Best CPU for Minecraft in 2024

Want the best CPU for Minecraft? We've got you covered

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Minecraft has been a legendary title for quite a while now. It has found its place in the PC gaming community thanks to the excellent support for mods and custom servers. If you want to jump into Minecraft and are also building a new PC, what’s the best CPU for Minecraft in that case?

It’s important to mention that Minecraft runs quite well on old hardware. So, you don’t necessarily need to upgrade just to run the game. However, if you are building a new PC either way, the processors below are what we would recommend according to 2023. Here are the best CPUs for Minecraft.

Best CPU for Minecraft – Intel Core i5 13600K

Intel Core i5-13600K

Cores

14

Threads

20

Base speed

P-cores 3.5 GHz / E-cores 2.6 GHz

Boost speed

P-cores 5.1 GHz / E-cores 3.9 GHz

Cache

20MB

TDP

125 W / 181 W boost.

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Specs:

• Speed: 5.1GHz (Boost Clock)
• Cores/Threads: 14/20
• Socket: LGA1700
• TDP: 125W

We’ve talked about the Intel Core i5 13600K in previous guides before, and it proves to be another top choice for this specific topic. The 13600K is capable of outperforming older processors like the 12700K, Ryzen 5 5600X, and even the might 12900K.

That’s no easy feat for a mid-range Core i5 processor, but considering the specs, it makes sense. Intel has increased the core count, number of threads, boost clock, and overall IPC improvements with their 13th Gen lineup.

All of that is what makes the 13600K a highly appealing chip for budget/mid-range gaming PCs. In terms of price-to-performance, this is the best CPU you can buy right now. It’s perfect for playing Minecraft but can easily handle more demanding titles with ease.

Of course, it also overclocks well and is more power-efficient than something like a 13700K or 13900K.

Best Budget CPU for Minecraft – AMD Ryzen 5 5600X

AMD Ryzen 5 5600X

Speed

3.7GHz/ 4.6GHz

Core (Threads)

6/12

Socket

AM4

TDP

65W

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Specs:

• Speed: 4.6GHz (Boost Clock)
• Cores/Threads: 6/12
• Socket: AM4
• TDP: 65W

If you are on a budget or are planning to build a budget gaming PC right now, then you can’t go wrong with the AMD Ryzen 5 5600X. This is an excellent gaming CPU and one that has stood the test of time. While it can’t outperform the 13600K, it does a good job of providing an excellent experience while playing Minecraft.

Sure, you could always go with a higher-end processor, but do you really need to for Minecraft? The answer is no, and the 5600X is perfectly capable of running more demanding games as well.

Final Word

So, the Core i5 13600K is the best CPU for Minecraft, while the Ryzen 5 5600X is also a decent choice if one is on a budget. Both are excellent gaming processors, and it comes down to how much you are willing to spend.