Alternate Current vs BadOptimizations

Alternate Current is a free, MIT-licensed mod for Minecraft: Java Edition that changes how redstone dust calculates power and updates blocks. It builds networks from connected wires and spreads power from wires receiving power outside a network. The project says this makes updates deterministic and less dependent on location, while retaining high Vanilla parity.

The mod focuses on reducing server work. Its README says redstone dust contributes up to 20 times less MSPT with Alternate Current, and that network-level optimizations can reduce updates by up to 20%. Listed Minecraft versions include 1.14 through 1.21.11, with some specific releases also listed; supported versions and loaders vary by release. Modrinth lists Fabric, Forge, NeoForge, Ornithe and Quilt, and server-side and singleplayer environments. The project links to its source repository, issue reporting and a Discord server. Its GitHub repository has no detected security policy and no published security advisories.

BadOptimizations is a free Minecraft mod aimed at client-side frame-rate performance. It uses a multi-loader setup and lists compatibility with Minecraft 1.21.6, 1.21.7 and 26.2. The mod runs on the game client, so its stated performance focus concerns the player’s local installation rather than server operation. Dedicated server support is not provided. Sodium is not required, leaving it independent of that particular mod dependency. The project is distributed through its Modrinth website and has a free plan. Its multi-loader designation is relevant for players whose installations use different supported loader environments. Before installing, players need to match the mod to one of the listed Minecraft versions and to their chosen loader. Server administrators should distinguish this client scope from server-side tools, since the entry lists no dedicated-server capability. BadOptimizations is therefore a client performance option for compatible Minecraft releases, with version and loader compatibility forming the main setup considerations.