Is there a preferred Java version for Minecraft?

Question

Got a new, 64 bit Windows 7 computer.  Computer is a refurbished Dell Inspiron, 8 Gig ram, 4 core I3 processor.  Installed 32 bit Java on it, and minecraft hangs after 5-10 minutes of play.
Is there a preferred version of Java?  Or do you think it's something other than the JVM that's the problem?

SF. · Accepted Answer

Yes - the version bundled with Minecraft installation.
This is the version the game was tested with, and any other may have some incompatibilities or unoptimal ways of doing things, versus what Mojang found to be working and debugged against. The launcher automatically sets up the game to work with it - don't change it unless you have a valid reason and know what you're doing.

WhyNotHugo · Answer

I've been playing minecraft on several computers and several different OSs with no issues.
I've always used 64bit OpenJDK 7.

Is there any particular reason for using 32bit java on a 64bit OS?

Also, have you tried running from a terminal (cmd?) and see if there's any output when minecraft crashes?

mikera · Answer

You should almost certainly switch to the 64-bit Java version - it's going to be much better on 64-bit Windows 7.

Either OpenJDK 7 or the latest Oracle Java should be fine. I use the Oracle one, YMMV.

The other thing that might cause a problem is graphics drivers (since Minecraft uses OpenGL). It's worth making sure you have the latest driver updates for your graphics card. This has solved various gaming-related issues for me in the past.

Joe · Answer

I have used the Oracle java 32bit on my a6-4400m and had to turn "fast graphics" to "normal". I also decreased particles no v sync to get a decent 50-60 frames.

I just realized I was using 32bit. I installed 64bit Java now I'm running maxed with 60-70 fps and it's not stuttering. But 2 stacks of TNT takes it down to like 5 fps.

Is there a preferred Java version for Minecraft?

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