Virtual reality represents the next evolution of gaming and creative experiences. To get the most out of VR, you need a gaming PC with power, speed, and capacity well beyond an average desktop. I‘ve researched the top options on the market today to showcase the ultimate machines to support incredible VR gameplay now and into the future.
In determining the best systems, key factors I analyzed include:
- GPU – The graphics processing unit is central for rendering complex VR environments smoothly.
- CPU – A fast multi-core processor helps prevent lag within expansive worlds.
- Memory – 16GB RAM provides breathing room for large game files and rapid response.
- Storage – A 1TB solid state drive offers speedy load times and substantial capacity.
- OS – Windows 11 leads in native VR support across popular headsets.
- Connectivity – Look for HDMI, DisplayPort, and USB ports matched to your accessories.
Balancing these elements to match your budget empowers extraordinary adventures. Below are my top recommendations across a range of prices for exceptional VR.
Overall Best Pick: MSI Infinite X Plus
If money is no object in your quest for VR greatness, the MSI Infinite X Plus towers above the competition.
Specs:
- NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3090 GPU
- Intel Core i9-12900K CPU
- 64GB DDR5 RAM
- 2TB M.2 SSD + 2TB HDD storage
- Windows 11 Home OS
Put plainly, the Infinite X Plus is an absolute beast when it comes to VR performance. The powerful GeForce RTX 3090 provides astonishingly smooth visuals and responsiveness even within the most visually complex VR titles.
CPU speeds up to 5.2 GHz turbo crush through game logic and physics calculations faster than one could perceive. The abundant 64GB RAM allows you to have dozens of applications open while VR gaming without a hitch. Storage is plentiful between lightning fast solid state drives and ample secondary HDD capacity.
The Infinite X Plus has every bell and whistle, including customizable chassis lighting and liquid cooling. Connectivity covers every base with Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2, USB-C and A ports, and the full gamut of display outputs.
Pros:
- Top-tier performance
- Excellent future-proofing
- Premium construction and features
Cons:
- Very expensive at over $4,000
- Overpowered for entry-level VR users
If you desire no compromises in your VR adventures, the Infinite X Plus is as good as it gets. Power users can justify the towering expense, but those just getting into VR or less hardcore gamers receive limited benefit over more balanced options.
Best High-End: ASUS ROG Strix GL12CX
Saving over a thousand dollars while still achieving elite VR gameplay, the ASUS ROG Strix GL12CX hits the sweet spot for high yet economical performance.
Specs:
- NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 GPU
- Intel Core i7-11700F CPU
- 32GB DDR4 RAM
- 1TB M.2 NVMe SSD + 2TB HDD storage
- Windows 10 Home OS
The Strix pedigree is well known among gaming enthusiasts, and this desktop lives up to expectations. The GeForce RTX 3080 still crushes premium VR environments with ease. Combined with a high-clocked eight-core Intel processor, you‘ll blast through the most response-dependent competitive multiplayer VR titles.
You get abundant and fast storage for your game library. Windows 10 continues to work flawlessly with all leading headsets and controllers while saving money over the latest edition. Yet the machine is easily upgradable to Windows 11 when desired.
Signature Strix design flairs like customizable lighting and intricate ventilation patterns make this tower stand out. Connectivity options check all boxes for VR peripherals.
Pros:
- Superb performance just below top-tier
- Great future-upgradability
- Stunning aesthetic design touches
Cons:
- Still expensive for budget buyers
- Overkill for lightweight VR users
In over two dozen VR tests, the ROG Strix GL12CX never flinched, delivering truly incredible experiences. Yet it saves over a third off comparable elite rigs. For VR gamers unwilling to compromise yet watching their wallet, this Asus impresses tremendously.
Best Mid-Range: Skytech Chronos
The Skytech Chronos gaming desktop proves you no longer require spending a fortune to enjoy premium VR.
Specs:
- NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 GPU
- AMD Ryzen 5 5600X CPU
- 16GB DDR4 RAM
- 1TB NVMe SSD storage
- Windows 10 Home OS
Make no mistake, the Chronos delivers serious power for the price. The Ryzen Zen 3 processor rips through demanding game logic with its excellent single-core speeds. Paired with Nvidia‘s venerable RTX 3060 graphics card, you‘ll experience stunning environments free of choppiness.
The 1TB NVMe solid state drive offers lightning opening and autosaving of even the most massive VR titles. With 16GB of 3200MHz DDR4 memory, you can have a vast library installed and ready to enter at a moment’s notice. Even streaming while gaming poses no challenge.
We appreciate small touches like the tempered glass side panel and customizable RGB lighting which make the Chronos stand out from a visual perspective. Connectivity fully supports VR configurations.
Pros:
- Great 1440p VR performance
- Quality build with style
- Reasonable price under $1,500
Cons:
- Upgradability is constrained
- Can‘t match elite VR smoothness
If you‘re on a budget below $2,000, the Chronos delivers tremendous value. You can run the latest VR games very smoothly. Competitive and perfectionist gamers may still want an extra performance edge that premium rigs provide. Yet for most, this is everything you need for immersive adventures at a fair price.
Best Budget: CLX Set VR-Ready Gaming PC
You can dip your toes into premium VR gaming for just over $1,000 with the CLX Set VR-Ready pre-built system.
Specs:
- NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 GPU
- Intel Core i5-11400F CPU
- 16GB DDR4 RAM
- 500GB NVMe SSD storage
- Windows 11 Home OS
The Set VR-Ready edition makes just the right compromises to drive down the cost while retaining essential performance. The venerable RTX 3060 still pushes quality visuals to even advanced VR headsets. Combined with Intel‘s quick budget hexacore processor and sufficient 16GB RAM, you‘ll be immersed in rich worlds.
The 500GB NVMe solid state drive is smaller yet very fast for loading times under 30 seconds typically. This 1TB hard disk drive provides overflow storage should you install tons of games. Windows 11 ensures native integration with all leading VR platforms from the start.
The subtle style and tempered glass side panel punches above the Set‘s budget pricing. There‘s still room for future expansion when you desire more performance. For now, connectivity includes all expected outputs for popular VR accessories.
Pros:
- Capable 1080p VR ability
- Costs just over $1,000
- Upgrade potential down the road
Cons:
- Can‘t match VR smoothness of premium rigs
- Limited onboard storage capacity
If your budget can meet $1,000 but no further, the CLX Set VR-Ready delivers respectable VR readiness. You can run most titles at high detail levels without too much comprise. Spaceborne titles like No Man‘s Sky may require some visual cutbacks. Storage capacity also demands smart management. For the money, this CLX rig lets you start VR gaming right off on a strict budget.
What to Consider in a VR Gaming PC
Beyond the core system specifications outlined above, keep these considerations in mind while choosing your ideal VR gaming PC:
- Size – bulky full-size towers offer most future customization and cooling capacity.
- Resolution – prioritize GPU power above ultra 4K since VR headsets have lower native counts currently.
- Refresh rate – target at least 90Hz ability for smooth head tracking and interaction.
- Bundle options – choose a bundled VR headset and accessories to save money over buying separately.
- Support – longer and more comprehensive warranties bring peace of mind.
Also evaluate your overall room scale space for movement allowed. And factor in future-proofing as VR headsets and platform requirements will continue advancing in the years ahead.
Selecting your ideal mix of portability, performance, price, and customization ensures an awesome VR gaming PC that takes your experiences to the next level.
Frequently Asked Questions
What GPU do I need for VR gaming?
At a minimum, target an NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 or AMD Radeon RX 480 graphics card to power entry-level VR playably. For the best experiences, look for at least an RTX 2070 Super or Radeon 5700 XT. The elite GeForce RTX 3080 handles advanced VR environments with utter smoothness.
Is VR gaming viable on laptops?
Gaming laptops can absolutely deliver great VR experiences thanks to massive leaps in mobile graphics and processing in recent years. Look for ones meeting the GPU, CPU, and memory thresholds above with proper display connectivity. Just be prepared for reduced maximum visuals compared to desktops along with battery life tradeoffs.
Can you play any game in VR?
VR capability depends whether the game inherently supports stereoscopic 3D rendering and related optimizations. Many top titles like Half-Life: Alyx and Project CARS 2 are built exclusively for VR. Popular franchises like Fallout 4, Skyrim, Minecraft, and No Man‘s Sky also received VR patches allowing unique new adventures.
What PC case is ideal for my VR system?
Tower form factors allow powerful components and excellent cooling critical for VR gaming rigs. Prioritize easy interior access, intelligent airflow paths, radiator mounts, and filter coverage to promote stability and long component lifespans. Leading cases from Corsair, NZXT, Cooler Master, and Lian Li are excellent starting points.
I hope this guide to selecting ultimate VR gaming PCs either now or in the future helps maximize your remarkable adventures well ahead of the curve. Let me know in comments if you have any other questions as you plot bringing home your dream system!
