How to check if my laptop is VR-ready: Today, virtual reality-ready laptops are increasingly popular, even though they were just high-end desktop computers just a few years ago.
Now the question is can I run VR on my laptop? And if so, how do I know if my laptop is VR ready? Let’s know all the answers.
Yes, It is possible to play VR on your laptop. The laptop must be VR-ready. In this case, you should look at the GPU, CPU, and RAM. Additionally, make sure you have enough access to appropriate USB ports.
Initially, VR gaming headsets needed powerful computers to provide a smooth immersive experience. But these days, you no longer require a strong gaming laptop or PC to establish your virtual empire.
The majority of gaming rigs from the last five years are already equipped for VR. And the best VR headsets have finally become affordable and, perhaps most importantly, runnable.
The specifications of your laptop will also tell you whether it is VR-ready or not. If you cannot take the VR-ready test before purchasing a laptop, researching laptops is usually easier.
You can use our complete guide to see if your laptop is VR-ready. Thanks to online tests, you can easily discover how to know if your laptop is VR-ready. So let’s see how to know if your laptop is VR-ready or not!
What Is a VR-ready Laptop?
A VR-ready laptop is basically any computer that can handle the graphics and processing requirements of a tethered VR headset and is capable of providing an immersive gaming experience. Retailers now attach a label on laptops to highlight that they are VR-ready.
How Do I Know if My Laptop Is VR ready?
There are some VR compatibility checker tools like
- Oculus Rift Compatibility Check Tool (not available on the official website)
- HTC Vive Check Tool
- SteamVR Performance Test Tool
Using these tools, you can quickly check if your Windows 10 PC is VR-ready. Let’s take a look at them.
How to Use the Oculus Rift Compatibility Check Tool?
Download and run the Oculus Rift Compatibility Tool to see if your PC is ready for the Oculus Rift.
The software will examine your PC’s hardware to confirm that you have enough graphics processors, CPU, RAM, and USB ports to handle the device.
As some older motherboards seem to have issues with the Rift, this tool will also check your motherboard’s USB controller.
If your PC fails the test, the program will inform you of the issue.
If you need to upgrade your hardware, the minimum requirements are listed in the last section of this page.
Oculus Rift Minimum Hardware Requirements
CPU: Intel i5-4590 / AMD Ryzen 5 1500X or better, GPU: NVIDIA GTX 1060 / AMD Radeon RX 480 / R9 290 or better, RAM: 8GB+, Video Output: HDMI 1.3, Ports: 1x USB 3.0 + 2x USB 2.0, OS: Windows 7 with Service Pack 1 (64 bit)
How to Use HTC Vive Check Tool?
The software will scan your computer to see whether it fulfills the minimum requirements for running Vive.
The entire scan takes only a few minutes. When the test is finished, the results are shown, indicating to the user whether or not his computer is capable of running Vive.
It will ask you to upgrade to a fully compatible system if your computer does not pass the parameters.
HTC Vive Minimum Hardware Requirements.
CPU: Intel Core i5-4590/AMD FX 8350 or better, GPU: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 970 / AMD Radeon R9 290 similar or better, RAM: 4GB+, USB Ports: 1 USB 2.0 port / 1x USB 3.0, Video Output: HDMI 1.4 / DisplayPort 1.2 or better, OS: Windows 7 SP1 / Windows 8.1 / Windows 10.
How to Use SteamVR Performance Test tool?
It might be a good idea to check your laptop’s VR compatibility with Steam, the most popular gaming client for PC users. This is especially significant if you plan to use their VR platform.
Here is how to do it:
1. Install the software on your PC after downloading it (you will need a free Steam account)
2. Start the program and wait for it to complete the test. When it’s finished, you’ll have all the information you need to know about how virtual reality-ready your laptop is.
Note: Please ensure that your laptop is plugged in and not on battery power whilst taking this test!
Your findings will appear on a line that is colored red, yellow, and green after a few minutes.
The results will appear in red, yellow, and green after a few minutes.
- Red – Your PC is not ready.
- Yellow – You will be able to run VR games, but the performance won’t be optimal.
- Green signals – Your PC is fully VR Ready.
SteamVR Recommended Hardware Requirements
CPU: Intel i5-4590 / AMD FX 8350 similar or better, GPU: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 970 / AMD Radeon R9 290 similar or better, RAM: 4 GB RAM, OS: Win 7 SP1 / Win 8.1 / or Win 10.
Other Tools to Check if My Laptop Is VR Ready
The Valve index also offers a compatibility checker app to test headset compatibility. In addition, Windows Mixed Reality PC Check can be downloaded to test other requirements.
What Specs Do I Need to Run VR on My Laptop?
I recommend investing in something a little better than the bare minimum if you are buying a laptop for VR gaming. Usually, the minimum requirements for games and new releases are not enough.
Due to the increasing graphics demands of VR games, you have to make sure your laptop is future-proof.
You should check three specs: graphics card, ports, and processor on your VR gaming laptop to make sure it is VR-ready. Additionally, you should have at least 8GB RAM, which almost every gaming laptop will have, even at the entry-level price point.
CPU
In both HTC’s and Oculus Quest’s cases, Intel i5-4590 / AMD Ryzen 5 1500X is the minimum required specification.
It is safe to assume that the vast majority of gaming laptops purchased in the last five years (if working with Intel) can handle virtual reality.
However, if you’d like to purchase a new laptop computer, intel’s 11th and 12th gen and AMD’s 5000 series processors offer more than enough power for most users.
GPU
To keep a virtual reality headset running smoothly, you will need a lot of graphical power, so a laptop without a dedicated graphics card is unlikely to be able to run it.
HTC Vive Pro 2 requires Nvidia GTX 1060 / AMD Radeon RX 480 graphics cards at a minimum, but at least RTX 2060 or RX 5700 are recommended.
I recommend going for the newer RTX GPUs for a new machine if you want to ensure that you’re not left behind.
Oculus Quest 2 recommends a minimum of an Nvidia GTX 970 / AMD Radeon 400 Series GPU. A VR headset should run smoothly on a graphics card no older than three or four years.
A VR-ready gaming laptop can’t do without its graphics card. Virtual reality requires a frame rate of 90Hz to keep up with the displays.
Ports
The connection between your laptop and VR device is one of the most important factors to bear in mind. Different VR headsets require different components in order to be powered up and displayed on your computer.
Not all laptops are equipped with DisplayPort functionality, so it’s worth double-checking before you buy. For instance, the HTC Vive Pro 2 requires a DisplayPort 1.2 connection and a USB 3.0 port. The Oculus Quest 2 requires a spare USB 3.0 port.
As a laptop owner, you should consider the additional accessories you may want to connect to your laptop, such as headphones, a gaming steering wheel, gloves, etc.
Memory
A bare minimum of 8GB of RAM is required for VR. In general, the amount of storage you will need depends on how many VR games you will save for later enjoyment.
Is a PC Required for VR?
The answer is no. You can run VR on your laptop as well. PCs are more suitable than laptops for VR because they are built better and have more powerful options for graphics and CPUs. Read my review here about How to Build a Pc for VR to get better ideas.
I’m not trying to discourage you. Laptops can also handle VR very well, but they are quite expensive, and they may overheat relatively quickly.
Top 3 Best PC for VR
- Best Overall >> HP Omen 30L
- Best for Professionals >> Alienware Aurora R12 and R11
- Best Budget Option >> CyberPowerPC Gamer Xtreme VR Gaming PC
Which VR Headsets Work Best With My Laptop?
In general, more expensive VR headset kits are the better choice from multiple options. Fortunately, prices have dropped considerably in recent months, making them more affordable.
You should get the Valve Index if running VR games and apps primarily on Steam. If you can afford to buy the full kit, or at least the headset and controllers.
Additionally, HTC Vive Cosmos and Oculus Rift headsets also work well with Steam VR.
Besides VR-ready laptops you also need a headset, controllers, DP cable adapter, etc for a better VR experience.
FAQ
Do VR Headsets Work With Mac?
Only the HTC Vive VR headset (HTC Vive & HTC Vive Pro) supports MacOS officially at this time. It requires similar specs to PCs, but an external GPU is recommended unless the Mac is the latest model.
Due to limited compatibility and software options, it’s not recommended to use a Mac to use a VR headset. Honestly, I wish there was a long list, but the Mac user’s choices are limited.
How Do I Build a VR-ready PC?
If you’re building a VR-ready PC, make sure the computer’s CPU, memory, graphics, and display output matches the specifications of your VR headset.
Another important factor is having enough USB ports and a compatible operating system. An SSD may also be helpful for faster performance.
Can a Hp Laptop Run VR?
Yes. HP offers VR-ready laptops for gaming and professional usage and to enhance your business and optimize your workflows.
Can an HP laptop run Oculus Rift?
Yes, it can.
Is VR Bad for the Brain?
There is no scientific proof that Virtual Reality causes permanent brain damage in adults or children. While using VR, only a few symptoms appear, such as dizziness, depression, and collapse. It is still in the early stages, so further research is required.
Which CPU Is Best for VR Gaming?
The Intel Core i7-9700K is the best value for VR. The Intel Core i7-9700K is equipped with eight cores and eight threads, a standard clock speed of 3.6 GHz, a boost clock speed of 4.9 GHz, and a TDP of 95 W. There are also other VR ready CPUs available, we will talk more on this later soon.
Bottom Line
I believe you have the solution based on what you’ve read so far. I’ve covered everything here. Everything will be OK if you simply follow the procedures I provided.
If you’re not sure if your laptop is VR-ready, look at the list of needed requirements for your headset and determine if your laptop meets those configurations.
Make sure it has Windows 10, a good graphics card, and a decent CPU. The latest gaming laptop owners can choose any headset that suits their needs. It will have all the specs and more.
There are countless budget and expensive gaming laptops for VR to choose from. As for the doubt: can I use VR on my laptop or Is my laptop VR ready, shake it off! Yes, you can use VR on your laptop.
