Minecraft
Release Date | 2011-11-18 |
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Developer | Mojang |
Publisher | Mojang, Microsoft Studios |
Engine | Custom |
Minecraft is a sandbox video game originally created by Swedish programmer Markus "Notch" Persson and later developed and published by Mojang. The creative and building aspects of Minecraft enable players to build constructions out of textured cubes in a 3D procedurally generated world. Other activities in the game include exploration, resource gathering, crafting, and combat. Multiple gameplay modes are available, including survival mode where the player must acquire resources to build the world and maintain health, a creative mode where players have unlimited resources to build with and the ability to fly, an adventure mode where players play custom maps created by other players, and a spectator mode where players can fly around and clip through blocks, but cannot place or destroy any. The PC version of the game is renowned for its third-party mods, which add various new items, characters, worlds, and quests to the game.
Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Genre
Action, Adventure, Building, Sandbox, SurvivalCharacteristics
1st Person, 3D, Automation, Breeding, Building, Co-Op, Crafting, Creative, Cross-platform Multiplayer, Customizable Player Character, DRM: Account Required, Decoration, Destructible Environment, Exploration, Fantasy Setting, Farming, Horror, Hunting, Level Editor Included, Light & Dark Mechanics, Loot, Mining, Moddable, Modelling, Mounts, Non-Linear Editing, Online Multiplayer, Open World, Open-Ended, Procedurally-Generated, PvE, PvP, Relaxing, Retro, Single-Player, Stylized, Unlockable Cosmetics, Voxel, Weather, ZombiesAvailability and Pricing
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Computers
starting at US$27.66 -
Mobile
starting at US$6.99 -
Consoles
starting at US$20.54
Specs for Minimal levels of performance in Minecraft
Most software developers publish system requirements, and while they're accurate, they can be difficult to interpret; not everyone's comfortable with the jargon employed and older components are often referred to long after they've left the market.
Here are current specs for pre-built machines capable of handling Minecraft.
for Minimal performances | |||
---|---|---|---|
Components | Minimum | Typical | |
Processor (a.k.a. CPU) |
Samsung Exynos 7870 or better
MediaTek MT8183 Intel Core i3-1005G1 |
AMD Ryzen 5 3500U
Intel Core i3-10100 |
Alternative CPU Options |
Video Card (a.k.a. GPU |
not needed
ARM Mali-G72 Intel UHD Graphics 630 |
not needed
Intel UHD Graphics |
Alternative GPU Options |
Memory (a.k.a. RAM) | 2 GB or better | 8 GB |
Sadly, there are also no predefined standards for performance; some developers have very high standards while others can be a bit optimistic so your mileage may vary.
Ready-to-Order Systems Meeting these Specs Prices range from ∼ US$290 to US$790, accessories included.
The following Systems meet the minimal system requirements set by Minecraft's developers. So it should run the game, but you might need to lower visual quality for an enjoyable experience.
Each product below was checked recently for rebates and availability from retailers located in Canada or which at least makes importing easy.
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Microsoft Xbox Series S from US$310;
~$580 with accessoriesThis compact, cost-reduced edition of the Xbox Series X does away with the BluRay drive and the extra horsepower required to run games at 4K resolution. If you`... Read More about the
Device Ratings
by All Smart Devices standards
Bang for the Buck Versatility for the Price Power Storage Portability Autonomy N/A Bang for the Buck Versatility for the Price Power Storage Portability Autonomy N/A performance in Minecraft
Meets recommended specsProcessor: AMD XBox series SGraphics: AMD XBox series SMemory: 10.00 GBStorage: 512.00 GBDimensions: 6.50 x 15.10 x 27.50 cmWeight: 1.928 kgdetailed info US$300.26 from Best Buy (New)as of 2021-03-03 06:13:12, ESTPricing Accuracy
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on the Best Buy site at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. × -
#6, Stationary Computers (under $1200)
Dell Inspiron 3880 Desktop from US$40029% cheaper than usual
~$790 with accessoriesThis computer is a compelling choice for everyday productivity, connectivity and today's internet-based entertainment... Read More about the di3880_s2071e
Device Ratings
by Stationary Computers standards
Bang for the Buck Versatility for the Price Power Storage Portability Autonomy N/A by All Smart Devices standards
Bang for the Buck Versatility for the Price Power Storage Portability Autonomy N/A Bang for the Buck Versatility for the Price Power Storage Portability Autonomy N/A performance in Minecraft
More than the bare minimum but not quite recommended specs.Processor: Intel Core i3-10100Graphics: Intel UHD Graphics 630Memory: 8.00 GBStorage: 1 TBDimensions: 15.40 x 29.30 x 32.43 cmWeight: 6.020 kgdetailed info US$395.08 from Dell (Canada) (New)as of 2021-03-04 04:45:27, ESTPricing Accuracy
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on the Dell (Canada) site at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. × -
#2, Laptops (under $525)
Dell Inspiron Series 3000 15-inch Laptop from US$3809%, Best price yet!
~$500 with accessoriesThis cost-efficient laptop is fast-booting and well-suited to everyday tasks like homework and online connectivity. Its large screen features a lower level of d... Read More about the ni153593_s409pze
Device Ratings
Bang for the Buck Versatility for the Price Power Storage Portability Autonomy by All Smart Devices standards
Bang for the Buck Versatility for the Price Power Storage Portability Autonomy Bang for the Buck Versatility for the Price Power Storage Portability Autonomy performance in Minecraft
More than the bare minimum but not quite recommended specs.Processor: Intel Core i3-1005G1Graphics: Intel UHD GraphicsMemory: 8.00 GBStorage: 128.00 GBScreen Size: 15.6"Screen Resolution: 1366×768Dimensions: 38.00 x 25.80 x 2.27 cmWeight: 2.020 kgdetailed info US$379.28 from Dell (Canada) (New)as of 2021-03-04 04:02:19, ESTPricing Accuracy
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on the Dell (Canada) site at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. × -
#5, Laptops ($525 - $725)
Lenovo IdeaPad 3 15-inch Touchscreen Laptop from US$37016%, Best price yet!
~$620 with accessoriesThis cost-effective laptop is a pretty compelling solution for everyday productivity tasks, even featuring a fast drive to keep your loading times to a minimum... Read More about the 81WE00KWCF
Device Ratings
Bang for the Buck Versatility for the Price Power Storage Portability Autonomy by All Smart Devices standards
Bang for the Buck Versatility for the Price Power Storage Portability Autonomy Bang for the Buck Versatility for the Price Power Storage Portability Autonomy performance in Minecraft
More than the bare minimum but not quite recommended specs.Processor: Intel Core i3-1005G1Graphics: Intel UHD GraphicsMemory: 8.00 GBStorage: 256.00 GBScreen Size: 15.6"Screen Resolution: 1366×768Dimensions: 36.20 x 25.30 x 2.00 cmWeight: 1.851 kgdetailed info from US$363.47 - US$363.47 from Best Buy (Open Box)as of 2021-03-04 06:15:55, EST
- US$474.1 from Best Buy (New)as of 2021-03-01 12:23:39, EST
Pricing Accuracy
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on the retailer's site at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. × -
#7, Laptops ($525 - $725)
Asus M509DA 15-inch Notebook from US$4808% cheaper than usual
~$620 with accessoriesThis cost-efficient laptop could be worth looking into to handle productivity tasks... Read More about the M509DA-SS51-CB
Device Ratings
Bang for the Buck Versatility for the Price Power Storage Portability Autonomy by All Smart Devices standards
Bang for the Buck Versatility for the Price Power Storage Portability Autonomy Bang for the Buck Versatility for the Price Power Storage Portability Autonomy performance in Minecraft
More than the bare minimum but not quite recommended specs.Processor: AMD Ryzen 5 3500UGraphics: AMD Radeon Vega 8 MobileMemory: 8.00 GBStorage: 512.00 GBScreen Size: 15.6"Screen Resolution: 1366×768Dimensions: 36.02 x 23.49 x 2.29 cmWeight: 1.800 kgdetailed info US$474.08 from Staples (New)as of 2021-03-04 05:20:46, ESTPricing Accuracy
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on the Staples site at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. × -
Microsoft Xbox One X from US$380;
~$679 with accessoriesThe Xbox One X is the most powerful console on the market, features a 4k Bluray drive and is especially attractive if you own or plan to own a 4K TV which is HD... Read More about the
Device Ratings
by All Smart Devices standards
Bang for the Buck Versatility for the Price Power Storage Portability Autonomy N/A Bang for the Buck Versatility for the Price Power Storage Portability Autonomy N/A performance in Minecraft
This should run nicelyProcessor: AMD Xbox One X CPUGraphics: AMD Xbox One X GPUMemory: 12.00 GBStorage: 1 TBDimensions: 24.00 x 30.00 x 6.00 cmWeight: 3.810 kgdetailed info US$378.5 from Microsoft (New)as of 2021-03-03 04:06:50, ESTPricing Accuracy
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on the Microsoft site at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. × -
#2, Tablets (under $450)
Amazon Fire HD 10 Tablet (2019) from US$160;
~$290 with accessoriesHere's an affordable tablet that doesn't compromise on software updates and long-term security. It's not the perfect product, but it's now a bit more powerful... Read More about the KFMAWI
Device Ratings
Bang for the Buck Versatility for the Price Power Storage Portability Autonomy by All Smart Devices standards
Bang for the Buck Versatility for the Price Power Storage Portability Autonomy Bang for the Buck Versatility for the Price Power Storage Portability Autonomy performance in Minecraft
Meets recommended specsProcessor: MediaTek MT8183Graphics: ARM Mali-G72Memory: 2.00 GBStorage: 32.00 GBScreen Size: 10.1"Screen Resolution: 1920×1200Dimensions: 26.20 x 15.90 x 0.98 cmWeight: 0.504 kgdetailed info US$158.03 from Best Buy (New)as of 2021-03-04 06:09:00, ESTPricing Accuracy
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on the Best Buy site at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. × -
#3, Tablets (under $450)
Amazon Fire HD 10 Tablet (2019, Kids Edition) from US$210;
~$350 with accessoriesCost-efficient and kid-friendly, this tablet comes with a kid-proof case and a 2-year guarantee to match.
Device Ratings
Bang for the Buck Versatility for the Price Power Storage Portability Autonomy by All Smart Devices standards
Bang for the Buck Versatility for the Price Power Storage Portability Autonomy Bang for the Buck Versatility for the Price Power Storage Portability Autonomy performance in Minecraft
Meets recommended specsProcessor: MediaTek MT8183Graphics: ARM Mali-G72Memory: 2.00 GBStorage: 32.00 GBScreen Size: 10.1"Screen Resolution: 1920×1200Dimensions: 29.20 x 20.60 x 2.60 cmWeight: 0.778 kgdetailed info US$205.44 from Best Buy (New)as of 2021-03-02 06:12:51, ESTPricing Accuracy
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on the Best Buy site at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. × -
#2, Tablets ($450 - ∞)
Samsung Galaxy Tab A 10.1 (2016) from US$320;
~$490 with accessoriesA good android tablet if you're not looking for something especially powerful, but want a big screen and good battery autonomy.
Device Ratings
Bang for the Buck Versatility for the Price Power Storage Portability Autonomy by All Smart Devices standards
Bang for the Buck Versatility for the Price Power Storage Portability Autonomy Bang for the Buck Versatility for the Price Power Storage Portability Autonomy performance in Minecraft
Meets minimal requirementsProcessor: Samsung Exynos 7870Graphics: Samsung Mali T830Memory: 2.00 GBStorage: 16.00 GBScreen Size: 10.1"Screen Resolution: 1920×1200Dimensions: 25.40 x 15.53 x 0.82 cmWeight: 0.530 kgdetailed info US$316.06 from Visions Electronics (New)as of 2021-03-03 04:09:48, ESTPricing Accuracy
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on the Visions Electronics site at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. ×
Wonder why you get better systems than requested?
That's because TekAdvisor looks for devices which will at least satisfy the demands for the best price without filtering over-performers. For instance: If 3-stars or even 5-stars systems are available in the same price range as 1-star options, I'm pretty sure you should consider the better-performing options as well.
The results above are the 9 systems offering the best bang-for-the-buck among the cheapest catalogued systems capable of running Minecraft at the specified level of performance or better.
Narrow down your search
Looking for a specific kind of device?
Were you looking for a laptop instead? You can focus your search on a specific kind of device with the options below:
Laptops
(55 results, starting at $800)Tablets
(7 results, starting at $260)Stationary Computers
(28 results, starting at $800)Stationary Computers: Tower Computers
(28 results, starting at $800)Laptops: Portable Laptops
(10 results, starting at $900)Laptops: Large Laptops
(44 results, starting at $780)Tablets: Small Tablets
(3 results, starting at $260)Tablets: Large Tablets
(4 results, starting at $260)Consoles
(3 results, starting at $400)
Looking for a different performance level?
The systems above meet Minecraft's minimum requirements. It might run a little slow in some areas, and you might need to disable or lower some options for an enjoyable experience.
You can look for something with more oomph by picking another performance level below: