For players experiencing performance hiccups in Minecraft, such as lag spikes or overall choppy gameplay, the issue may stem from insufficient RAM allocation. By default, Minecraft Java Edition allocates only 2GB of system memory to the game. However, this can be adjusted to enhance performance, particularly in expansive worlds filled with intricate builds and complex redstone contraptions. It’s worth noting that this adjustment is exclusive to Minecraft Java Edition, as the Bedrock version does not currently support manual RAM allocation.
QUICK ANSWER
To allocate more RAM, launch the Minecraft Java Edition launcher, navigate to the Installations tab, and select your game version. Click the three dots on the right and choose Edit. Next, click on More Options and locate the JVM Arguments field. Here, you will see -Xmx2G; simply replace the 2 with your desired amount of memory.
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How to check how much RAM your PC has
Before increasing RAM allocation, it’s essential to determine how much memory your system currently has. Here’s a straightforward way to check:
- Right-click on the Start Menu and select Task Manager.
- In Task Manager, click on the Performance tab located on the left side.
- Within the Performance menu, select Memory.
- The total amount of installed RAM will be displayed in the top right corner of the Memory window.
Ensure that there is adequate memory available for your system’s other functions. A minimum allocation of 3GB for Minecraft is recommended, with 8GB being the upper limit for most scenarios. Exceptions may arise in cases involving Minecraft servers with multiple players, which utilize a different method for RAM allocation.
How to allocate more RAM in Minecraft
Adjusting RAM allocation in Minecraft is accomplished through the Java argument feature in the launcher. Follow these steps:
- Open the Minecraft Java Edition launcher.
- Select the Installations tab at the top of the window.
- Choose the installation of the game you are currently playing from the list. Click the three dots button on the right and select Edit. Note that this process must be repeated for each version of Minecraft you play.
- Click on More Options in the bottom right corner. This will reveal the JVM Argument field.
- In this field, you will see a string of Java arguments starting with -Xmx2G. Change the 2 to the desired amount of memory you wish to allocate. This value represents the maximum RAM, and the game will only use what it needs.
- Click Save and launch the selected version of the game from the main menu. Minecraft will now allocate the specified amount of memory.
FAQs
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Your system’s RAM is essential for storing all actively running elements of your Minecraft world, including loaded chunks, mobs, and functional blocks like redstone components. Players often notice improved performance on multiplayer servers, as the data processing is handled by a separate system rather than the local Minecraft client.
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Pressing F3 while in-game opens the debug menu, where you can view the Memory Allocated statistic. This displays the amount of RAM currently in use, as well as the maximum allowed. If the game frequently approaches the maximum limit, it’s a clear indication that additional RAM should be allocated. Typically, Minecraft utilizes between 1-4GB of memory, but this can increase significantly in larger, more complex worlds.
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Currently, there is no option to manually adjust RAM allocation in Minecraft Bedrock Edition. The game automatically assigns memory based on the system specifications. For instance, on modern consoles like the Xbox Series X or PS5, the game allocates more RAM compared to older systems like the Xbox 360 or mobile devices. This automatic allocation also applies to the Windows version of Bedrock, where the game determines a safe amount of memory based on typical system capabilities.
