We agree that it can be difficult to locate the right PC for VR gaming. That’s why our team delved into the market to find you the leading desktop for VR.
VR gaming enables physical activity as you enjoy your traditional games. Virtual reality gaming can be made more enjoyable with a high-quality computer.
This article provides a detailed review of the top budget VR PCs to ensure you get your money’s worth.
Winner
HP Omen
HP’s Omen 30L PC is one of the top VR-ready PCs and manages to fit several intimidating components into a slender and elegant chassis, enhancing its aesthetic value. This PC has the proper hardware to play all simulation games and gives you your money’s worth due to its ample storage and standardized parts.
Runner Up
Dell Alienware Aurora
The Dell Alienware Aurora is an amazing PC you can go for when it comes to VR gaming. Your VR experience is improved by this device due to the Nvidia GeForce RTX GPU. With a futuristic case that screams sophistication, you’ll want to display this PC.
Also Great
CyberPowerPC Gamer Xtreme
The Xtreme VR PC offers great performance due to its use of some of the top components on the market. One of the best VR-ready PCs has built-in WiFi connectivity and high frame rates.
Now that we’ve taken a brief look at the budget VR PCs on the market, let’s dig deeper and discuss each one.
Budget VR PC - Top 5 Reviews
#1: Best Economical PC for VR Gaming - HP Omen 30L Review
The HP Omen 30L is a slightly slimmer beast that can fit some powerful components into a compact and fashionable chassis. This device is undoubtedly HP’s top PC because it offers several configurations that offer exceptional value.
The newest Intel i7-7700 processor makes this VR-ready PC a powerful force. Additionally, it has an NVIDIA GTX 1070 graphics card with 8GB of GDDR5 memory and 16GB of DDR4 RAM.
Additionally, it includes good connectors for your VR headset and accessories, enabling it to work with any game that uses a virtual environment.
Factors to Consider Before You Decide to Buy HP Omen
Processor: You have the option of an AMD® RyzenTM 9 3900 processor or an Intel® CoreTM i9 processor from the 10th generation. Your gaming experience will be improved by graphics from NVIDIA GeForce 2080 or AMD Radeon 5700XT.
Graphics Card: The most recent GeForce RTX 2080 graphics adapter and the cutting-edge NVIDIA TURING GPU offer up to six times the efficiency of older cards. Additionally, it allows games to use AI and real-time visual tracking.
Pricing: It costs between $2,000 and $2,500. The HP Omen provides outstanding value for the included parts, especially the GPU and processor.
- Fair value
- Easy swap components
- Glitch-free
- Subtle Design
- Fan noise
- Slow cooling
Best Economical PC for VR Gaming
The best economical PC for VR gaming is the HP Omen 30L because it offers several setup options, is easy to upgrade with toolless access, and has optimization and customization tools that let you get the most out of your simulation gameplay.
#2: Best Premium PC for VR Gaming - Dell Alienware Aurora Review
This VR-ready PC comes with different features. These include
- Intel Core i9-10900K processor
- 64GB of RAM
- Nvidia RTX 3090
- 2TB SSD with 2TB HDD storage for archiving.
It is straightforward to connect VR headsets without having to reach around the computer’s rear thanks to three USB-A ports and a front-panel USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 port. There are multiple USB ports in the back, including ten USB-A ports and one USB-C port.
Additionally, we discovered that you can upgrade anything, including the PSU and motherboard, over time using off-the-shelf hardware.
Factors to Consider Before You Decide to Buy Dell Alienware Aurora
Processor: The Alienware Aurora R11 has a 10th Gen Intel Core i7 8-Core processor built-in to deliver durable peak performance for an exciting experience.
Graphics Card: The Dell Alienware Aurora is designed with the GeForce RTX 3080 10GB display card and AMD Radeon to intelligently improve details to produce sharp-looking visuals.
Pricing: This PC’s starting price range of $2,000 and maximum price range of $2,500 may appear extravagant to some, but for a high-performance premium PC like the Dell Alienware, the expense is justified by its premium components.
- Excellent CPU performance
- Top-end frame rates
- Futuristic Design
- Upgradeable
- No RGB
Best Premium PC for VR Gaming
The best premium PC for VR gaming is the Dell Alienware Aurora because this computer delivers unmatched graphic and performance capability while providing you with a guaranteed and cutting-edge CPU cooler due to its premium components and stylish design.
#3: Best High-Quality PC for VR Gaming - CyberPowerPC Gamer Xtreme Review
The CyberPowerPC Gamer Xtreme has a straightforward yet eye-catching design that includes RGB lighting, a useful, transparent side panel, and VR capability. The processor of this system is an Intel Core i5.
For all of your components and VR headset, there are multiple connectors on the back. For dual-monitor configurations, the Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650 display card has one DisplayPort 1.4 and one HDMI port.
Additionally, the ventilation ports on this computer used for gaming in a virtual environment change size in response to internal temperature changes. A liquid cooling system is also used.
Factors to Consider Before You Decide to Buy CyberPowerPC Gamer Xtreme
Processor: Supported by a 6-core, 12-thread Intel i7-8700 processor, this is a very effective multitasking processor. Its central frequency is 3.20 GHz, and its boost circuits operate at speed close to 4.60 GHz.
Graphics Card: This desktop uses an NVIDIA RTX 3060 Ti display card with 8GB of VRAM, enabling liquid-smooth graphics at 1440p and 1080p resolutions and fast frame rates for a smooth VR experience.
Pricing: This VR build desktop will cost you within the fair range of $1,000 to $1,500, a great bargain for the menu of high-quality components it offers. PC gamers recognize CyberPower for its excellent value.
- Liquid cooling
- Fair price
- Easy upgrades
- Extensive ports
- Few spare card slots
- Bulky
Best High-Quality PC for VR Gaming
The best high-quality PC for VR gaming is the CyberPowerPC Gamer Xtreme because it can run most games at high settings and easily complete productivity jobs, satisfying your needs for VR.
#4: Best Compact PC for VR Gaming - Zotac Magnus One
Everything required for a detailed desktop for virtual reality is included in the little enclosure. In addition, the power supply is integrated into the case and does not require any connection.
Its Intel Core 10700 processor, which has 16 threads and 8 cores, is a reasonably current processor that does a good job of what it is supposed to do.
Additionally, the system has a Zotac GeForce RTX 3070 GPU. The SO-DIMM system memory module, which is frequently used in laptops, was chosen by Zotac due to the restricted amount of space.
A conventional 2.5-inch variant and an M.2 type are also available for mass storage.
The two USB ports on the front panel and the six in the back should be simple to use. On the front, there is one USB C and two USB 3.2 type-A ports, each capable of 5Gbps, a headphone jack, and an SD card reader.
Factors to Consider Before You Decide to Buy Zotac Magnus One
Processor: The Intel Core i7-10700 processor features a 65-watt TDP and an octa-core design. The maximum boost speed is 4.8 GHz, with a foundation clock speed of 2.9 GHz. The Zotac Magnus One’s Core i7-10700 operates admirably.
Graphics Card: The Zotac Magnus One offers outstanding 3D performance thanks to the NVIDIA RTX 3070 from the company’s portfolio. The system excelled in the test, demonstrating that suitable games can also be played in 2160p.
Pricing: The Zotac Magnus One is the least-priced computer in the comparison, with a starting price of just $1,200 and an upper price limit of $1,500. This PC is a great deal with its affordable price and strong performance.
- Extensive USB Ports
- Great CPU
- Compact Design
- Impressive Connectivity
- Noisy
- Slow cooling
Best Compact PC for VR Gaming
The best compact PC for VR gaming is the Zotac Magnus One because this VR-ready PC demonstrates that you can have a rich VR experience on a reasonable budget by combining excellent graphics and CPU power inside of a small package.
#5: Best Expandable PC for VR Gaming - Lenovo Thinkstation P620
We were pleased to see that this computer sought to enhance the performance of numerous programs.
The Lenovo Thinkstation P620 has the best operating system for the virtual world. This is due to the Threadripper Pro CPU built in. This was created specifically to handle the toughest demands.
There are enough ports on the P620 to fit practically everyone. Dual USB-C connectors and USB-A ports, both of which support USB 3.2, are located on the front. Six more USB-A ports, two of which support USB 2.0 and four of which support USB 3.2, are located on the back.
Additionally, this computer offers modifications that don’t require tools, and all the crucial parts have convenient levers that make them simple to swap out. A fixture for the 5.25-inch bays and PCIe slots is included, as are levers for the intake fan, power supply, and RAM covers.
Factors to Consider Before you Decide to Buy Lenovo Thinkstation P620
Processor: The machine is powered by a gigantic 64-core, 128-thread Threadripper 3995WX processor, which can be overclocked to 4.2GHz.
The Thread Ripper processor supports quad-channel memory rather than quad-channel memory. Moreover, this updated processor can use up to 2 TB of ECC RAM.
Graphics Card: This PC makes the most of your experience with hardware-accelerated ray tracing, advanced shading, and deep learning for the ultimate gaming experience. It uses the NVIDIA RTX A5000 24GB display card.
Pricing: This PC has a starting price of $2,000 and a maximum price of $3,000. Although it is the first Thread Ripper workstation on the market, the price is justified due to its durability and performance, in addition to being the first of its kind.
- Three-year support
- Superb expandability
- Processor performance
- Upgradeable
- 10GB Ethernet
- Tool-free design
- Noisy
- Costly
Best Expandable PC for VR Gaming
The best expandable PC for VR gaming is the Lenovo Thinkstation P620 because this VR-ready gaming computer is unquestionably one of the fastest systems we’ve examined due to its wide memory channels and unmatched processor.
Buyers’ Guide
It can be difficult to choose between the numerous virtual environment gaming laptops on the market because of their similar features.
You may choose a good virtual environment for your PC with the help of a few things. These elements are
Pricing
The cost of a headset alone for virtual reality (VR) is between $500 and $800. You might be able to update your display card and start playing in the new gaming period if you have a relatively recent computer for gaming, but this will cost you several hundred dollars.
If your PC hasn’t been updated in the last five or ten years, you’ll most likely need a new one.
Budget-conscious people are deterred by the idea of investing $2000-$3000 in a new PC in addition to an already pricey VR headset, especially modest gamers, and tech aficionados.
Fortunately, a workable answer exists. A computer’s design must be powerful in a few areas to support VR technology.
With a little compromise and cost-cutting, you can get a completely new VR-ready PC for around $700-900. You’ll meet all the basics- don’t expect to run VR games at high specs.
GPU
You typically need a PC with a strong GPU, a mid-range processor, enough ports to operate the headset and any sensors, and at least 8GB of RAM for an amazing VR experience.
Given these details, the HP Omen 30L is conceivably among the best computers for VR.
User-Friendliness
Practically any piece of technology or hardware you select needs to be user-friendly. When you are choosing among options, be sure that they are simple to utilize.
You don’t want a complicated piece of machinery that will require days to fully understand how it works. You should spend money on a VR-ready PC that is simple to use and can play VR games right away.
Try purchasing your VR-simulation PC at actual places so you can try it out before you waste time memorizing the user manual.
A Graphics Card
The most important part of any gaming computer is the graphics adapter. The main components that enable you to play VR-ready games at high resolutions with as many graphical elements as you can are graphics cards. Additionally, they rank among the most expensive components on the market.
Watch out for these things:
- A video card with a minimum 1080p resolution capability and, depending on price, a 4K resolution option.
- The RAM for your GPU that you can afford is 2 GB.
- The strongest GPU processor currently in use
AMD and Nvidia are two companies that provide display cards. The greatest display cards right now are Nvidia’s RTX 30-series.
The GeForce RTX 3090 Ti is the most potent graphics adapter, although you’re more likely to find it in the RTX 3070 or 3060 range when buying a PC.
The RTX 30-series is typically the best option for 4K resolutions or ultra-high visual settings in games.
The AMD RX 6000 Series is still a viable option if the money is tight. These cards work best with simulation games at 1080p resolutions and with significantly lowered graphic detail levels.
Processor
Intel and AMD are the two choices for VR-ready PCs. The most powerful gaming processors available nowadays differ based on your budget. Similar to graphics cards, processing power increases as the number increases.
Your computer’s brain is referred to as a processor or CPU. It successfully interprets and executes practically everything you see on your screen. How quickly it functions and completes tasks is influenced by its core and speed.
Processors within processors operate similarly to cores. The majority of CPUs have four to eight cores.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Does VR require a strong CPU?
A CPU with a few cores and the fastest processor speed often performs the best for dedicated VR systems.
The Core i7 11700K 8 Core from Intel has a respectable number of cores and good performance across the board. VR tasks are often well-suited for Intel Core i5 and i7 processors.
How many cores do VR systems need?
We advise four. Most VR-ready games are made to run on quad-core processors, which have been around for a while. Few games today are built to take advantage of the many cores in VR.
Do not expect games to be built for more cores any time soon, as six and eight-core centralized processing units are still uncommon.
Which is better for virtual reality, Nvidia or AMD?
The NVIDIA RTX 2070 Super GPU should be an excellent choice if you want to surpass the AMD Radeon RX 5700 XT while also taking advantage of RTX features like ray tracing and DLSS 2.0.
Although costly, the RTX 2070 Super is a great graphics card for virtual reality gaming.
Can a PC play VR-Ready games without a headset?
Yes, you can just start the game in a desktop mode without using a headset. How to do it is as follows: Open the Oculus Rift app and turn on the game. Install the game from your Oculus Rift library if the setup doesn’t start on its own.
Does displaying VR on a monitor have an impact on performance?
Given that simulation gaming requires a relatively sophisticated GPU in the first place, additional monitors should have no discernible impact on your experience.
Although switching the focus away from your VR game may cause a performance decline depending on the information shown on other monitors.
Can a laptop for gaming support virtual reality?
The majority of slim non-gaming laptops use U-series silicon, which is less powerful than AMD or Intel’s H-series CPUs, which have at least four cores and are used in practically all gaming laptops.
Virtual simulation gaming should work with any recent Core i9, i7, or i5 processor or a Ryzen 7 or 5 H-series chip.
Can VR be used without strong WiFi?
You must stream 12K video to obtain gaming that is HD-equivalent, y
The FTC’s recommendations call for a minimum connection speed of roughly 225 Mbps, which is possibly more to be safe if we assume it has nine times the amount of image data as 4K and no additional Wi-Fi bandwidth overhead.
How much RAM does VR require?
Although a dedicated VR headset can help free up some RAM on your computer, VR gaming still requires at least 8GB of RAM. You might additionally want a graphics card with at least 4GB of VRAM if you have a dedicated VR headset.
Which PCs support VR?
Any modern Core i5, i7, or i9 processor, as well as a Ryzen 5 or 7 H-series CPU, should be sufficient for VR. The Vive Cosmos requires 4GB of PC memory, whereas Oculus headsets demand 8GB or more.
How is a graphics card declared to be VR-ready?
A GPU capable of handling the demanding processes of visualizing virtual reality scenes is one of the key components required. The market leaders at the moment are NVIDIA and AMD Radeon RX, and they have already started labeling cards as “VR Ready” to help customers.
Final Verdict
This brings us to the final verdict of our post for the best budget VR PC.
In the end, we selected HP’s Omen 30L as the winner.
Despite having excellent components, the CyberPowerPC Gamer Xtreme only has a limited number of extra card slots.
HP’s Omen 30L is the best option in this situation. The OGH features make this PC the greatest VR Ready PC available today, and it comes at a fair price. This computer is a powerhouse due to its NVIDIA processor, and the Network Booster feature maximizes connectivity.
Which VR PC do you prefer? Which one do you operate? Let us know in the comments section below.