Looking for a VR ready PC? In this guide, we’ve listed three different PC builds and pre-built systems for VR gaming with prices starting as low as $500.
With more and more VR games and VR experiences getting released, the number of gamers who are looking to experience virtual reality is rapdily increasing. However, if you are one of the many who wants to get into VR gaming, you’ll first need to ensure that your computer can meet the minimum requirements of the Oculus Rift or the HTC Vive or the Valve Index. You’ll find their requirements below:
Oculus Rift Minimum Requirements
| CPU | Intel i3-6100 or AMD Ryzen 3 1200 |
| GPU | NVIDIA GTX 1050Ti or AMD RX 470 |
| RAM | 8GB of Memory |
| OS | Windows 10 |
HTC Vive Minimum Requirements
| CPU | Intel i5-4590 or AMD FX-8350 |
| GPU | NVIDIA GTX 1060 or AMD RX 480 |
| RAM | 4GB of Memory |
| OS | Windows 7/8/10 |
Valve Index Minimum Requirements
| CPU | Dual Core w/Hyperthreading |
| GPU | NVIDIA GTX 970 or AMD RX 480 |
| RAM | 8GB of Memory |
| OS | Windows 10, SteamOS, Linux |
In reality, the requirements to run the Oculus Rift, the HTC Vive, adn the Valve Index aren’t too bad. However, they are high enough to where gamers with older systems will need an upgrade before they can start using a VR headset. So, in this guide we’re going to list four different VR ready PC build options (as well as some similarly-performing pre-built options) you have that will handle either the Oculus Rift, the HTC Vive, or the Valve Index.
URGENT!
Due to extreme graphics card supply shortages, it is currently very difficult to find new graphics cards at reasonable prices. As of right now, if you want a new gaming PC, your best bet is to check the used market for a video card, or look at a pre-built gaming PC instead of building your own system.
Table of Contents
1. Quick-Look: Four VR Ready PC Builds
2. FAQ: Preparing for VR Gaming
3. Affordable $500 VR PC Build
Quick-Look: Four PC Builds for VR Gaming
Below is a quick look table that highlights the main specs of the three VR ready PC builds and pre-builts that we’ve outlined in this post. The links will take you to the overview of the build/system and what it is capable of, to where you can purchase the parts on Amazon, or to where you can find a similarly-performing pre-built computer. We do recommend that you build your own system so that you can maximize your budget, but if you don’t feel up for building your own computer, the pre-built systems we have linked to will perform similarly (but will cost more).
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HIGH-END
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ULTRA
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*We try to update this guide on a regular basis, but due to the fact that component prices change on a daily basis, its possible that items will have gone out of stock and/or prices will have risen. So, if you see that the prices aren’t in line with the budget we have set, let us know in the comments section and we will give you an alternative option.
FAQ: Questions to Ask Before You Build A VR PC
If you’re not sure what you need in order to start VR gaming, this FAQ section will answer some of the most common questions related to getting the hardware necessary to support today’s popular VR headsets.
1. Are all gaming PCs VR ready?
However, not every PC that is dubbed a “gaming” PC, will meet the minimum requirements for VR and, therefore, you have to be careful that you don’t choose the wrong gaming PC. We’ve listed all of the requirements of the three most popular VR headsets above. Before you choose a gaming computer, make sure they meet or exceed those requirements.
2. What computer should I buy for VR gaming?
3. How do I know if my PC is VR ready?
If you want help figuring out what hardware is in your computer, check out our guide How to Check Your PC Specs.
4. Can gaming laptops run VR?
5. How much RAM do I need for VR gaming?
6. Do you need a PC for VR?
For console gamers, the only option is Sony’s PlayStation VR headset. Unfortunately, if you have an Xbox, there isn’t a headset option for VR gaming.
A $500 VR Ready PC Build
If you want to go the least expensive route to getting a new VR-ready gaming PC, this $500 build will do the trick. With an Intel Core i3-10100f processor, a GTX 1650 Super graphics card, and 8GB of RAM, this $500 gaming PC will meet the requirements of the Oculus Rift, the HTC Vive, or the Valve Index.
However, while most of the core components in this build surpass the requirements for both headsets, the 8GB of RAM is the minimum requirement for both headsets, so if you can afford to bump up to the $700 system listed below, that might be the better route to take. If not, though, this build will at least get your feet in the door for VR gaming.
Along with the GTX 1650 Super graphics card, this build also comes with a 480GB SSD, a 650W power supply, and a budget-friendly PC case. And, aside from VR-gaming, this build will also allow you to play any game on an affordable 1080P monitor on at least medium settings with acceptable framerates.
So, if you don’t have a ton to spend, but you want to get a new VR ready gaming PC to pair with the Oculus Rift, then the build below should do the trick.
*URGENT: Due to extraordinary demand in the GPU market, currently your best bet is to buy a new graphics card used, or to forego building a PC and buy a pre-built gaming PC instead.
Part List for $500 PC Build
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| CPU | Intel Core i3-10100f | |
| MOBO | ASRock H410M | |
| GPU | MSI GTX 1650 Super | |
| RAM | Patriot Signature 8GB | |
| SSD | ADATA 480GB | |
| CASE | Zalman T7 | |
| PSU | EVGA 550W | |
| ODD | Install O.S. from USB | |
| OS | Windows 10 |
Grand Total: $470-$530
*Component prices fluctuate daily. Click here to check current pricing.
**Price includes the parts that make up the tower only. You’ll need an operating system and Windows 10 costs ~$100 for an activation key. However, you can still install Windows 10 for free and it will work indefinitely without activating it with no problems—there will just be a watermark at the bottom left of your desktop asking you to activate it.
Mid-Range $700 VR Gaming PC Build
For a couple hundred more than the $500 build listed above, you can land this mid-range $700 gaming PC. This build has an upgraded graphics card and twice the memory.
The RX 5600 XT 8GB GPU and the Intel Core i3-10100f CPU are powerful enough to easily meet the requirements of the Oculus Rift, the Valve Index, and the HTC Vive. And, for standard gaming, the RX 5600 XT is strong enough to max-out any game you throw at it on a 1080P monitor. It will also pair well with a 144Hz FreeSync monitor to give you an incredibly smooth in-game experience in standard gaming.
The bottom line is that for just $700 you can land yourself a really solid gaming PC build that will work well for VR-gaming and will serve as a powerful machine for standard gaming, too.
*URGENT: Due to extraordinary demand in the GPU market, currently your best bet is to buy a new graphics card used, or to forego building a PC and buy a pre-built gaming PC instead.
Part List for $700 PC Build
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| CPU | Intel Core i3-10100f | |
| MOBO | ASRock H410M | |
| GPU | PowerColor RX 5600 XT | |
| RAM | OLOy 16GB | |
| SSD | ADATA 480GB | |
| CASE | Zalman T7 | |
| PSU | EVGA 650W | |
| ODD | Install O.S. from USB | |
| OS | Windows 10 |
Grand Total: $670-$730
*Component prices fluctuate daily. Click here to check current pricing.
**Price includes the parts that make up the tower only. You’ll need an operating system and Windows 10 costs ~$100 for an activation key. However, you can still install Windows 10 for free and it will work indefinitely without activating it with no problems—there will just be a watermark at the bottom left of your desktop asking you to activate it.
$1,000 PC for VR & High-End Gaming
If you have a larger budget to spend and you want to get a really powerful system that can not only handle VR-gaming, but that will also allow you to play games on a higher resolution monitor, then this $1,000 gaming PC might be a better option for you.
This build comes with a six-core AMD Ryzen 5 3600 processor, an RX 5700 XT graphics card, 16GB of RAM, a 1TB SSD, and a nice-looking mid tower case.
In terms of VR-gaming performance, this system easily exceeds the requirements for the Valve Index, the Rift, and the Vive. For standard gaming, this system will allow you to easily max out games on a 1080P monitor and it will allow you to play games on a 1440P 144Hz monitor or a 4K monitor. For the best experience, make sure that you pair this sytem with a FreeSync monitor in order to take advantage of AMD’s variable refresh rate technology (helps provide incredibly smooth gameplay.)
At this price range you could also opt for an RTX 3060 laptop instead if you need more mobility. A laptop with an RTX 3060 in it won’t offer nearly as much performance as this PC build, but it should still allow you run VR games on it.
Ultimately, though, if you have about a thousand dollars to spend and you want a PC that will give you a lot more performance and open up the doors to higher resolution gaming, then this system would be your best bet.
*URGENT: Due to extraordinary demand in the GPU market, currently your best bet is to buy a new graphics card used, or to forego building a PC and buy a pre-built gaming PC instead.
Part List for $1,000 PC Build
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| CPU | Intel Core i5-11400F | |
| MOBO | ASUS Prime H410M-A | |
| GPU | ASUS RX 6600 XT | |
| RAM | OLOy 16GB | |
| SSD | Samsung 1TB | |
| CASE | Zalman T7 | |
| PSU | EVGA 650W | |
| ODD | Install O.S. from USB | |
| OS | Windows 10 |
Grand Total: $970-$1,030
*Prices on PC components change on a daily basis. Click here to check current pricing
**The ‘Grand Total’ price includes the parts that make up the computer only. You’ll need an operating system and Windows 10 costs ~$100 for an activation key. However, you can still install Windows 10 for free and it will work indefinitely without activating it with no problems—there will just be a watermark at the bottom left of your screen asking you to activate it.
$2,000 Ultra Gaming & VR PC Build
For those of you that have an unlimited budget and who don’t want to mess around, this $2,000 gaming PC build will not only far surpass the recommended requirements for running an HTC VIVE, a Valve Index, and an Oculus Rift, but it will also serve as a 4K gaming PC.
This build comes with an Intel Core i7-11700K processor, a 240mm AIO liquid cooler, a new RTX 3080 graphics cards card, 16GB of RAM, and a 1TB SSD.
This system also comes with an 850W power supply and a high-end full tower case, too.
We’ve also linked to one of the best pre-built gaming PCs available, so if you don’t want to go through building the system on your own, the pre-built option is viable as well. And, in this price range, you also have the option of going with a high-end gaming laptop as well. Check out our guides on the top RTX 3080 laptops and RTX 3070 laptops for viable VR ready laptops.
But, all-in-all, this $2,000 VR ready PC build will easily handle any virtual reality games and content out there and will serve as a high-end gaming computer for the foreseeable future.
*URGENT: Due to extraordinary demand in the GPU market, currently your best bet is to buy a new graphics card used, or to forego building a PC and buy a pre-built gaming PC instead.
Part List for $2,000 PC Build
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| CPU | Intel Core i7-12700KF | |
| AIO | MSI MAG P240 | |
| MOBO | MSI PRO Z690-A | |
| GPU | Gigabyte RTX 3080 | |
| RAM | OLOy 16GB | |
| SSD | Samsung 1TB | |
| CASE | MasterCase H500 | |
| PSU | Thermaltake 850W | |
| ODD | Use USB to Install O.S. | |
| OS | Windows 10 |
Grand Total: $1,970-$2,030
*Prices on PC components change on a daily basis. Click here to check current pricing
**The ‘Grand Total’ price includes the parts that make up the computer only. You’ll need an operating system and Windows 10 costs ~$100 for an activation key. However, you can still install Windows 10 for free and it will work indefinitely without activating it with no problems—there will just be a watermark at the bottom left of your screen asking you to activate it.
Have A Different Budget? Check These Guides for More Options
The builds in this guide represent three options you have if you want to build a VR-ready gaming PC. If you have a different budget than is listed above, you might want to check out the two guides below to find a system that will better meet your needs:
Connor M says
The PowerColor AMD Radeon RX 5600 XT isn’t available on Amazon right now and I can’t seem to find one for a good price.
Ale Vecchia says
Hi,
I have the same problem, did you find a solution?
Crystal says
Hi there,
being an ignranmous dinosaur when it comes to computers, I may be taking on more than I should, but…I want to build my son the most awesome VR gaming pc I can afford (my budget is roughly $11,000).
I don’t want a ready build because there are always components that are not the best in order to cut costs.
would you be able to point me in the direction of a website or forum or anything where someone can look at the components on my list and tell me if they work together or if Im missing anything?
And no, I’m not rich, I’ve saved about 5 years to be able to do this for my son (who has asperger’s) and never asks fork anything. He’s awesome!!
Sincerely,
Crystal
a mother clearly in over her head
Rasputin says
So crystal, you are clearly an awesome mother and one that we all hope to have, (though i already have mine who is awesome). 11,000$ is a lot of money and you can build a brilliant pc with it for your son! So First thing is watch a Linus Tech Tips video titled ‘how much should you play to half life alex’. This will give you a bit of an oversight to the topic. Then watch something called ‘First Person View PC BUILD Guide’ when you eventually build the pc which should cover all you need. I will also inform you that your budget may be ill-informed as that is very overkill, you could build 2 brilliant pc’s with that, full kit and everything. So first the forum thing, reddit is very useful, so r/pcbuildhelp is good. Also for parts list pcpartpicker is great. I compiled this one for you. pcpartpicker.com/list/d2RNj2 this is the best pc to get, assuming you can get the parts, and the valve index full kit is the best vr headset around. Also maybe give some of this money to your son, as alot of this will rely on his choice, so he can add rgb or buy games. Hope this helps!
alex adams says
could you use the gpu from the 500$ dollar rig onto the ultra one?
Phyzzi says
If you already had parts or just can’t find another GPU right now (even an older generation) then yes, you could. I would look into the RTX 2070 Super, which was a good bang for buck card and should still be available for close to list. Ultimately, your GPU will make more difference than other stuff so don’t go cheap there unless you are just holding over until you can go all in.
Jack Prout says
Do you know a graphic card the is oculus compatible that is around 200$? Send me a link please.
Eleazar Rogers says
I have found this article very helpful in my research about a VR ready PC. I have been doing research for some time now just didnt know a good pc for a good price, because on almost anywhere I look I find a cheaper pc that is VR ready yet has these reviews that say that it stopped working in a few days or didnt fully have all the parts or came in terrible condition. I currently own a cyberpower PC but It’s like 6 years old so I was doing research on newer PCs so I didnt have to figure out if what is in my computer is good enough for the Oculus quest 2 (The headset I would be getting). Thank you for making my job easier.
KK says
It’s sad to read an article like this now in december, when all the GPUs for these builds are unavailable or go for stupid high prices
Robert H says
Can you do the same for the Oculus quest 2?
Brendan says
I’m new to building PCs and I’ve bought all the parts for the 700$ build except for the GPU which I can’t find and with further research am starting to think I’ll have to wait a while before I see one in stock. Do you know of any alternatives for the Ryzen 3 3100 with similar price and performance
Tyler says
This is my first time building a PC and can’t seem to get the gpu to fit. The steel face plate is resting on the motherboard which stops it from plugging in. Are you sure they are compatible or am I just missing something obvious?
Tyler says
I should specify that it’s the mid range build, and I have determined that it’s because the GPUs plug in plate is sitting on the mother board. Are you sure the case is compatible with the components?
Brent Hale says
Hi Tyler, email me at [email protected] with a full list of the parts and pictures of the problem.
James Liu says
The $500 vr ready build you recommended features an AM4 cpu, however the motherboard is designed for an AM2, thankfully I was there to find out and point this out. unfortunately, as a first time builder, this only dawned upon me after I’d already bought the parts, and after I’d broken a pin attempting to fit them together. It’s fine, I probably won’t miss the £200 I spent on it.
Brent Hale says
Hi James, I apologize for the inconvenience. I haven’t updated this guide in awhile, and, unfortunately, when I had updated other part lists on my site, it had incorrectly updated the parts on this build. I’ve sent you an email to see how I can remedy the situation.
neil says
Why would you run a standard SSD and no M.2 memory in your ultra rig?