I'm looking for recommendations on a CPU for a modded Minecraft server that will have about six players. I've narrowed it down to the Ryzen 3 3300X, Ryzen 5 3600, and Intel Core i3-12100F. Which one do you think offers the best performance for handling mods and running the server ideally?
4 Answers
If you can’t find a used i3-12100F, might want to consider the Intel Core i3-10100F. The Ryzen 3600 is still a great choice, but the 10th gen Intel isn't as robust, so focus on getting the best for your budget.
The Ryzen 5 3600 is a solid choice as it might be a bit quicker for world generation, but the Intel i3-12100F shines when it comes to actually running the server due to its higher single-core performance.
I'd eliminate the 3300X right away. Between the 3600 and the 12100F, I'd lean towards the 3600 because it has two more cores. Plus, you can often find it for a better price, especially used.
Keep in mind, Minecraft relies more on single-core performance, so the i3-12100F might still be worth it.
Definitely go for the Intel Core i3-12100F. It has a significantly stronger single-core performance, about 30-34% better than the Ryzen 5 3600. This is crucial since Minecraft servers really depend on the strength of one core for smooth operation.

The Ryzen 3600 is definitely the better option; don't bother with the 10th gen Intel unless it's really cheap.