Extra CPUs: Expanded Crafting Storage for AE2
Applied Energistics 2 is the backbone of automation for countless Minecraft players, but its crafting system can feel cramped when you push it to the limit. The standard 64k crafting storage often forces you to build sprawling arrays of Crafting CPU multiblocks, eating up space and complicating your ME network. That’s where Extra CPUs: Expanded Crafting Storage for AE2 steps in—a focused addon that introduces larger, denser crafting storage blocks without rewriting the core mechanics of AE2. It’s a straightforward solution for anyone who wants to keep their autocrafting setup lean and powerful.
What This Addon Brings to Your ME System
In vanilla AE2, the Crafting CPU relies on Crafting Storage components to hold recipe data during complex operations. The maximum size—64k—often becomes a bottleneck when you’re processing large batches, deep recipe chains, or modpacks with hundreds of items. Extra CPUs tackles this by offering storage blocks with significantly higher capacities. Instead of stacking multiple 64k units and wiring them together, you can use a single high-density block to achieve the same or greater throughput. This means fewer cables, less channel management, and a cleaner workshop floor.
The addon doesn’t alter how AE2’s crafting logic works; it simply extends the available storage tiers. You still build a Crafting CPU multiblock, but now you have the option to slot in these expanded storage components. The result is a system that scales more gracefully, especially on servers or in single-player worlds where every block of space matters.
Compatibility and the Extra Cells 2 Connection
Before you rush to download Extra CPUs: Expanded Crafting Storage for AE2, it’s crucial to understand its dependency chain. The mod’s recipes are tightly integrated with storage components from Extra Cells 2. This isn’t a standalone upgrade; it’s designed to fit into a progression that already includes that popular AE2 extension. Starting from version 1.2.0, the mod also supports two different forks of Extra Cells 2, giving pack makers flexibility when the original isn’t available or compatible with their setup. However, you must choose only one fork—mixing them on the same instance leads to item ID conflicts, duplicate entities, and unpredictable multiblock behavior that’s a nightmare to debug.
This dependency means that Extra CPUs: Expanded Crafting Storage for AE2 for Minecraft works best in modpacks that already embrace the Extra Cells 2 ecosystem. If you’re building a custom pack, verify that your chosen Extra Cells 2 version (or its fork) aligns with the addon’s requirements. The mod is built for Minecraft 1.12.2 and requires Forge, which remains the most common environment for AE2-based automation setups.
Multiblock Rules: The Anchor Requirement
One design choice that surprises new users is the “anchor” rule: you cannot completely replace vanilla AE2 Crafting Storage blocks with the expanded ones. Every valid Crafting CPU multiblock must contain at least one genuine Crafting Storage from Applied Energistics 2 itself. Without it, the system won’t recognize the structure as a functional CPU. This isn’t a bug or an oversight—it’s a deliberate safeguard that keeps the addon compatible with AE2’s internal validation checks. In practice, it means you’ll always include one standard storage component as the core, then surround it with the high-capacity blocks from Extra CPUs. This hybrid approach gives you the density you want while maintaining rock-solid stability.
Origins and Open-Source Development
Extra CPUs didn’t appear out of nowhere. It’s a spiritual successor to the older Extra Crafting Storage mod by Zokonius, which was paused and later revived under a new banner. The project is licensed under GPL 3, ensuring the code remains open for community auditing and contributions. In a pleasant twist, the original author returned to collaborate on the new version after its initial release—a rare and welcome event in the modding scene that reduces the risk of abandoned codebases. This lineage means the addon inherits a proven concept while benefiting from active maintenance and compatibility updates.
How to Install Extra CPUs: Expanded Crafting Storage for AE2
Getting the mod up and running is straightforward if you’re familiar with Forge-based modding. First, ensure you have a compatible version of Minecraft (1.12.2) and the correct Forge loader installed. Next, place the Extra Cells 2 mod (or an approved fork) into your mods folder, as it’s a hard dependency. Then, add the Extra CPUs jar file. Launch the game, and the new crafting storage blocks will appear in JEI/NEI, ready for use. If you prefer a more streamlined approach, you can use a modern launcher like foxygame.net, which lets you browse and install mods directly from its interface without manually managing files. This is especially handy when you’re juggling multiple addons and want to avoid version conflicts.
Who Should Use This Addon?
This mod isn’t for every AE2 user—it’s for those who’ve hit the ceiling of standard crafting storage and want a cleaner solution. You’ll benefit most if:
- You frequently run large autocrafting jobs that overwhelm 64k storage, forcing you to build multiple CPUs.
- You value compact, aesthetically pleasing bases and hate sprawling multiblock clusters.
- You’re a modpack creator who already includes Extra Cells 2 and wants a coherent progression path for crafting storage.
- You enjoy tinkering with open-source projects and appreciate the transparency of GPL 3 licensing.
If you’re just starting with AE2 or rarely craft complex items, the vanilla storage options might suffice. But once you dive into heavy automation, the difference becomes night and day.
Practical Scenarios and Performance
Imagine you’re running a modpack with dozens of interconnected recipes—say, crafting ultimate solar panels or processing massive amounts of ingots through multiple steps. With standard 64k storage, a single CPU might choke on the item count, forcing you to split the job across several multiblocks. That not only consumes channels but also increases server tick load. By slotting in an expanded storage block from Extra CPUs, you can often handle the entire batch in one CPU, reducing overhead and simplifying your network layout. The addon’s blocks are designed to be drop-in replacements for the storage component, so you don’t need to relearn AE2’s crafting mechanics.
Another common use case is in skyblock or compact machine environments, where space is at a premium. Every block counts, and the ability to condense a 5-block CPU into a 3-block one (with one anchor and two expanded storages) frees up room for other critical infrastructure. The mod’s focus on storage density aligns perfectly with these constrained playstyles.
Navigating Forks and Version Updates
Because the addon supports multiple Extra Cells 2 forks, it’s wise to check the mod’s official documentation (easily found on its GitHub repository) for the latest compatibility matrix. The rule of thumb is simple: pick one fork and stick with it throughout your playthrough. If you’re updating an existing world, back up your save and test the new combination in a creative world first. The open-source nature means that issues are often documented and resolved quickly, but a little caution goes a long way.
Final Thoughts
Extra CPUs: Expanded Crafting Storage for AE2 is a niche but highly effective addon that solves a specific pain point in Applied Energistics 2. By offering larger crafting storage blocks, it lets you build more efficient, compact autocrafting setups without abandoning the familiar AE2 framework. Just remember the golden rules: keep a vanilla Crafting Storage in your multiblock, use only one Extra Cells 2 fork, and plan your progression around the dependency. When you follow these guidelines, the mod slots seamlessly into your world, giving you more crafting power with less clutter. Whether you’re a solo engineer or a server admin, this addon is a worthy addition to any AE2-driven modpack.