Minimum specs for Minecraft
Vanilla Java or Bedrock Minecraft runs well on modest hardware: an integrated or entry-level GPU, a modern quad-core CPU, 8–16 GB of RAM, and an SSD. If you plan to use shader packs, high render distance, or large modpacks (Forge/Fabric), step up to a dedicated GPU (GTX 1660 / RTX 3050 class or better), 16–32 GB of RAM, and a stronger CPU.
Java, Bedrock, and mods
Bedrock is generally lighter. Java with shaders and mods is far more demanding and benefits from more RAM allocated to the game plus a capable GPU. Parents buying for kids should ask whether the plan is vanilla play or heavily modded worlds.
How to use the picks on this page
Listings below are sorted by deal value, not by Minecraft benchmarks. For vanilla play almost any decent value PC works; for shaders and mods, prefer builds with stronger CPUs, 16 GB+ RAM, and a discrete GPU.
