Oculus Rift Compatability
- Thread starter marxkate
- Start date
Kate,
The video card specified is not sufficient. There are lots of complicated explanations, but to keep it really simple if you look here at Tom's Hardware, they arrange video cards in approximate performance tiers. For Virtual Reality (Occulus Rift or HTC Vive), you need a video card in the top four tiers (the higher the better). Tier 4 minimum, Tier 3 recommended. The AMD cards are generally a bit cheaper.
A number of online retailers offer finance, so shop around. Don't just buy from somewhere local. For instance this PC from Scan.co.uk would be more than up to the task (being at the top end) and they offer finance. CCL Online sell a VR range with 3 year warranty. Ebuyer.com sells a number of gaming PC's starting from £850.
I am sure other forum users here can point you to many other sources, so you have plenty of choice.
The minimum specification for Oculus rift is
and for Vive is
So the shopping list is a Tier 4 or better video card (you have the list above), 8GB of memory (4GB is pretty small these days) and for the Rift, 3 USB 3.0 ports. USB 3.0 is newer and the ports are coloured blue, so don't get caught out by not having these. Some PCs may only come with two!
The processor (whether Core i5 or i7 - four brains or eight) should be 4590 as a speed rating (this is an equivalent speed rating, not what's know as the "clock speed").
I hope this information is helpful.
The video card specified is not sufficient. There are lots of complicated explanations, but to keep it really simple if you look here at Tom's Hardware, they arrange video cards in approximate performance tiers. For Virtual Reality (Occulus Rift or HTC Vive), you need a video card in the top four tiers (the higher the better). Tier 4 minimum, Tier 3 recommended. The AMD cards are generally a bit cheaper.
A number of online retailers offer finance, so shop around. Don't just buy from somewhere local. For instance this PC from Scan.co.uk would be more than up to the task (being at the top end) and they offer finance. CCL Online sell a VR range with 3 year warranty. Ebuyer.com sells a number of gaming PC's starting from £850.
I am sure other forum users here can point you to many other sources, so you have plenty of choice.
The minimum specification for Oculus rift is
and for Vive is
So the shopping list is a Tier 4 or better video card (you have the list above), 8GB of memory (4GB is pretty small these days) and for the Rift, 3 USB 3.0 ports. USB 3.0 is newer and the ports are coloured blue, so don't get caught out by not having these. Some PCs may only come with two!
The processor (whether Core i5 or i7 - four brains or eight) should be 4590 as a speed rating (this is an equivalent speed rating, not what's know as the "clock speed").
I hope this information is helpful.
Last edited:
Thanks so much for all the info everyone! Just one last thing before I give up for the day! Would this one be any good? I think everything "fits" on it, but the usb 3.0 confuses me as I initially thought there were only two, but then it says there are two at the back as well? Right at the bottom in product details. If you could take a look I would be so grateful!
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Freshtech-M...8&qid=1460379943&sr=8-16&keywords=vr+ready+pc
Thank you!!
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Freshtech-M...8&qid=1460379943&sr=8-16&keywords=vr+ready+pc
Thank you!!
Looks like 4 USB 3.0 and 4 USB 2.0 ports.
Not too bad, those rigs, but two thoughts.
First, the PSU is a bit weak for the job. Think of the PSU as the heart of the system, providing power for all the various parts, but if there is too much power demand the PSU will fail. When I built my PC last year, I replaced my 750W PSU with an 850W PSU, as my pair of GTX 970 cards draw 225W each.
Second, if the rigs come with monitors, find out what options are available. As you are buying a system for VR usage, you might not need a 40" monitor, and a 28" monitor may well meet your normal needs.
First, the PSU is a bit weak for the job. Think of the PSU as the heart of the system, providing power for all the various parts, but if there is too much power demand the PSU will fail. When I built my PC last year, I replaced my 750W PSU with an 850W PSU, as my pair of GTX 970 cards draw 225W each.
Second, if the rigs come with monitors, find out what options are available. As you are buying a system for VR usage, you might not need a 40" monitor, and a 28" monitor may well meet your normal needs.
Last edited:
Thanks again Hell Razor! I'm thinking I might just have to bite the bullet and use Amazon for the bundle package at £1500 - Alienware with a GTX 970 is the cheapest option I think. I was really hoping that one would do the job! Is there any way to buy an upgrade for the PSU so he can install it when he gets it or am I getting in way over my head there?! Just a point to note... he won't be playing it constantly as we just don't have the time with three under 3's haha! Would low level (time-wise) playing make any difference? Would it make this one fit the job any better?
Thank you! x
I would ask the Amazon team whether it were possible to specify a more powerful PSU first, as if you were to change it yourself (or get somebody else to do it) it might invalidate the warranty. Depending on your technical skills (and the design of the PSU) replacing a PSU is not too difficult, just a bit time consuming. All generic PSUs (as opposed to those made for specific companies such as Dell or HP) have to follow a standard case design, which includes the location of the fixing screw holes. However, some come with captive (i.e. fixed) cables, while others have cables that can be unplugged from the PSU (which makes it better for the airflow, as there are no space cables getting in the way of the airflow). This Corsair PSU is the one I bought for my system when I upgraded it;
http://www.maplin.co.uk/p/corsair-rm850-850w-fully-modular-atx-80-plus-gold-power-supply-a59lw
The problem with a weaker PSU is that, over time its' performance will degrade. My cousin Ailsa had a 600W PSU in her system, and after a couple of years it became unreliable, crashing after an hour or so, and quite often freezing. Some people had tried to find out why, but had no luck. When I heard about it I suggested the PSU might be getting 'tired', and her brother Bob apparently said "He is a genius" (but I don't know if she was bigging me up!). As I was upgrading my PC at that time, she got my old Corsair 750W PSU, and now her PC is as stable as set concrete!
http://www.maplin.co.uk/p/corsair-rm850-850w-fully-modular-atx-80-plus-gold-power-supply-a59lw
The problem with a weaker PSU is that, over time its' performance will degrade. My cousin Ailsa had a 600W PSU in her system, and after a couple of years it became unreliable, crashing after an hour or so, and quite often freezing. Some people had tried to find out why, but had no luck. When I heard about it I suggested the PSU might be getting 'tired', and her brother Bob apparently said "He is a genius" (but I don't know if she was bigging me up!). As I was upgrading my PC at that time, she got my old Corsair 750W PSU, and now her PC is as stable as set concrete!
Last edited:
My 'better half' pre-ordered the CV1 (Oculus rift) for my significant birthday present. I don't have a PC to run it but have been informed that an Nvidia 970 or higher will be ok to run it...
Don't be tempted to buy 'the latest' spec PC at excessive cost - the ego boast of spec will be short lived - Trust the minimum recommended spec for VR and let the BF move up from there over the years ahead.
The most expensive and important 'bits' are GFX card, CPU (processor) and maybe the motherboard, the lesser important parts are comparatively cheap. In the UK it's possible for under £1000 - !
Don't be tempted to buy 'the latest' spec PC at excessive cost - the ego boast of spec will be short lived - Trust the minimum recommended spec for VR and let the BF move up from there over the years ahead.
The most expensive and important 'bits' are GFX card, CPU (processor) and maybe the motherboard, the lesser important parts are comparatively cheap. In the UK it's possible for under £1000 - !
Last edited:
My attitude is that the motherboard is the most important component (although it is not normally the most expensive), as everything has to work through it. Having a good motherboard gives you solid foundations on which to build, whereas a poor motherboard is useless.
Hi all
Thanks so much for all of your help so far! Circumstances have changed slightly, and I now have a budget of £900 ish. Does anyone have any suggestions on the best PC to get for my money? Place of purchase isn't too much of a worry for me now, but just want to get the best spec with regards to VR as possible. Thank you! x
Thanks so much for all of your help so far! Circumstances have changed slightly, and I now have a budget of £900 ish. Does anyone have any suggestions on the best PC to get for my money? Place of purchase isn't too much of a worry for me now, but just want to get the best spec with regards to VR as possible. Thank you! x
With the budget change I am going to make a suggestion that might work (depending on your technical capabilities). Build the PC! With a bit of research, you can select the components that meet your budget and needs. As the new GPUs are arriving in the next 2 or 3 months, you do not have to get a graphics card now. You can get some of the parts now, and others nearer Christmas, when newer versions have come out and the current components will drop in price.
Thanks for the advice Hell Razor but I have no idea! 
I am simply wife of geek, no more! I've found a system I think will work, but really wanted to run it past you guys first - they've confirmed it's VR ready but I trust you lot a bit more I think! Spec as follows:
It's i7 4790
1TB HD
16GB RAM
NVIDIA GTX 970
Not sure if you need any more info? There are enough of each USB ports as I've checked this
Thanks so much!
I am simply wife of geek, no more! I've found a system I think will work, but really wanted to run it past you guys first - they've confirmed it's VR ready but I trust you lot a bit more I think! Spec as follows:It's i7 4790
1TB HD
16GB RAM
NVIDIA GTX 970
Not sure if you need any more info? There are enough of each USB ports as I've checked this
Thanks so much!
Thanks for the advice Hell Razor but I have no idea!
It's i7 4790
1TB HD
16GB RAM
NVIDIA GTX 970
Not sure if you need any more info? There are enough of each USB ports as I've checked this
Thanks so much!
That's a VR ready specification. Have you got a link to the vendor/item so we can check its legit ??
Thank you so much for the offer but it's on eBay and they're a company with a huge feedback rating of almost 100% so I'm happy enough they're legit Can't wait to get it bought now! As a complete newbie to all this stuff (this set up is a gift) where do you buy games for the oculus rift? Is there a list anywhere of what's available?
Thanks!
Can't wait to get it bought now! As a complete newbie to all this stuff (this set up is a gift) where do you buy games for the oculus rift? Is there a list anywhere of what's available?Thanks!
That should do it, but as HeavyGroovez said, post the link so we can check them out for you.
Thank you Here is the link:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/391338943747?euid=2dd8b930ac6b4eec8d4cbd38a2971bf8&cp=1
Here is the link:http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/391338943747?euid=2dd8b930ac6b4eec8d4cbd38a2971bf8&cp=1
Thank you
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/391338943747?euid=2dd8b930ac6b4eec8d4cbd38a2971bf8&cp=1
That will do the job nicely.
The PSU is a little on the light side (600W), and there is no Operating System installed. I am slightly twitchy, as there are some spelling errors that I have picked up on.
The 970 is really easy on the juice and so are the 4 series Intel chips - plus it's a locked chip so it can't be OCed anyway. A 600W Cooler Master will run that setup without a problem.
No OS is a minor concern, for the price it's a good bundle and the feedback indicates lots of happy customers.
@marxKate
Looking at the basic specs and price on the ebay link; everything seems fine... but may I suggest you order the CV1 now (if you haven't already done so) and wait till closer to Christmas time to get the PC.. There'll be plenty of VR ready PC's to choose from once CV1 users have had an opportunity to test it out and offer up the leanest expense to have the beast up and running - with maybe some future proof options too.
As I've said before I don't own a windows machine (PC), yet my 'other half' has birthday presented a CV1 to me. So I will have to build the quietest, cheapest most efficient machine JUST for VR - nothing else, as I'm not 'windows' greatest fan. Patience and an eye on the many forums and reviews from folk who don't have bottomless pit expendable incomes or a desire to show off will bring rewards and a smile to your hubbies face - guaranteed. Esp him knowing you've done your research.
On the flashy lights blue green red thingy inside and outside of the PC box.... you could save some money right there (-:
Looking at the basic specs and price on the ebay link; everything seems fine... but may I suggest you order the CV1 now (if you haven't already done so) and wait till closer to Christmas time to get the PC.. There'll be plenty of VR ready PC's to choose from once CV1 users have had an opportunity to test it out and offer up the leanest expense to have the beast up and running - with maybe some future proof options too.
As I've said before I don't own a windows machine (PC), yet my 'other half' has birthday presented a CV1 to me. So I will have to build the quietest, cheapest most efficient machine JUST for VR - nothing else, as I'm not 'windows' greatest fan. Patience and an eye on the many forums and reviews from folk who don't have bottomless pit expendable incomes or a desire to show off will bring rewards and a smile to your hubbies face - guaranteed. Esp him knowing you've done your research.
On the flashy lights blue green red thingy inside and outside of the PC box.... you could save some money right there (-: