Looking to make the jump to VR, need a bit of advice

[Fox Starfinder]

Greetings, all!

I've been dreaming of playing games in virtual reality since I was a small child, and I have reached the point where every article I read about the subject makes it difficult to not rush out and buy all the needed hardware. I was waiting for the consumer release of the Rift, but I've decided to just grab the DK2 and start enjoying the awesomeness of flying through space in VR.

I've been doing a lot of research, but I still have some questions that I'm hoping someone with more experience can provide some insight on.

1. There are a number of things I should probably buy in addition to the Rift to get the most out of the experience. I already have a Saitek x52 Pro, but I will most likely need to upgrade my computer and environment. I have an i7 3770k, GTX 670, and 16GB of RAM. The CPU and RAM might be OK, but I'm pretty sure the GPU is going to need an upgrade. As for the environment, my gaming seat is currently one of those folding, metal chairs you see at cheap conventions and I use an old, broken heater for a joystick stand while balancing the throttle on my leg.

The way I see it, I have at least the following to purchase:

• Oculus Rift DK2: $350
• New graphics card: $300 - $600
• New chair + a more appropriate setup for my HOTAS: $100 - $250

In order to keep myself from going overboard and depleting my bank account, I am limiting myself to $300 / month of "fun" money. This means I will not be able to buy all this stuff at once, but there's no reason I can't start buying things and get myself closer to my goal.

Of the three items listed above, which should I start with? Buying the DK2 first would probably give me a light taste of VR even if it means turning all settings way down. Buying a new GPU won't provide much of a noticeable benefit before getting the Rift (my 670 runs Elite: Dangerous on ultra settings near flawlessly), but would still be a good investment. Buying a new chair would improve my current, non-VR experience and will help once I get the Rift as well.

2. I'm somewhat nearsighted. I can see mostly fine, but have trouble reading at a distance. I have read that the DK2's lenses might make things difficult for nearsighted people. Would I have trouble playing Elite: Dangerous like this? I have never used contacts before, but am not completely opposed to giving them a try if they are absolutely necessary for a nearsighted person like myself to enjoy VR.

Thanks in advance for any advice!

 

[Karnath]

I was waiting for the consumer release of the Rift, but I've decided to just grab the DK2 and start enjoying the awesomeness of flying through space in VR.

Congrats that's the first step, time to really start flying that ship

Ok..... back to the other stuff

CPU: I have the same as yours, works flawless so no need to change that
Ram: Same 16GB (no worries there)
GPU: 1st priority Get something with some beef, the 670 might cut it in a flat world but if you want some detail in the rift it's going to struggle tbh

I also use a X52 Pro, again works like a dream in ED

 

[Khaldur]

Greetings, all!
2. I'm somewhat nearsighted. I can see mostly fine, but have trouble reading at a distance. I have read that the DK2's lenses might make things difficult for nearsighted people. Would I have trouble playing Elite: Dangerous like this? I have never used contacts before, but am not completely opposed to giving them a try if they are absolutely necessary for a nearsighted person like myself to enjoy VR.

I am strongly nearsighted (-6/-3dptr). To my surprise I found out that my glasses fit under the DK2 without problems and it isn't even uncomfortable. My ski goggles that are specificly designed for people wearing glasses aren't any better. That will depend on your glasses frame of course, but mine are relatively wide. The greatest issue is to take care that the lenses of your glasses and those of the DK2 don't touch each other and get scratches.
If you're only slightly nearsighted you might be able to use the Rift without glasses or by using the B-lenses that are included in the package (haven't tried those yet).

I also have contacts but I rarely use them. They have their benefits - not only for Oculus Rift - but it takes a while to get used to them.

 

[Malic]

You should be able to use the B lenses, and then adjust the eye relief adjusters on the sides to focus without needing to stuff the glasses under it as well. I have had several people try my rift with and without glasses and those were the only adjustments I have had to make.

 

[Andovar]

Might sound crazy, but I'd say the first thing you should get is a comfortable chair and setup.
After that I'd say the new GPU.
Then lastly, the DK2.

I don't have the DK2 yet (it's on it's way, along with a bunch of other goodies), but I'm shooting for the complete experience.
I wouldn't want to feel like I'm sitting on a metal chair, looking at a laggy or low res game through VR goggles. I want to feel like I'm in a spaceship!

Plus, if you get the rift first, then there's the risk of you breaking your $300/month budget, and splurging on everything else at once!

 

[Raptoyd]

Hate to say this but you have been bitten and any one you buy is going to drive you to the next so take your pick and join the club, ha ha. You won't regret it in the long run it truly is pretty amazing even in the infant stages so my hope is the needle is pointing up on this one. Welcome to team spend.

 

[BillD]

I played ED for 6 months before I got to borrow a friend's DK2. I have been around for a very long time and very few things surprise me nowadays. But going Occulus truly is a game changing addition. It make you more first person. it is not long before you are cringing in the seat to avoid a head on with some shrapnel or whatever.
Being a 4k gamer though, I could not get past the pixel vision in the distance (and my mate wanted his DK2 back) But I will definitely buy the next version if it has higher res.
Oh man I just got that nausea feeling back thinking about the first time I flew back into a station and did a roll to line up with a landing bay above me urrrgh! But it was worth the pain.

 

[Pate]

I would also recommend you upgrade your GPU either before or at the same time as you get your DK2. With your 670 you will probably be able to test that your DK2 works, but if you try to play ED with it you will only get sick (as you have not had time to got used to the experience with a sufficiently fast GPU).

When I got my DK2 I only had a 750Ti GPU, and I got sick pretty fast when I experimented with DK2. I decided to not play using DK2 until I got my new GTX 970 GPU. That was a smart decision, as with the new GPU I did not get sick, but even so it still takes some getting used to before you can roll without getting any feeling of nausea.

So, in my opinion it is best to avoid getting sick as much as possible, as there is a risk that if you get sick the first time, that will put you off the whole experience.

Try timing your purchase so you buy the DK2 on the last day of the previous month and the 970 on the first day of the next month, to stay within your budget.

 

[Kyokushin]

Greetings, all!

I've been dreaming of playing games in virtual reality since I was a small child, and I have reached the point where every article I read about the subject makes it difficult to not rush out and buy all the needed hardware. I was waiting for the consumer release of the Rift, but I've decided to just grab the DK2 and start enjoying the awesomeness of flying through space in VR.

I've been doing a lot of research, but I still have some questions that I'm hoping someone with more experience can provide some insight on.

1. There are a number of things I should probably buy in addition to the Rift to get the most out of the experience. I already have a Saitek x52 Pro, but I will most likely need to upgrade my computer and environment. I have an i7 3770k, GTX 670, and 16GB of RAM. The CPU and RAM might be OK, but I'm pretty sure the GPU is going to need an upgrade. As for the environment, my gaming seat is currently one of those folding, metal chairs you see at cheap conventions and I use an old, broken heater for a joystick stand while balancing the throttle on my leg.

The way I see it, I have at least the following to purchase:

• Oculus Rift DK2: $350
• New graphics card: $300 - $600
• New chair + a more appropriate setup for my HOTAS: $100 - $250

In order to keep myself from going overboard and depleting my bank account, I am limiting myself to $300 / month of "fun" money. This means I will not be able to buy all this stuff at once, but there's no reason I can't start buying things and get myself closer to my goal.

Of the three items listed above, which should I start with? Buying the DK2 first would probably give me a light taste of VR even if it means turning all settings way down. Buying a new GPU won't provide much of a noticeable benefit before getting the Rift (my 670 runs Elite: Dangerous on ultra settings near flawlessly), but would still be a good investment. Buying a new chair would improve my current, non-VR experience and will help once I get the Rift as well.

2. I'm somewhat nearsighted. I can see mostly fine, but have trouble reading at a distance. I have read that the DK2's lenses might make things difficult for nearsighted people. Would I have trouble playing Elite: Dangerous like this? I have never used contacts before, but am not completely opposed to giving them a try if they are absolutely necessary for a nearsighted person like myself to enjoy VR.

Thanks in advance for any advice!

In my opinion VR should wait to 4K display screens.

 

[CMDR_UKmouse]

I'm a new Rift user, only received it on Friday last week.
My GPU is a 770GTX and can just about cope with low quality levels (I am 3.5kly out exploring so have not yet experienced any stations or other players).
Lots of tweaks here and there is I'm happy with it.

I am however travelling to the US in 4 weeks and plan to bring back a 980GTX to enhance the experience further. This game can really make you spend your hard earned money.

I agree with the others, go for the GPU first. Don't be tempted with the DK2 just yet as it may spoil your entry into VR.

Good luck with how you proceed, you will love it!

 

[Jericho]

In my opinion VR should wait to 4K display screens.

And Columbus shoulda waited for steam engines too, right?

 

[Jericho]

Greetings, all!

I already have a Saitek x52 Pro

I have an i7 3770k, GTX 670, and 16GB of RAM. The CPU and RAM might be OK, but I'm pretty sure the GPU is going to need an upgrade. As for the environment, my gaming seat is currently one of those folding, metal chairs you see at cheap conventions and I use an old, broken heater for a joystick stand while balancing the throttle on my leg.

The way I see it, I have at least the following to purchase:

• Oculus Rift DK2: $350
• New graphics card: $300 - $600
• New chair + a more appropriate setup for my HOTAS: $100 - $250

Of the three items listed above, which should I start with? Buying the DK2 first would probably give me a light taste of VR even if it means turning all settings way down. Buying a new GPU won't provide much of a noticeable benefit before getting the Rift (my 670 runs Elite: Dangerous on ultra settings near flawlessly), but would still be a good investment. Buying a new chair would improve my current, non-VR experience and will help once I get the Rift as well.

I had a GTX550Ti when I bought my Rift. The 550 was woefully under-powered, judder everywhere, but it gave me a glimpse into the awesomeness that I was approaching.
.
That glimpse into the future motivated me to continue descending down this crazy rabbit hole, and within a few weeks I had a GTX970.
Then a month later I got a better chair. (I too was sitting on a butt-numbing seat, but it didn't matter)
Then I got a better joystick. Nothing fancy, but i upgraded from Logi 3D Pro to a T16000 (I use both BTW, dual wielding)
Today I am researching how to use a USB dev board to add more buttons to my joysticks. VA is cool, but I need immediate response for some things (I haven't wired, coded and soldered in years, and I'm SOOOO excited to do so again).
.
You see, its a journey, and its worth it.
.
Get the Rift first!
Take a look into the future!
the 670 will do 'ok'... at least it'll do 'ok' enough to really light your fire.
.
Welcome to the club.
.
.
.
PS: Don't get angry at the nay-sayers, ignore them and carry on; they are members of the flat earth society.

 

[djbordie]

Might sound crazy, but I'd say the first thing you should get is a comfortable chair and setup.
After that I'd say the new GPU.
Then lastly, the DK2.

I don't have the DK2 yet (it's on it's way, along with a bunch of other goodies), but I'm shooting for the complete experience.
I wouldn't want to feel like I'm sitting on a metal chair, looking at a laggy or low res game through VR goggles. I want to feel like I'm in a spaceship!

Plus, if you get the rift first, then there's the risk of you breaking your $300/month budget, and splurging on everything else at once!

yes hes crazy, you need to upgrade that GPU.
for under $300 you can easily find a slightly used, still in waranty gtx 970.
$50-75 for a simple water cooler will take the 3770 to acceptable clock speeds and you are done.

budget solved!

the chair, or if you have another 400 to burn look at the dkracers, or aim for something office chair ish.

the beauty of the dkracer for my setup is the adjustable arms and where they bolt to the body of the chassis. You can unbolt the arm rests, copy the contact points and make your own pro looking hotas holders.
also the chairs look beautiful. they are priced according to quality no doubt. not just good looks.

 

[Nasuti]

In my opinion VR should wait to 4K display screens.

4k screens aren't the problem.

Show me the computer that can run not one, but TWO 4k screens for Virtual Reality at full resolution and >75hz...

What we have now is amazing. It's not perfect, but 4k VR is the holy grail and the hardware to run it is probably still a few years off.

 

[Karnath]

Might sound crazy, but I'd say the first thing you should get is a comfortable chair and setup.
After that I'd say the new GPU.

yes hes crazy, you need to upgrade that GPU.

Well that's the coffee spilt

Made me chuckle did that

 

[djbordie]

haha, nice

 

[blastard]

Graphics, then the chair, then an OR

Regarding the suggestions to wait on the OR, I thought I'd add my missive. Compared to the primitive 3D systems that appeared in the '90 (anyone remember the kasan lcd shutter glasses?), the oculus is a revelation in immersive gameplay - for an affordable price. It totally transforms ED and whilst the pixel quality is an issue - imho this in no way detracts from the experience. Sure, the resolution/fps will improve in time, but so will all the other technology. For those who choose to wait for the 4k version will likely find that the next leap in visual/immersive/cpu/gpu is in development by then, so the cycle never ends.
I've been gaming since the early '80's (vic20) and have waited 30+ years for this kind of immersive gameplay (at an affordable price). If the rift was developed no further - I for one wouldn't mind. Sure, the future models will be better but why deny yourself the experience now, when the future models will only be bettered themselves further down the line in a never ending cycle. If you can afford it now - you should get it now.

Coffee anyone?

 

[Jericho]

Graphics, then the chair, then an OR

Regarding the suggestions to wait on the OR, I thought I'd add my missive. Compared to the primitive 3D systems that appeared in the '90 (anyone remember the kasan lcd shutter glasses?), the oculus is a revelation in immersive gameplay - for an affordable price. It totally transforms ED and whilst the pixel quality is an issue - imho this in no way detracts from the experience. Sure, the resolution/fps will improve in time, but so will all the other technology. For those who choose to wait for the 4k version will likely find that the next leap in visual/immersive/cpu/gpu is in development by then, so the cycle never ends.
I've been gaming since the early '80's (vic20) and have waited 30+ years for this kind of immersive gameplay (at an affordable price). If the rift was developed no further - I for one wouldn't mind. Sure, the future models will be better but why deny yourself the experience now, when the future models will only be bettered themselves further down the line in a never ending cycle. If you can afford it now - you should get it now.

Coffee anyone?

Why wait for the OR?
The primary purpose of all the rest of the expenses is to use the OR.... any BTW, there are many less rigorous VR applications and demos out there to wet your whistle while you save up the $$$ to get a new GPU.
.
Why delay the experience any longer?
.
You want an OR, right?... Then get one!
The rest will fall into place around it.
.
JMHO.

 

[Fox Starfinder]

Thanks for all the input, everyone! Most of the advice here seems to be to grab a better GPU, so I'll probably do that first. If I'm conservative with my spending, I should be able to pick up a GTX 980 after my next paycheck. I would go with the 970, but I get the feeling that I would probably need to eventually upgrade to the 980 anyway. Then again, would it be better to grab a 970 now with the plan of adding a second one for SLI later? I could always do that with the 980 as well, but two 970s in SLI would run about the same price as a single 980.

As for the chair, I figure I'll grab a decent office chair and either do the VESA pole mount mod or build a couple of shelves and mount the HOTAS on those. The DXRacer chairs look nice, but do they really offer much more than the cheaper office chairs?

Djbordie mentioned getting a water cooling system and overclocking my CPU. Is this absolutely necessary? I've only done a very small amount of research on water cooling, but it looks like there could be a lot of maintenance involved. One article I read mentioned that the entire system needed to be disassembled and thoroughly cleaned twice a year. I know myself well enough to realize that I would probably end up putting that maintenance off until something failed catastrophically.

Again, thanks for all the advice!

Edit: I posted this before seeing Jericho's latest post. That is a compelling argument to grab the DK2 first. In either case, I will need to wait for my next paycheck. Guess I still have a bit to think about what order to buy things in.

 

[ranix]

Get the DK2 first and upgrade your box if you need to. The 670 will let you at least try it out. Most of us are running it on budget settings even with our 980GTXes anyway.

Water cooling is a pain in the butt, don't bother. You'll have leaks and destroy something and need to buy fittings and stuff. If you have to ask, just keep your stuff simple stupid and when it breaks you'll know how to fix it instead of having a pile of wet circuit boards.