Minecraft Forums

I have played Minecraft on my fiancee's computer, which has crappier specs than my own, and it runs just fine. However, on my computer, Minecraft runs so extremely choppy that it is unplayable. I tried running Minecraft on the lowest settings possible (smooth lighting off, render distance tiny, and fast graphics), but it is still choppy as all get out.

When I originally opened Minecraft it told me I needed Java, so I downloaded the one from the page it brought up for me. After a tiny bit of research I found that I was using 32 bit Java when I should probably be using 64 bit. I am now using 64 bit Java, but Minecraft's performance hasn't improved.

I know a bit about computers, but not enough to know technical lingo. So, since I have no idea what you will need to know in order to help me, here is a list of specs on my computer.

Operating System: Windows 7 Home Premium 64 bit (6. 1, Build 7600)
Manufacturer: Dell
System Model: Inspiron 1564
BIOS: Ver 1.00 BIOS A13 PARTTBL
Processer: Intel® Core™ i3 CPU M 330 @ 2.13 GHz (4 CPUs), ~2.1 Ghz
Memory: 4096MB RAM
DirectX Version: DirectX 11

Can anyone shed some light as to why Minecraft runs so slowly? Or suggest what I can do to fix it?

Edit: I have read a few other topics on the same subject, but have little understanding of technical speak and have no idea how to interpret the information I found.

Do you have a proper video card? If not, there's your reason. A video card makes all the difference.

I do have a video card. I'm not sure I have found the right information, but this is what I turned up:

Intel(R) Graphics Media Accelerator HD

Chip Type: Intel(R) Graphics Media Accelerator HD (Core i3)
DAC Type: Internal
Adapter String: Intel(R) Graphics Media Accelerator HD
Bios Information: Intel Video BIOS

Total Available Graphics Memory: 1696 MB
Dedicated Video Memory: 32 MB
System Video Memory: 32 MB
Shared System Memory: 1632 MB

Does that help at all?

Ah yes. Integrated graphics, so not a proper dedicated card.

Chances are the other PC you played Minecraft on had a dedicated video card.
There are a few things you can do to boost your FPS, did you set Minecraft to max performance?

What do you mean max performance? Having the render distance at far, graphics fancy, and smooth lighting on? If yes, then I have done that and it causes Minecraft to run just as slowly, if not more so.

No no, there is an option in the settings that by default will say "balanced" click it until it says max FPS

Okay, I did that. Now it is definitely not as choppy, but still quite slow. I can actually move around and jump.

Edit: It seems to have trouble when it is loading scenery, but otherwise runs fine. If I stay confined to a small area I can run normally. But as soon as it has to load more terrain it slows down again. Normal?

yes normal. see, it doesnt happen for me just because my PC's specs are adequate. try setting your PC's power options to high performance.

I've done that as well. It doesn't affect gameplay one way or the other, it seems.

Edit: Is there a way that I an buy and install a dedicated video card? I've been told before that this is impossible on a laptop.

Quote from Ytomyth

Yeah....and if not impossible it most certainly wouldn't be like swapping out your vid cards in a desktop. (Unless you know someone who could, in theory, build a laptop from scratch. Someone like that -might- be able to.)

Anyhoo: first thing I always recommend for better FPS: Optifine!
Best bet would probably be the Optifine B2 Light edition.

Might also be worth a watch: Quite extensive guide on optimizing/speeding up MC

OP, listen to this guy, he know's what hes talking about.

I will definitely try Optifine. Thank you both for your help :3 I really appreciate it!

Quote from crowvalkairi

I will definitely try Optifine. Thank you both for your help :3 I really appreciate it!

No problem, if you have any more issues with MC I'm willing to help ^^

I hope I'm not breaking a rule by posting in this thread again, I've seen where people get in trouble for reviving 'dead threads' e.o

But I just wanted to say that Optifine has made Minecraft playable once again! It is still a bit choppy, but absolutely NOTHING compared to before. I want to say thank you, to both of you, for your help. It is very much appreciated <3