Aside from the graphics card and VR headset, it is also necessary to use a computer that supports them and the software.
Generally, laptop computers are not recommended for this application. VR is a highly computationally intensive application for which the GPU requires a lot of power and this results in the generation of a lot of heat, which laptops are generally poorly equipped to disperse. Some high-end gaming laptops will support arivis VR but are often very noisy due to the fans and constrained thermodynamics of such compact systems, and therefore unsuited for long periods of use. They are also much more likely to drop the connection to the headset due to power saving features. Desktop systems are therefore highly recommended.
In terms of basic computing, the following are the minimum hardware requirements:
- Windows 11 64-bit operating system
- Quad-Core CPU or better
- 32 GB RAM or better
- NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 Ti SUPER or better
- 256 GB NVMe SSD OS disk + any additional storage required
- At least one full-height PCIe slot for the GPU
- A powers supply that is able to provide for the motherboard, cooling, and graphics card (typically 750W minimum)
- Enough USB 3.0 ports for any accessories one might wish to use. This typically means, at a minimum, 1 USB3.0 for the VR headset, one USB 2.0 or more for the mouse/keyboard, and one USB 3.0 port or more for any removable storage or other accessories. Note that several headsets, including the Meta Quest systems, can connect to the PC using either wireless or wired connections. Wireless connection requires a WiFi adapter. A wired connection requires a USB3.2 port and the cable to connect to the headset. Make sure to purchase the right type of cable for your PC (not all PCs have a USC Type-C connector).