VRAM Killer
by moadwajad
VRAM Killer is a Fabric optimization mod that converts binary-alpha textures to a 16-bit RGB5A1 format to lower graphics memory use.
What it does
VRAM Killer targets runtime graphics memory on the client. Textures with binary alpha are converted to the 16-bit RGB5 A1 (RGBA5551) format during upload, which the author states cuts VRAM use by up to 50 percent per texture. The conversion uses the standard OpenGL GL RGB5 A1 format and is meant to work with the GpuDevice API in later Minecraft builds.
The mod detects alpha automatically and adapts the format per texture, then schedules resources and monitors runtime state to keep graphics memory pressure down. The conversion runs inline in an async texture upload pipeline, and the author describes the aim as smoother runtime performance with little overhead. The mod is Client-side only, so only the player's client needs it. It requires Fabric, and the latest Fabric file, 2.5.2 for 26.1.2, was published on 2026-09-12 on the beta channel. Files cover 26.1, 26.1.1 and 26.1.2.
Key features
Alpha-based texture conversion
Textures with binary alpha are converted to the 16-bit RGB5 A1 format, while other textures keep their original format.
Automatic format adaptation
The format is chosen per texture by detecting its alpha channel, so no manual setup per pack is needed.
Inline upload conversion
Conversion happens while textures are uploaded, inside the async pipeline, instead of as a separate pass.
Dynamic texture management
Resource scheduling and runtime monitoring adjust how textures are held to reduce graphics memory pressure.
Compatibility
Latest build for each game version and loader.
Only full game releases are shown. This mod publishes no snapshot builds.
Use cases
Who it’s for: Players on Fabric who run Minecraft 26.1 – 26.1.2 with limited graphics memory, and who want a client-side reduction in texture memory use.
How it compares
Optis is a Client-side only Fabric mod under the MIT License, with files for 1.21.11 – 26.3, and it is not open source. CoreStats is also Client-side only and Fabric, released under All rights reserved for 26.1 – 26.1.2, so it covers the same game versions as VRAM Killer. Addoners Optimizers is open source under the GNU General Public License v3.0 only and targets 26.1.2 alone.
| Mod | Loaders | Game versions | Environment | Updated |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| VRAM Killer | Fabric | 26.1 – 26.1.2 | Client-side only | 2026-09-12 |
| Optis | Fabric | 1.21.11 – 26.3 | Client-side only | 2026-09-20 |
| CoreStats | Fabric | 26.1 – 26.1.2 | Client-side only | 2026-05-30 |
| Addoners Optimizers | Fabric | 26.1.2 | Client-side only | 2026-04-14 |
Questions
Does VRAM Killer need Fabric API?
Does VRAM Killer have to be installed on the server?
Which game versions does VRAM Killer support?
In the catalog
VRAM Killer is one of 3,545 Optimization mods on ModsFinder, and one of 2,575 Optimization mods for Fabric. 15,189 mods support Minecraft 26.1.2.
More from moadwajad
Similar mods
What the author says
A Minecraft Fabric mod focused on runtime VRAM optimization and performance improvements, reducing VRAM usage and performance overhead.
Official listing
- Modrinth page
- modrinth.com/mod/vram_killer
- Owner
- moadwajad
- Published
- 2026-05-05
- Updated on Modrinth
- 2026-09-12
- Facts verified
- 2026-10-15