Another VR Question....
Discussion
My laptop has:
CPU = Intel® Core™ i7 Eight Core Processor 11800H (2.3GHz, 4.6GHz Turbo)
GPU = NVIDIA® GeForce® RTX 3060 - 6.0GB GDDR6 Video RAM - DirectX® 12.1
Connections = 1 x USB 3.2 PORT (Type C) + 3 x USB 3.2 PORTS
OS = Windows 11 Home
I want to tether a VR headset to it but have next to zero idea on what headset I need to buy, so I'll outline below what my loose requirements are:
1 - I want to experience really good graphics that show the power of VR. This is perhaps the most important point.
2 - I don't need the VR headset to have a lot of GPU type capability in itself because I am assuming that my laptop's GPU will do all the hardwork.
3 - Budget £500 ish but I usually exceed my budget as I always end up adding more bells and whistles as I learn more.
4 - It will only be used by adults so no need to worry about a headset's suitability for kids.
5 - I believe the Oculus range need you to have Facebook which I don't have and would prefer NOT to have. If I did have to get a Facebook account I would ONLY use it for this with some anonymous email address (also only for this too) but I have heard that Facebook delete such accounts as they make no money from such. {Pet hate all these sites where you have to login using Facebook or Google etc - no thanks}
Also where is the best range of VR software for sale, not just "shoot em up" games but experiences too?
Many thanks for any thoughts you may have,
CPU = Intel® Core™ i7 Eight Core Processor 11800H (2.3GHz, 4.6GHz Turbo)
GPU = NVIDIA® GeForce® RTX 3060 - 6.0GB GDDR6 Video RAM - DirectX® 12.1
Connections = 1 x USB 3.2 PORT (Type C) + 3 x USB 3.2 PORTS
OS = Windows 11 Home
I want to tether a VR headset to it but have next to zero idea on what headset I need to buy, so I'll outline below what my loose requirements are:
1 - I want to experience really good graphics that show the power of VR. This is perhaps the most important point.
2 - I don't need the VR headset to have a lot of GPU type capability in itself because I am assuming that my laptop's GPU will do all the hardwork.
3 - Budget £500 ish but I usually exceed my budget as I always end up adding more bells and whistles as I learn more.
4 - It will only be used by adults so no need to worry about a headset's suitability for kids.
5 - I believe the Oculus range need you to have Facebook which I don't have and would prefer NOT to have. If I did have to get a Facebook account I would ONLY use it for this with some anonymous email address (also only for this too) but I have heard that Facebook delete such accounts as they make no money from such. {Pet hate all these sites where you have to login using Facebook or Google etc - no thanks}
Also where is the best range of VR software for sale, not just "shoot em up" games but experiences too?
Many thanks for any thoughts you may have,
Steam for VR games supports pretty much all the hardware.
If you want to avoid Facebook then you are limited to the windows VR system or the Steam world.
Index kit would be my choice but it's double your budget. Other PC dependent choices are the HTC/Vive series, HP Reverb and then you are into the quirky choices like the Pimax.
You don't just need the headset you also need controllers and maybe positional trackers (light houses or cameras) depending on the system.
Your laptop should be ok but it's not really high enough spec to run these things at max fidelity, I have a desktop system with a full fat 3080 and still have to turn stuff down sometimes. Most of these headsets also need hdmi or displayports.
I think the Quest 2 is the best for you, not reliant on a PC but can be driven by one. Includes controllers and has inside out tracking so no issues with external connections and the teather is I think usb-c . It's a good experience.
If you want to avoid Facebook then you are limited to the windows VR system or the Steam world.
Index kit would be my choice but it's double your budget. Other PC dependent choices are the HTC/Vive series, HP Reverb and then you are into the quirky choices like the Pimax.
You don't just need the headset you also need controllers and maybe positional trackers (light houses or cameras) depending on the system.
Your laptop should be ok but it's not really high enough spec to run these things at max fidelity, I have a desktop system with a full fat 3080 and still have to turn stuff down sometimes. Most of these headsets also need hdmi or displayports.
I think the Quest 2 is the best for you, not reliant on a PC but can be driven by one. Includes controllers and has inside out tracking so no issues with external connections and the teather is I think usb-c . It's a good experience.
In the mainstream, HTC and the Vive series and Valve's Index are the two main choices for PC driven VR.
They're a bit above your budget, and they do need HDMI from your PC.
I'm still using an original Vive with Wireless stuff (so not physically tethered to the PC), using an i7-8700K and 1080Ti, and it runs fine. As the post above mentions, you'll need controllers (though they're usually bundled unless you buy "headset only"), and most of them need some lighthouses (again, they're usually bundled unless stated as headset only).
They're a bit above your budget, and they do need HDMI from your PC.
I'm still using an original Vive with Wireless stuff (so not physically tethered to the PC), using an i7-8700K and 1080Ti, and it runs fine. As the post above mentions, you'll need controllers (though they're usually bundled unless you buy "headset only"), and most of them need some lighthouses (again, they're usually bundled unless stated as headset only).
Just get an FB account and put the bare minimum in. Mine is not even a real name, false birthday, and a picture of a lego man for a profile.
For what you want at your budget, you really can't beat wirelessly streaming to an Oculus Quest 2. The graphics are superb when using a PC to run it. You also have the benefit that you need zero USB or HDMI ports, which is good when dealing with laptops.
I came from a full fat Rift CV1 and it is a massive jump in quality, resolution, no screen door, comfort, price. Such a bargain.
For what you want at your budget, you really can't beat wirelessly streaming to an Oculus Quest 2. The graphics are superb when using a PC to run it. You also have the benefit that you need zero USB or HDMI ports, which is good when dealing with laptops.
I came from a full fat Rift CV1 and it is a massive jump in quality, resolution, no screen door, comfort, price. Such a bargain.
Edited by Griffith4ever on Thursday 2nd December 10:32
I've got the Rift S and no FB account. I know they are rethinking the requirement so you might get away with it. I bought it a while ago.
Also, if you are running it from a computer, no need for the HMD storage so get the smallest/cheapest.
What is the intended use? If roomscale movement is needed then the untethered option is great, but for flying or driving (i.e. seated) the cable is no real inconvenience and battery life is not an issue for longer sessions.
Also, if you are running it from a computer, no need for the HMD storage so get the smallest/cheapest.
What is the intended use? If roomscale movement is needed then the untethered option is great, but for flying or driving (i.e. seated) the cable is no real inconvenience and battery life is not an issue for longer sessions.
MikeStroud said:
Damn it ! A follow up question...
I've just seen the Quest 2 comes with differing amounts of memory (therefore different prices). As I'll be using my laptop to drive it can I just get the basic model? tia
I researched, and as I mostly PCVR stream wirelessly, the RAM made littel to no difference so went for the smaller version. I've not run into any issues at all and I have a few games installed on the headset itself.I've just seen the Quest 2 comes with differing amounts of memory (therefore different prices). As I'll be using my laptop to drive it can I just get the basic model? tia
MikeStroud said:
Damn it ! A follow up question...
I've just seen the Quest 2 comes with differing amounts of memory (therefore different prices). As I'll be using my laptop to drive it can I just get the basic model? tia
That's local storage for native games; as a tethered device (PC use) it has no meaning. I've just seen the Quest 2 comes with differing amounts of memory (therefore different prices). As I'll be using my laptop to drive it can I just get the basic model? tia
Again thanks all.
As you sugested above about the upgraded head strap, my nephew who has an Occulus Quest 2 said: "I’d also recommend the elite strap and battery pack for the quest because the strap holds the vr on your head better and the battery is like a counterbalance and makes it more comfortable."
As you sugested above about the upgraded head strap, my nephew who has an Occulus Quest 2 said: "I’d also recommend the elite strap and battery pack for the quest because the strap holds the vr on your head better and the battery is like a counterbalance and makes it more comfortable."
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