Graphics card for Minecraft

Masterdeadly · 19 Sep 2011 at 20:10

My friend is wanting to buy a new computer and I was curious if Minecraft is Graphics card dependant or CPU or ram. And was open to suggestions about graphics card's he should get.

Taziir · 19 Sep 2011 at 21:03

Minecraft will run on literally anything issued in the last 10 years. It does use 3d, so he will need a gfx card as software emulation just won't cut it on more intensively mined maps. Obviously he'll get a better experience using newer hardware.

I found these minimum specs from another site to give you a flavour:

CPU - 1.5GHz (Single Core)
Nvidia GFX Card - GeForce 8400 Series
ATI GFX Card - Radeon X800 Series

Masterdeadly · 19 Sep 2011 at 21:04

He wants atleast 40 fps on highest settings

datalol-jack · 19 Sep 2011 at 21:08

An AMD Llano system would suit him just fine, and he does not need to buy a separate GPU.

Masterdeadly · 19 Sep 2011 at 21:09

Will it run minecraft at 40 frames + on far distance and max graphics. And where can he get one of these AMD llano systems from?

Hyburnate · 19 Sep 2011 at 21:34

datalol-jack · 19 Sep 2011 at 21:44

Yep, it is essentially a quad core mainstream cpu with a discrete level graphics chip on die. For the money, it is hard not to recommend for the user you describe. Browse the OCUK shop. They sell everything you need to get up and running, including complete system bundles.

Masterdeadly · 19 Sep 2011 at 21:46

You say OCUK but he doesn't want to build the system he wants it too just plug it in can you link me to a whole system bundle and will it give him 40+ fps on mc

SheepBeast · 19 Sep 2011 at 21:50

Masterdeadly said:
Will it run minecraft at 40 frames + on far distance and max graphics. And where can he get one of these AMD llano systems from?

pretty much any computer retailer. the llano processors models are listed about 2/3 of the way down this page

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AMD_Fusion#.22Llano.22_.2832.C2.A0nm.29

SheepBeast · 19 Sep 2011 at 21:51

it's worth mentioning also that llano isn't great for more demanding games (crysis etc). so i'd only recommend it if your friend is ONLY going to play minecraft, or is on a pretty tight budget

Masterdeadly · 19 Sep 2011 at 21:53

Can you link me a bundle with these processors and gpu within a case with all the necessiary parts

datalol-jack · 19 Sep 2011 at 21:57

Yes, MC runs rather well on modern kit. 40+ fps isn't a problem. The only complete system bundle OCUK seem to do with Llano atm seems to be this: http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=FS-052-OP&groupid=43&catid=2040&subcat=1444.

Maybe too dear for your friend. But if you call one of their sales reps directly, you can spec a custom build that works out cheaper, if you want. We aren't allowed to link you to competitors, so armed with the knowledge of what you need, you can also hit the search engines.

Masterdeadly · 19 Sep 2011 at 22:02

With that price may aswell get a I5 2500k

sarge78 · 20 Sep 2011 at 01:36

datalol-jack said:
Yes, MC runs rather well on modern kit. 40+ fps isn't a problem. The only complete system bundle OCUK seem to do with Llano atm seems to be this: http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=FS-052-OP&groupid=43&catid=2040&subcat=1444.

Why did they add a 6450 card to that system? Asymmetric crossfire doesn't add that much and the onboard 6550 is 30%+ faster anyway, you'd save over £40+ without it. A 650w PSU is completly overkill too

Have OEMs started using them yet? I can only seem them in laptops atm.

ocUK should try and do a decent llano mini system for £350-£400.

Oh, I got well over 40fps playing Fallout 3 @ 1920*1200 (high/medium settings) with recently build A8-3850 system, I assume it'll eat minecraft for breakfast

Emjeadea · 20 Sep 2011 at 01:53

Taziir said:
Minecraft will run on literally anything issued in the last 10 years. It does use 3d, so he will need a gfx card as software emulation just won't cut it on more intensively mined maps. Obviously he'll get a better experience using newer hardware.

I found these minimum specs from another site to give you a flavour:

CPU - 1.5GHz (Single Core)
Nvidia GFX Card - GeForce 8400 Series
ATI GFX Card - Radeon X800 Series

runs on a lower spec nvidia than this my lad runs it on an old on board graphics card but has the draw distance set low

Lunawolfy · 20 Sep 2011 at 07:49

Just read this and thought WTF?!

A new GPU, for minecraft? :/

Having never played the game however having looked at videos and pics I would say it won't be too demanding...

On the flip side, just strap a 590 onto your current rig, that's my vote

MooMoo444 · 20 Sep 2011 at 08:24

For minecraft I'd probably recommend either SLI GTX570's or Crossfire 6950's.

It's quite a demanding game so you'll need a lot of horsepower to really grind those FPS out.

That level of detail seriously needs a lot of power.

If budget allows, look into a 990X CPU also.

P.S. I'm joking.

You probably don't even need a graphics card to play minecraft if you go for anything with an integrated one.

Masterdeadly · 20 Sep 2011 at 08:29

That's old minecraft - and he wants to play on fancy settings on distance far without dropping below as my pc sometimes drops below 40 fps and my specs are: AMD 955 BE 3.61, 8gb xms3 1600mhz ram, 1gb 6950.

Calgar117 · 20 Sep 2011 at 08:53

Masterdeadly said:
That's old minecraft - and he wants to play on fancy settings on distance far without dropping below as my pc sometimes drops below 40 fps and my specs are: AMD 955 BE 3.61, 8gb xms3 1600mhz ram, 1gb 6950.

Not sure if serious,

Taziir · 20 Sep 2011 at 10:12

Emjeadea said:
runs on a lower spec nvidia than this my lad runs it on an old on board graphics card but has the draw distance set low

Masterdeadly said:
he wants to play on fancy settings on distance far without dropping below as my pc sometimes drops below 40 fps and my specs are: AMD 955 BE 3.61, 8gb xms3 1600mhz ram, 1gb 6950.

Calgar117 said:
Not sure if serious,

Agreed, smells like Troll.

OP, you've had lots of useful answers for your 'friend'.