for Minecraft include a Ryzen 5 5600H or better processor, GTX 1650 or better graphics, and 16 GB of RAM. This configuration ensures smooth gameplay and allows you to run popular mods and shaders without any issues. With these specs, you'll be able to enjoy Minecraft at higher graphics settings and experience the game as intended.
How much RAM is needed for Minecraft on a laptop?
The amount of RAM needed for Minecraft on a laptop depends on your gameplay style and the mods or resource packs you use. However, as a general rule of thumb, we recommend having at least 8 GB of RAM to ensure smooth gameplay. If you plan on using mods or playing on multiplayer servers, we recommend upgrading to 16 GB of RAM for a more enjoyable experience. With 16 GB of RAM, you'll have enough memory to handle the game and any additional resources efficiently.
Can you play Minecraft Java Edition on a laptop?
Yes, you can play Minecraft Java Edition on a laptop. Java Edition is the original version of Minecraft and provides the most flexibility in terms of mods, custom servers, and community creations. To play Minecraft Java Edition, you'll need a laptop that meets the minimum system requirements, which we'll cover in the next question.
What is the minimum system requirements for Minecraft on a laptop?
The minimum system requirements for Minecraft on a laptop are relatively modest. You'll need a laptop with at least a Ryzen 5 5500U processor, integrated graphics, and 8 GB of RAM. While this configuration may not provide the best gaming experience, it's enough to run Minecraft at lower graphics settings and enjoy the core gameplay. However, for a more enjoyable experience, we recommend considering laptops with better specs, as mentioned in the previous questions.
Can you play Minecraft Bedrock Edition on a laptop?
Yes, you can play Minecraft Bedrock Edition on a laptop. Bedrock Edition is the version of Minecraft that allows cross-platform play and is available on various devices, including laptops. To play Minecraft Bedrock Edition on a laptop, you'll need to download the game from the Microsoft Store or any other supported platform. The system requirements for Bedrock Edition are similar to the Java Edition's minimum requirements, so a laptop with a Ryzen 5 5500U processor, integrated graphics, and 8 GB of RAM should suffice.
Is integrated graphics enough for playing Minecraft on a laptop?
Integrated graphics can handle playing Minecraft on a laptop, especially if you're using the Java Edition with its more forgiving system requirements. However, if you want smoother gameplay, higher graphics settings, or the ability to use mods and shaders, we recommend opting for a laptop with a dedicated GPU like the GTX 1650 or better. Dedicated graphics will provide a significant boost in performance and allow you to enjoy Minecraft to its fullest.
What laptops can run Minecraft with shaders?
To run Minecraft with shaders, you'll need a laptop with a powerful GPU and sufficient RAM. The GTX 1650 or better graphics card is a good starting point for running shaders. However, if you want to take full advantage of the graphical enhancements, such as ray tracing shaders, we recommend laptops with an RTX 2070 or better graphics card. Additionally, having 16 GB or more of RAM will ensure smooth gameplay while running shaders. Laptops such as the Dell G15, ASUS ROG Strix G15, and ASUS ROG Strix Scar are great options to consider for running Minecraft with shaders.
How to optimize a laptop for better Minecraft performance?
To optimize a laptop for better Minecraft performance, here are a few tips:
- Update your graphics drivers to the latest version for improved compatibility and performance.
- Close any
Table of the Best Laptops for Minecraft
| Laptop | Price (approx) |
| acer Nitro 5 | $680 |
| ASUS TUF F15 FX507VU-ES53 | $1,100 |
| Dell G16 | $1,510 |
| ASUS ROG Strix G15 | $1,750 |
| Lenovo Legion Pro 7i 16 | $3,390 |
