Virtual reality is more popular than ever. With a number of affordable headsets on the market, and a major uptick in apps and games, there’s never been a better time to delve into the world of VR. But first, you’ll need a PC that can carry the load. We have your list of best VR computers to ensure you’re playing at your best.
The three main components for determining whether a computer is VR-ready are its central processing unit (CPU); its graphics processing unit (GPU); and its random access memory (RAM). Keeping the minimum requirements for most VR headsets in mind, you’ll want at least a four-core processor with eight gigabytes of RAM. And as far as graphics go, the more powerful the better. Pushing high frame rates in VR is essential for a smoother visual experience.
Luckily, we’ve rounded up a selection of formidable PCs able to transport you to other worlds without breaking a sweat.
Desktops
MSI MEG Trident X
MSI built a cutting-edge machine into a compact case. Sporting a NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3090, the Trident X includes the most powerful GPU currently available. Throw in an 11th Gen Intel i9 processor, 64GB RAM, and a whopping 4TB of total storage, and you have a near future-proof rig. It’s capable of anything and everything “high-end gaming.”
Key Specs:
- 11th Gen Intel Core i9-11900K processor
- GeForce RTX 3090 GDDR6X
- 64GB RAM: 2x 32GB DDR4 3200MHz U-DIMMs
- 2TB SSD + 2TB HDD
- Compact 10-liter case; the smallest desktop gaming PC
- Latest Wi-Fi 6E(802.11ax) for a redefined wireless gaming experience
CyberPowerPC Gamer Xtreme
The CyberPowerPC Gamer Extreme is an absolute workhorse. Not only are the specs impressive and VR-ready, but the price is even better. It also comes with required peripherals — a keyboard and mouse. Performance highlights include the latest 12th Gen Intel i5 processor and a NVIDIA GeForce 3060 Ti GPU.
Key Specs:
- Intel Core i5-12600K 3.7GHz CPU Processor
- 16GB DDR4 Memory
- NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 Ti 8GB Graphics
- 500GB SSD
- 802.11AC Wi-Fi Wireless Connectivity
- Windows 11 Home
CLX Set
This CLX gaming desktop is built for VR gaming straight out of the box. The eight-core, liquid-cooled Intel CPU provides more than enough speed, and a GeForce 3060 GPU effortlessly produces flawless visuals at the highest settings. A keyboard and mouse comes with the bundle so you can get up and gaming in no time flat.
Key Specs:
- Liquid-cooled 11th Gen Intel Core i7 11700KF 3.6GHz 8-Core processor
- 32GB DDR4 – 2 x 16GB (4 slots total, 128GB Max) memory
- NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 12GB GDDR6 video graphics
- Multi-monitor support; (3) DisplayPort, (1) HDMI video connectivity
- 500GB NVMe M.2 SSD & 4TB HDD storage
ASUS ROG Strix G15CK
ASUS is a trusted name in PC gaming, so it’s no surprise that the ROG Strix desktop delivers. This reliable machine features a 10th Gen Intel i7, 32GB memory, and a GeForce 2060 GPU. To top it off, ASUS’s comprehensive cooling design places crucial components in separate chambers to minimize heat and churn out pure performance.
Key Specs:
- NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060 SUPER 8GB GDDR6 | GPU Ports: 2x HDMI, 2x DP
- Intel Core i7-10700KF processor with ROG B460 board & chipset
- 512GB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD | 16GB DDR4 2933 MHz RAM | Gig+ Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)
- Carry handle for portability
MSI Creator P50
MSI has mastered the compact desktop gaming PC. Even though its footprint is small, it makes no compromise in power. The console-sized P50 packs a punch with an Intel 11th Gen i7, 32GB RAM, and GeForce 3060 — plenty of horsepower for virtual reality and gaming.
Key Specs:
- Intel Core i7-11700 8-Core 2.5-4.8 GHz
- 32GB 3200 MHz DDR4 RAM
- 1TB M.2 NVMe PCIe SSD
- NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 with 12 GB GDDR6 VRAM
Laptops
MSI GS76 Stealth
The MSI GS76 remains sleek and portable despite its generous (and stunning) 17.3” 4K display. Toss it in a backpack for work all day, then bring it home for VR gaming all night. MSI packed it with the world’s highest battery capacity and literally pushed it to the legal (flight) limit at 99.9Whr. For specs that rival the most powerful desktops, you can do no wrong with the GS76.
Key Specs:
- Intel Core i9-11900H 2.5GHz
- 17.3″ UHD, anti-glare wide view angle 4K thin bezel
- NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 laptop GPU 16GB GDDR6
- 64GB (32GBx2) DDR4 3200MHz
- 2TB NVMe SSD
- Killer LAN E3100
- Killer Wi-Fi 6E AX1675 (2×2)
- 99.9Whr Battery Capacity
MSI GS66 Stealth VR
Take all of the greatness of the GS76, and tuck it in a slightly smaller, 15.6” package — that’s the MS66. A somewhat more tame version of its big brother, the GS66 has more than enough mojo for running AAA titles at the highest settings, and of course, it’s VR-ready.
Key Specs:
- Intel Core i9-11900H 2.5GHz
- 15.6″ FHD, anti-glare wide view angle 360Hz 2ms
- NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 laptop GPU 16GB GDDR6
- 32GB (16GBx2) DDR4 3200MHz
- 1TB NVMe SSD
- Killer LAN E3100
- Killer WiFi 6E AX1675 (2×2)
Acer Predator Triton
The Acer Predator Triton has everything going for it at a price that won’t make you flinch: raw power, a beautiful display, and ultimate portability. One fantastic, nerdy detail is how Acer studied the flight mechanics of animals to design their cooling fans — with a serrated edge to maximize airflow.
Key Specs:
- Windows 10 Home
- Intel Core i7-11800H 2.30 GHz Processor
- 16 GB DDR4 SDRAM
- 512 GB PCIe SSD
- NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 6GB Graphics
ASUS ROG Strix Scar
ASUS’s ROG Strix Scar is a nice middle ground between the other laptops listed. Speed, power, and performance is the name of the game, and this machine certainly has it all. Enjoy the most advanced virtual reality experiences in vivid detail through a high-performance gaming laptop.
Key Specs:
- NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 8GB GDDR6 with ROG Boost
- Latest AMD Ryzen 9 5900HX processor
- 300Hz 3ms 17.3″ Full HD 1920×1080 IPS-Type display
- 32GB DDR4 3200MHz RAM | 1TB PCIe SSD | Windows 10 Home
- ROG Intelligent Cooling thermal system with Thermal Grizzly Liquid Metal Thermal Compound
- Gig+ Wi-Fi 6 with RangeBoost & Bluetooth 5.1
With the future of computing moving the way of augmented realities and the Metaverse, you’ll want a PC that can tolerate the rigors of the latest technological advances. No matter what you choose, there is plenty of top-notch hardware ready for whatever you throw at it.
