Question for PC & VR players

[CMDR Woland92]

If I wanted to start a new account on a laptop with the vr headset, HOTAS, etc., how much should I expect that to cost me?

I’m interested in a solid set up but don’t necessarily need the highest quality equipment.

I’d be purchasing a laptop and everything else almost exclusively to play this game (if that matters in terms of memory, etc.). Also, I’m in the US.

Is anyone willing to share their set up and how much it costed them? Estimates re: total cost and recommendations for hardware would also be helpful.

Thanks, CMDRS.

o7,
Woland92

 

[mossfoot]

Depends. A budget rig would be a machine with a 970 graphics card, a Lenovo Explorer or other Windows Mixed Reality headset, and a cheap but good HOTAS like the Thrustmaster T.Flight 4. And, of course, the PC specs needed to run it (assuming you don't already have that)

That's the rig I run and it works great. Perfect for my needs. I consider this also to be on the low end of things all around. Cost? You'd have to shop around.

 

[Marklar_]

You'd be better off with a desktop rather than a laptop, you'll get more options and a better (non-mobile) video card for less money. And it's not as if it's going to be a mobile set-up in any case.

Depending on what you get you're looking at about $600 - $1000+ not including the computer. Don't forget to look into a stand for the HOTAS, especially if you want to use pedals.

 

[777Driver]

Won't go into the HOTAS/Pedals etc, prices and quality vary by a huge amount. Just want to say that the laptop route is not a good idea unless you want to make some serious compromises. Am currently running a desktop with an overclocked 1080TI, Cpu is a 7700K clocked at 5.1ghz, using the CV1.

I am just about able to maintain the required 90fps, that is with everything on ultra, ambient occlusion turned off, lately have had to lower super sampling and HMD quality to 1 & 1.5

VR is incredibly CPU and GPU intensive, the immersions is great, but you also want good quality visuals (especially if coming from a high res monitor) the only way to achieve that is to crank up settings and bump up the HMD quality.

Perhaps give it a try on someones rig first, some cmdrs are happy with lower quality settings, personally I couldn't do it.

 

[Chromezero]

As others have said, I wouldn't recommend a laptop, due to performance/price issues. However, if you're interested in a desktop PC, you can expect to spend $1k-$2k for the PC depending on parts. Then, an additional $200-$800 for a headset. If you want a HOTAS, then you're looking at $100-$1k, depending on manufacturer. So, on the low side, I'd say $1500 or so. If you have money to burn, you could easily get up into the $5k range for a complete VR rig with PC, headset, HOTAS, and sim-pit.

 

[Dash]

I'd say £1000-£1500, which in dollars and tech is about $1000-$1500.

 

[LanceLord]

1. Console pads (and to good extent keyboards), simply DO. NOT. WORK. as advertised on the tin. It's good you're doing your research and getting a HOTAS. I'm finding this the best invention ever next to Wonder bread.

Anyhow, I got my PC & Xbx1 tailored HOTAS for $80 at Best Buy. This is the Thrustmaster T Flight HOTAS One that was specifically designed for Elite Dangerous for both these platforms (it says so on the box):

https://support.thrustmaster.com/en/product/t-flight-hotas-one-en/

You might be also able to get it off Amazon and next day it for the extra shipping cost.

2. On headset, the T Flight USAF edition is fairly decent from Thrustmaster. But you're free to shop around for something you like better

https://support.thrustmaster.com/en/cat-headsets-en/

3. On PC: why laptop? These are typically impossible to upgrade key components like your GPU, CPU, HD, RAM etc. But assuming ED doesn't change it's technology to include life sized 3D holograms in the future, then this might help

• 
  Tom's Hardware is a great place to start. Especially if you're the DIY type:

https://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/gaming-laptop-buying-guide,5689.html

https://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/best-gaming-laptops,4828.html

• PC Gamer has some industry reviews here:

https://www.pcgamer.com/best-gaming-laptop/


HOWEVER,

if you change your mind and want to DIY & build your PC (FAR CHEAPER) check out NewEgg.com for parts and use this site as guideline.

PassMark is one of the best bench mark PC hardware sites on the web. It will give you an immediate idea of how any PC hardware (based on specs & mfg brand) performs relative to others on today's market. It's also an excellent tool to quickly determine how retailers like Best Buy excel at exploiting you without the courtesy of lube. With all their overpriced lemon warehouse hardware:

https://www.cpubenchmark.net/compare/

Here's another:

https://cpu.userbenchmark.com/

 

[[VR] optimal_909]

HOTAS is not a must for VR, actually I think KB+M has its advantages, you don't need voice attack and can use the chat function. I'm flying VR and will not buy HOTAS.
+1 for forgetting the laptop.

Though I admit that coming from consoles, learning to play with KB+M is a challenge.

 

[Lobey]

MSI gaming laptops are what I mainly use for VR (at work and personally) we have Hp z books with quadro p2000 as well that are more for solidworks but hold up ok as well (these tend to perform around the same as 970m's with oculus CV1 and older Dk2's in my experience).

If on a budget and buying new then something like https://www.overclockers.co.uk/msi-...d-120hz-i7-8750h-gaming-laptop-lt-279-ms.html would probably be decent.
The newer rtx based laptops are due in in next few weeks - so personally I'll be replacing my older https://www.overclockers.co.uk/msi-...-intel-i7-6700hq-gaming-laptop-lt-215-ms.html with something like https://www.overclockers.co.uk/msi-...4hz-3ms-i7-8750h-gaming-laptop-lt-28a-ms.html

You can get better bang for the buck with a desktop - something Ryzen based - however gaming laptops are fine if you avoid 1050/1050ti's and below if buying new. (with VR in mind and bang for your buck).

Second hand then a 970m is as low as I'd go - new then i'd really recomend 2060RTX as the starting point (but best value is 2070).
The Vr benchmark in Superposition is a very good indicator I find of real world performance - https://unigine.com/en/products/benchmarks - so if you get access to anything before buying - run that on it if possible.

In my work I have to support hardware that has to be decent at both solidworks and autocad as well as being used in Vr and assisted reality\augmented reality and often needs to be portable for use in the field as well - this sort of thing - https://www.wearable-technologies.c...-and-how-does-it-relate-to-augmented-reality/ and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iHCLYs3Jnwg so I get to play with a lot of kit and see how it actually performs vs theoretical.

 

[mahoon]

HOTAS is not a must for VR, actually I think KB+M has its advantages, you don't need voice attack and can use the chat function. I'm flying VR and will not buy HOTAS.
+1 for forgetting the laptop.

Though I admit that coming from consoles, learning to play with KB+M is a challenge.

I beg to differ. I've been playing exclusively in VR for last 12-18 months now and couldn't survive without my T Flight HOTAS and VoiceAttack. Sure, I'll conceed I can't chat very easily - but I have a few VoiceAttack commands to open chat, send a greeting and close again if I feel like being sociable and I only have to say 'Send Greeting'. I don't think I'd enjoy the learning curve of trying to play something like ED in VR on a keyboard. You've proved it's doable, but even with touch typing skills, I find a joystick light years ahead in the useability race.

To the original question: you know the equipment needed - good laptop with good GPU - good VR kit (Rift of Vive I would suggest). The rest are optional, but I'd seriously recommend a HOTAS set up and VA.

 

[Rat Catcher]

If you choose to go the laptop route, and intend to play in VR it would be to your benefit to ensure that the discrete graphics (Nvidia etc. ) are connected directly to the HDMI / Mini-DP Port(s) just to save frustration later (my laptop has a 1070 and Intel graphics have been disabled by the manufaturer).

 

[Lobey]

I beg to differ. I've been playing exclusively in VR for last 12-18 months now and couldn't survive without my T Flight HOTAS and VoiceAttack. Sure, I'll conceed I can't chat very easily - but I have a few VoiceAttack commands to open chat, send a greeting and close again if I feel like being sociable and I only have to say 'Send Greeting'. I don't think I'd enjoy the learning curve of trying to play something like ED in VR on a keyboard. You've proved it's doable, but even with touch typing skills, I find a joystick light years ahead in the useability race.

To the original question: you know the equipment needed - good laptop with good GPU - good VR kit (Rift of Vive I would suggest). The rest are optional, but I'd seriously recommend a HOTAS set up and VA.

I'll second the voice attack with T flight Hotas - cheap , cheerfull and it works well.
Also - for starting out and on a budget ? - try edtracker https://edtrackerpro.mybigcommerce.com/
I still play with EdTracker a lot - don't always want to be fully buried in the VR goggles - works particularly well with an ultrawide monitor.

 

[xxThe_Dice_manxx]

To do it right you need:

1080ti or above in hierarchy.

Vive or Oculus which ever.

Decent mother board.

Decent memory 16gb or more.

Good PSU never cheap out on PSU!

500gb ssd

As much storage as you feel you will need 2tb hd

Decent 1080p 144hz or above monitor.

High end CPU amd or Intel whatever floats yer boat.

Water cooler for CPU.

Hotas go for x50-56 these are common are fairly cheap and perfect for ED.

Case keyboard mouse headphones speakers are cheap or expensive depending on your choice.

Optional
Soundcard I like creative.

Pedals meh seems an expense to far for me.

Think that's everything which is going to sting the old pocket as in £3000 but if you look around you could easy knock 500 maybe 1000 off that.

I forgot about win10 which you can buy a legit keey for off eBay for less than a tenner .

Oh and buy a 32gb flash drive they come in handy.

 

[VR SenseiMatty]

Depends. A budget rig would be a machine with a 970 graphics card, a Lenovo Explorer or other Windows Mixed Reality headset

I disagree with this.
There are players that had issues in Elite with those headset. Not everywhere but something somtimes goes wrong. If you want a VR setup you can't make compromise on the VR headset itself. That MUST be your masterpiece otherwise all the rest of the money spent for the pc is wasted.
Stay with Oculus or Vive.

I have this spec and I feel fine, even if a bit borderline so don't take anything less than this:

Oculus Rift
CPU: i7700k (also i7700 is fine, cause mine is not overclocked)
Graphic: GTX 1080
Ram: 16 GB

 

[Muzz UK]

The Windows Mixed Reality head sets at £150-£250 depending on budget and if you go used or new do an alright job for VR. Fallout 4 VR and Elite Dangerous VR both play well enough on these. The issue is battery powered controllers and built quality but then again who cares if it works and doesn't fall apart? you don't really need controllers for Elite anyway once you've logged in.

Between selling my VIVE and getting a VIVE PRO I had one of these for a week as a stop gap. The HP WMR headset was decent, easy to setup and worked on my Steam library but it'll never live upto VIVE level comfort or resolution. It would be fine for Elite Dangerous and other games on a budget.

Personally the more money you invest the better the experience. I went from VR on an old R390x to a GTX1080 and being able to boost graphics up and tweak things made it so much better.

I'd say because of how intense Elite is you need 16gb RAM a decent i7 with Elite installed on an SSD with a 980 CPU minimum. Sure you can go cheaper lower spec but you won't enjoy it as much.

 

[CMDR Woland92]

Wow thanks so much for all the great advice. I was thinking the laptop would be a good option for increased mobility and the VR would solve the small screen issue. It sounds like you’re better off with a desktop though. I’m playing on an original XB1 right now so anything would be a huge upgrade in terms of graphics and processing power. I’m not sure if I can justify two fixed gaming stations to my girlfriend. Maybe I’ll just upgrade to an XB1X. I do already have a 4K tv.

The thing that keeps pulling me back, though, is that VR. It looks absolutely incredible and I’m dying to try it...

 

[xxThe_Dice_manxx]

Wow thanks so much for all the great advice. I was thinking the laptop would be a good option for increased mobility and the VR would solve the small screen issue. It sounds like you’re better off with a desktop though. I’m playing on an original XB1 right now so anything would be a huge upgrade in terms of graphics and processing power. I’m not sure if I can justify two fixed gaming stations to my girlfriend. Maybe I’ll just upgrade to an XB1X. I do already have a 4K tv.

The thing that keeps pulling me back, though, is that VR. It looks absolutely incredible and I’m dying to try it...

I recommend you give it a long try before you buy as it isn't for everyone.

Some don't like the uncomfortableness of the headsets especially the vive (standard)

Some get serious motion sickness

Some don't like the image quality.

Some just don't like it.

So it being an extremely expensive luxury definitely try before buy if you can.

 

[sgurr]

I recommend you give it a long try before you buy as it isn't for everyone.

Some don't like the uncomfortableness of the headsets especially the vive (standard)

Some get serious motion sickness

Some don't like the image quality.

Some just don't like it.

So it being an extremely expensive luxury definitely try before buy if you can.

Second this ^^ CMDR Woland92, you anywhere near Sheffield UK? I'd happily let you pop over to try, maybe others would too if you let us know roughly where you are.

Regarding kit, a laptop has the huge downside of non-upgradability, but I don't see why it wouldn't work if it had the oomph.

As for the rest:

Processor - widely recommended to have at least 6 physical cores. Personal experience, I run a OC'd Ryzen 5 1600 (not even the X), which is effectively a low end part, ~£140 with a cooler, and it is NOT a bottleneck with a 1080ti. A higher end processor might give you a few more FPS, your call.
(I upgraded from an Intel 4 core I5 3570 to the 1600 using the same 1080ti, the performance improvement was huge)

Memory - fast, low latency RAM is particularly important for Ryzen Gen 1, but worth spending on this regardless.

SSD - just use

Graphics - So, I have actually run a Lenovo Explorer with a 970. It worked, was amazing but the experience might wear thin as it's obviously subpar. A 970 would work better with Rift CV1 or original Vive (lower resolution/pixels to push) but I'd definitely aim as high as you can graphics card wise.

Finally the most important, Headset choice.

Unlike others I think the Windows Mixed Reality headset are an excellent choice. I have 2, a Lenovo Explorer and a Samsung Odyssey+, I actually prefer using the Lenovo for Elite as the text is sharper. See my thread here which talks about them in a bit more detail:
https://forums.frontier.co.uk/showthread.php/462699-Windows-Mixed-Reality-VR-info-installation-and-troubleshooting

The crux is that with the WMR headsets you get the same resolution as a Vive Pro, albeit with an LCD screen instead of OLED (the blacks are black enough on LCD IMHO), but for a substantially lower price. The Lenovo Explorer can be found for ~£200 just now, has been as low as £150 in the past, and with inside out tracking (you don't need base stations) for 6 DoF it really is as close to plug and play as you can get.

As for the Lenovo Explorer itself, it's a good screen, very light and for me can be made extremely comfortable on the head and reviews regarded it as the best of the Lenovo/Acer/HP/Dell headsets.

Build quality of the Lenovo/Acer/HP/Dell is lower than the Samsung or Vive/Rift, but as long as you're careful I don't see why this is an issue, both of mine work well.


PS. ED in VR is incredible, properly scrape jaw off the floor incredible.

 

[rhiz]

Wow thanks so much for all the great advice. I was thinking the laptop would be a good option for increased mobility and the VR would solve the small screen issue. It sounds like you’re better off with a desktop though. I’m playing on an original XB1 right now so anything would be a huge upgrade in terms of graphics and processing power. I’m not sure if I can justify two fixed gaming stations to my girlfriend. Maybe I’ll just upgrade to an XB1X. I do already have a 4K tv.

The thing that keeps pulling me back, though, is that VR. It looks absolutely incredible and I’m dying to try it...

I'd echo those who recommend a desktop (preferably self-built) over a laptop - you get more for your money, it's easier to upgrade and I'm not sure why you'd really need it to be mobile if its main use is VR. I built mine about a year and a half ago based around an i7 7700k.

Those recommending a 1080ti or above aren't wrong, but I was happily using a GTX 1060 6gb for the first year. I've since upgraded to a RTX 2080 and wouldn't want to go back, but you don't need a top-tier card to get started with VR and the GPU is one of the easiest components to upgrade.

Regarding your girlfriend, my VR rig is the only "toy" that the women in my life are remotely interested in. Even my 65 year old mother and elderly technophobic aunt are into it.

 

[sollisb]

My backup laptop system is an Acer Predator 17" i7 500gb SSD and Oculos. I think I paid around 4000 Euro