Thinking about getting into VR?
We’ll show you some things to look out for
when choosing your virtual reality experience.
Wait!
How did I get hit?
We should mention this video is for those
looking to get into a full-fledged PC based
VR experience.
If you just want a taste of VR for under 20
bucks, you might want to check out our other
video on Google Cardboard here.
Before you run to Amazon or Newegg, just know
that for two of the most popular
VR systems, the HTC Vive and Oculus Rift,
you’ll spend between $600 and $800 just
for the headset and accessories.
But the wallet-devouring fun doesn’t stop
there, oh no!
If you need a brand-new PC to run these headsets,
you can expect to spend $1,000 or more.
We’ll cover the basic system requirements
next and hopefully you can save a few bucks
by using some existing hardware.
An entry-level VR system might not be as unreachable
as you think.
There’s a good chance that if you have a
newer system from the past two years, you
only need a graphics card.
Here’s the VR minimum requirements for both
HTC and Oculus.
A 4th gen Core i5 with a modest amount of
RAM and some spare USB ports should do the trick.
The video card is where most people might
need an upgrade.
VR specs require a higher-end card that’s
capable of running 90 frames per second.
For those who are truly budget-conscious,
try the AMD RX 480 which starts at $200 and
seems to be very capable.
To our Mac friends, sorry but the Vive and
Oculus are Windows only.
We don’t recommend using Boot Camp to run Windows
either because by most accounts it won’t work well.
Both companies have system checkers to see
how capable your PCs are.
We’ll post links to those below so you can
see where you might need an upgrade.
The last thing we’ll mention is something
you probably didn’t think of,
how much space you’ll need.
Both systems offer a seated or standing experience,
but what if you want to
get up and walk around your environment?
The HTC allows you to
walk through virtual worlds.
To do that, you’ll need at least a 7’
x 5’ area that’s free and clear of anything.
If you’ve got the space
to go bigger, you can.
With the Vive, you can move around
up to a 16’ diagonal area.
You’ll see these virtual
walls in your headset
when you set up your
space so you don’t go too far.
Now go out and have some
REAL fun in the virtual space!
But before you do that,
give this video the ol' thumbs up, will ya?
Also check out some
of our other great DIY videos.
My name is Trisha Hershberger
and I cannot wait to play WoW in VR
- my life will be over!
