Are you looking at a VR headset and wondering if your computer is strong enough to play VR games? This PC VR ready guide will tell you what you need to play virtual reality!
We’ll go over a bunch of details, including:
- What are the PC requirements for playing each VR headset?
- What are the minimum and recommended specs for virtual reality in the future
- How can you check your PC specs?
If you have any questions about whether your computer is a fit, comment down below and let us know!
- Why is it Important That Your PC is VR Ready?
- Oculus Rift S Requirements
- Oculus Quest PC Requirements
- HTC Vive PC Requirements
- Valve Index PC Requirements
- HP Reverb G2 PC Requirements
- Pimax VR PC Requirements
- How Can You View Your PC VR Ready Specs?
- How Can I Tell If My PC is VR Ready?
- Where Can You Buy a VR Ready PC?
Why is it Important That Your PC is VR Ready?
Playing games in virtual reality is more intensive than playing regular PC games. This is because your computer has to process and display the game using your computers hardware. However, it also must process and transfer this information remotely to your VR headset as well.
This means that the recommended specs for VR games is higher than regular PC games.
VR brands like Oculus and HTC use the term “VR ready” to specify computers that can handle virtual reality games. However, this isn’t the full story because game requirements change over time.
Don’t worry though! We will help you out.
To start, let’s go over the VR recommended specs for each headset.
Oculus Rift S Requirements
The recommended Oculus Rift S PC requirements to play games are:
- Video Card: NVIDIA GTX 1060 / AMD Radeon RX 480 or greater
- CPU: Intel i5-4590 / AMD Ryzen 5 1500X or greater
- Memory: 8GB RAM or greater
- Video Output: DisplayPort
- USB Ports: 1x USB 3.0 port
- OS: Windows 10
If you have the Oculus CV1, the PC requirements are the exact same. The only difference is that the video output on the CV1 is HDMI 1.3 instead of DisplayPort.
Use the link below to buy the Oculus Rift S today!
- Top VR gaming library: Blast, slash and soar your way through the top library in VR gaming. Oculus Rift S lets you play hundreds of games and exclusives already available in the Oculus store, with so much more to come.
- Improved optics: Stare down the competition with next-generation lenses and a sharper display. Improved optics deliver bright, vivid colors and reduced “screen-door” effect.
- Ergonomic design: Keep your head in the game thanks to a Halo headband redesigned with speed in mind. Rift S stays securely and comfortably in place with a quick twist of the fit wheel, so it can take-or double take-your fastest reactions.
Oculus Quest PC Requirements
The Oculus Quest does not support PC VR gaming by default, however you can enable it with the use of an Oculus Link cable connected to your computer. Or, you can also setup Virtual Desktop for a wireless PC VR gaming solution.
The recommended Oculus Quest PC requirements to play PC VR games are:
- Video Card: NVIDIA GTX 1060 6 GB or better (except for the 1060M or 1650) / AMD Radeon RX 400 series or greater (including Vega series)
- CPU: Intel i5-4590 / AMD Ryzen 5 1500X or greater
- Memory: 8GB RAM or greater
- USB Ports: 1x USB 3.0 port
- OS: Windows 10
If you are going to use Oculus Link, you also need the Link cable listed here:
- Expand your library. Access 1,000+ PC-based VR titles in the Meta Quest Rift library Compatible gaming PC required, not included. See the Meta Quest website for PC specifications.
- Maintain your range with an extra long, 16ft (5m) construction that gives you space to move in VR, even when connected to your PC. (Packaging may vary) Meta Quest packaging will continue to carry the Oculus name and logo during the transition to our new branding.
- Keep your experience flowing smoothly. Capable of up to 5Gbps, the Link Cable has all the capacity you need for a premium VR experience
The PC recommended specifications to be VR ready is the same for both the Oculus Quest 2 and the Oculus Quest 1.
Use the link below to buy your Oculus Quest 2 today.
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HTC Vive PC Requirements
Original Vive
The original HTC Vive has more forgiving PC requirements than some of the other headsets in HTC’s lineup. The recommended specs for the HTC Vive are:
- Video Card: NVIDIA GTX 1060 / AMD Radeon RX 480 or greater
- CPU: Intel Core i5-4590 / AMD FX 8350 or greater
- Memory: 4GB RAM
- Video Output: HDMI 1.4 / DisplayPort 1.2
- USB Ports: 1x USB 2.0 port
- OS: Windows 7 SP1, Windows 8.1, Windows 10
Overall, the requirements are very similar to Oculus headsets except only 4 GB is required to play. Still, many users recommended 8 GB of RAM for optimal settings.
Vive Pro
The recommended PC requirements for the HTC Vive Pro are:
- Video Card: NVIDIA GTX 1070 / Quadro P5000 / AMD Radeon Vega 56 or greater
- CPU: Intel Core i5-4590 / AMD FX 8350 or greater
- Memory: 4GB RAM
- Video Output: DisplayPort 1.2
- USB Ports: 1x USB 3.0 port
- OS: Windows 10
Other than a slightly higher AMD CPU minimum, the Vive Pro VR ready requirements are the same as the original.
- STEAM VR 2.0 TRACKING - From seated to standing to full 22’11”’ x 22’11” room-scale. Ideal for multi-user environments for sub-millimeter tracking accuracy
- HIGH RESOLUTION DISPLAY - Dual-OLED displays with industry leading resolution of 2880 x 1600 pixels for unparalleled visual fidelity of graphics, text, and textures
- SPATIAL AUDIO WITH NOISE CANCELLATION - Hi-res, high impedance headphones, 3D spatial sound with active noise cancellation for an immersive experience without distractions from real-world sounds
Vive Cosmos
Both the HTC Vive Cosmos and Cosmos Elite have the same PC requirements:
- Video Card: NVIDIA GTX 1070 / AMD Radeon Vega 56 or greater
- CPU: Intel Core i5-4590/AMD FX 8350 equivalent or greater
- Memory: 8GB RAM
- Video Output: DisplayPort 1.2
- USB Ports: 1x USB 3.0 port
- OS: Windows 10
8 GB of RAM is recommended for the HTC Vive Cosmos.
- 6 TRACKING CAMERAS - Get expansive movement coverage with a wide tracking field-of-view
- SUPERIOR VISUAL FIDELITY - 2880 x 1700 combined-resolution, 90Hz refresh rate & adjustable interpupillary distance (IPD) dial for visual comfort and quality
- CONVENIENT FLIP-UP DESIGN - Snap back to reality with a simple push of your display and headphones
- Lighthouse tracking - base station 1.0 provides up to 160 sq. Feet of play space for those that demand the best in Vive VR gaming..Memory: 4 GB RAM or more. Operating system: Windows 10, Windows 11. Screen: Dual 3.4" diagonal. Connections: Micro-USB charging port
- Crystal-clear graphics - see the virtual world through a 2880 x 1700 combined Pixel resolution. All-new LCD panels reduce the distance between Pixels, minimizing the screen-door effect.
- Flip-up design - go easily between reality and virtual reality with the flip-up design, without disrupting your VR journey.
Valve Index PC Requirements
The recommended PC requirements for the Valve Index is:
- Video Card: NVIDIA GTX 1070 / AMD equivalent or greater
- CPU: Quad Core+
- Memory: 8GB RAM
- Video Output: DisplayPort 1.2
- USB Ports: 1x USB 2.0 port (USB 3.0 required for camera passthrough), 1x DisplayPort v1.2
- OS: Windows 10, SteamOS, Linux
The Valve Index is the only VR headset to officially list support for Linux and SteamOS (a Linux variant). Otherwise, the VR ready PC requirements are similar to other headsets.
HP Reverb G2 PC Requirements
The HP Reverb G2 is the newest Windows Mixed Reality (WMR) VR headset. The PC requirements for it are:
- Video Card: NVIDIA GTX 1080 / AMD RX 5700 or greater
- CPU: Intel Core i5, i7 / AMD Ryzen 5 or greater
- Memory: 8GB
- Video Output: DisplayPort 1.3
- USB Port: 1x USB 3.0
- OS: Windows 10 (may require latest updates)
The recommended requirements for the Reverb G1 are identical to the G2.
- THE NO COMPROMISE VR HEADSET - Realistic visuals, soundscapes, and superb performance come together to form a more immersive experience
- IT’S ALL INSIDE - Packaging includes HP VR Headset, 6m headset cable for desktop and mobile PCs, 2 motion controllers, 1 DisplayPort to mini-DisplayPort adapter, 1 Power Adapter, and easy set up instructions
- EXCEPTIONAL VISUALS AND SOUND - Seeing and hearing is believing with high-quality resolution and fully immersive spatial audio with mura-free 2160 x 2160 LCD panels per eye
Pimax VR PC Requirements
Pimax is a lesser-known PC VR company. The PC requirements and more details for its line of VR headsets is below.
Pimax 8K X
- Video Card
- Upscale Mode: NVIDIA RTX 2060
- Native Mode: NVIDIA RTX 2080
- CPU: Intel Core i5-9400 equivalent or greater
- Memory: 8GB
- Video Output: DisplayPort 1.2
- USB Port: USB 2.0 or greater
- OS: Windows 10
- Dual Native 4K Displays - Pimax 8K X, powered by two full-sized 4K panels rendering a native 3840x2160 resolution per eye, is currently in the front-line of the Virtual Reality industry with the highest fidelity and image clarity. By using industry-leading LCD panels with a highest possible pixel count and nearly 50% increased subpixel density, the Pimax 8KX is able to minimize the Screen Door Effect and create the most impressive Virtual Reality experience possible today. Warranty Policy: New and used products officially sold on Amazon by Pimax will enjoy the same standard of warranty.
- Ultra Wide 200° FOV - Pimax 8KX renders an ultra-wide Field of View of 200 degrees diagonally, which is very close to real life human vision FOV. This makes the VR experience significantly more natural and immersive. Playing VR games does no longer feel like looking through binoculars - and the panels will never limit your view. The Pimax 8KX delivers an unparalleled true-to-life virtual reality experience - like never before!
- Dual Engine Mode - The Pimax 8K X offers a built-in Dual Engine Mode, giving users the ability to switch between two different display modes: a native 4K resolution mode rendering true 3840x2160p resolution per eye, and an Upscale Mode transferring a 2560x1440p resolution directly to the 4K panels.The Dual Engine selector is easily accessible directly within the Pimax software .
Pimax 8K Plus
- Video Card: NVIDIA RTX 2060
- CPU: Intel Core i5-9400 equivalent or greater
- Memory: 8GB
- Video Output: DisplayPort 1.2
- USB Port: USB 2.0 or greater
- OS: Windows 10
- 8K Ultra HD – Powered by dual 3840*2160 RGB pixel matrix panels, with up to 50% more sub pixels, thanks to our customized CLPL display technology. By rendering a high resolution image that is upscaled to 4K the screen door effect becomes almost invisible for even the most demanding VR gamers allowing them to become highly immersed in their virtual world. Warranty Policy: New and used products officially sold on Amazon by Pimax will enjoy the same standard of warranty.
- Ultra-wide 200° FOV – The standard Pimax 200° FOV (Diagonally) guarantees your immersive experience by allowing unparalleled fidelity that rivals a human's natural vision which once experienced you will not be able to return to any other VR headset. With Pimax you'll get a VR view without compromises.
- High-comfortability – New Ergonomic Design with Comfort Enhancements. The new Vision 8K Plus only weights a light 500g. With our newly designed Vision comfort kit (Which includes a face cowling, nose guard and soft face foam), allowing even the most demanding VR enthusiasts to enjoy hours and hours of comfortable VR sessions. The new nose guard prevents outside light from reducing the quality of your experience.
Pimax 5K Super
- Video Card: NVIDIA GTX 1080 Ti
- CPU: Intel Core i5-9400 equivalent or greater
- Memory: 8GB
- Video Output: DisplayPort 1.2
- USB Port: USB 2.0 or greater
- OS: Windows 10
- SUPERWIDE FOV - 200° Diagonal FOV is the closest to human vision of any commercially available product. No more looking through binocular effect with this new VR headset as you will notice immediately that enemies who could run away from the corner of your vision in a VR game cannot run away from you anymore. The Pimax 5K Super delivers an unparalleled true-to-life virtual reality experience like no other. Warranty Policy: New and used products officially sold on Amazon by Pimax will enjoy the same standard of warranty.
- VR RESOLUTION REDEFINED - Dual Custom Low Persistence Liquid Crystal Panels each with a stunning total resolution of 5120*1440 that sets a new standards in quality and immerses you like no other device before. Say goodbye to the dreaded screen door effect or “SDE”, ghosting and smear as those effects are virtually invisible.
- PC VR GAMERS' PARTNER - E-sports gaming displays, boosts up to 180Hz High refresh rate. The Vision 5K Super VR Headset witness the experimental 180Hz mode, and also offers alternative refresh rate modes of 90Hz, 120Hz, 144Hz and 160Hz. Providing vivid lifelike graphics, 5K Super would further offer you the upper hand in first-person shooters, racing, real-time strategy and so on, highlight the effectiveness of the texture and elevate the sense of presence to a whole new level in VR.
Pimax 5K Plus
- Video Card: NVIDIA GTX 1070
- CPU: Intel Core i5-9400 equivalent or greater
- Memory: 8GB
- Video Output: DisplayPort 1.4
- USB Port: USB 2.0 or greater
- OS: Windows 10, Windows 8.1
- VR RESOLUTION REDEFINED - Dual Custom Low Persistence Liquid Crystal Panels each with a stunning total resolution of 5120*1440 that sets a new standards in quality and immerses you like no other device before. Say goodbye to the dreaded screen door effect or “SDE”, ghosting and smear as those effects are virtually invisible. Warranty Policy: New and used products officially sold on Amazon by Pimax will enjoy the same standard of warranty.
- SUPERWIDE FOV - 200° Diagonal FOV is the closest to human vision of any commercially available product. No more looking through binocular effect with this new VR headset as you will notice immediately that enemies who could run away from the corner of your vision in a VR game cannot run away from you anymore. The Pimax 5K+ delivers an unparalleled true-to-life virtual reality experience like no other.
- STRONG COMPATIBILITY - Thanks to Pimax Compatibility Technology the Pimax 5K+ Headset supports most of the thousands of games and more available on BOTH Steam and Oculus Home. Enjoy movies and internet video content like never before. In addition, the Pimax 5K+ is compatible with other brand Steam Controllers and both the Steam VR Lighthouse 1.0 and 2.0 tracking technology.
Pimax 5K XR
- Video Card: NVIDIA GTX 1070
- CPU: Intel Core i5-9400 / AMD FX 8350 equivalent or greater
- Memory: 8GB
- Video Output: DisplayPort 1.4
- USB Port: USB 2.0 or greater
- OS: Windows 10, Windows 8
- VR RESOLUTION REDEFINED - Dual Custom OLED Panels each with a stunning total resolution of 5120*1440 that sets a new standards in quality and immerses you like no other device before. Say goodbye to the dreaded screen door effect or “SDE”, ghosting and smear as those effects are virtually invisible. Warranty Policy: New and used products officially sold on Amazon by Pimax will enjoy the same standard of warranty.
- SUPERWIDE FOV - 200° Diagonal FOV is the closest to human vision of any commercially available product. No more looking through binocular effect with this new VR headset as you will notice immediately that enemies who could run away from the corner of your vision in a VR game cannot run away from you anymore. The Pimax 5K XR delivers an unparalleled true-to-life virtual reality experience like no other.
- STRONG COMPATIBILITY - Thanks to Pimax Compatibility Technology the Pimax 5K XR Headset supports most of the thousands of games and more available on BOTH Steam and Oculus Home. Enjoy movies and internet video content like never before. In addition, the Pimax 5K XR is compatible with other brand Steam Controllers and both the Steam VR Lighthouse 1.0 and 2.0 tracking technology.
Pimax Artisan
- Video Card: NVIDIA GTX 1050 Ti
- CPU: Intel Core i5-9400 equivalent or greater
- Memory: 8GB
- Video Output: DisplayPort 1.4
- USB Port: USB 2.0 or greater
- OS: Windows 10, Windows 8.1
How Can You View Your PC VR Ready Specs?
Do you want to check and see what your PC specs are to compare to the lists above? There are multiple ways to do this, but our favorite way to check is:
- Click on the Start button in the bottom left corner.
- Type in cmd and hit Enter.
- type in the word systeminfo and then hit Enter.
- Most of your PC specs will be listed in the window for you to search through! The only key piece missing from this list is your GPU information.
- To find out what GPU your computer has, type in wmic path win32_VideoController get name and hit Enter.
- Your computer’s GPU will be listed in the window.
The instructions above work for all versions of Windows. You can compare this information to the minimum PC requirements for each VR headset above and see how you match up.
How Can I Tell If My PC is VR Ready?
If the manual test above isn’t clear, how else can you tell if your PC is VR ready?
Oculus System Check
Facebook used to offer the Oculus System Check, which would read your computer’s details and tell you if you met the requirements for VR. However, Oculus retired the System Check tool and it is no longer available.
We’ve removed the link from this guide because it is out of date.
SteamVR Performance Test
The SteamVR Performance Test checks to see if your PC is VR ready or not. The tool can be downloaded from the SteamVR store for free and then is run on your computer.
Click here to view the SteamVR Performance Test.
Overall, it’s an okay way to check if your PC is VR ready. The tool has not been updated since 2016 so its not the most up to date way to check.
Overall, the best way to tell if your PC is VR ready is to do your due diligence on the specs above verses your computer’s information.
Where Can You Buy a VR Ready PC?
If you are looking to buy a VR Ready PC, there are a few ways you can browser computers that meet the minimum specs above:
Compare the PC specs in the lists above with the VR requirements in this guide and you’ll be on your way to playing the best VR games!
Is your computer strong enough to play VR games on it? Not sure what to upgrade first? Comment below and let us know what questions you have and we will answer them!
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