The Minimum PC Specs Required for Windows 10 VR Headsets

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The virtual reality experiences is a big part of the Creators Update next year for all Windows PCs. Unlike other VR vendors like HTC’s Vive and Oculus’ Rift who use their own custom system, Microsoft has created its own VR platform with Windows Holographic, the same environment that powers the company’s HoloLens headset. The VR headsets for Windows will start at $299 and it requires a PC that has enough power to have a smooth experience.

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Microsoft hasn’t released an official document stating the minimum requirement for the hardware but according to the “Windows Holographic First Run” which is included in the latest test builds of Windows 10, it appears that the requirements are pretty basic:

  • 4GB of RAM
  • USB 3.0 Port
  • A graphics card with DirectX 12 support
  • 4 CPU cores, including dual-core processors with hyperthreading

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This is some good news for anyone interested in the VR world without investing a big chunk of money on a powerful PC but we will still have to wait and see what types of apps and games will be available at this level. Microsoft is planning to detail about the VR headsets for Windows 10 at an event in December. So let’s see what will be revealed.

//via TheVerge

/update on Dec. 12, 2016/

Microsoft officially released some more details about the minimum specs for Windows 10 VR headsets.

  • CPU: Intel Mobile Core i5 (e.g. 7200U) Dual-Core with Hyperthreading equivalent
  • GPU: Integrated Intel® HD Graphics 620 (GT2) equivalent or greater DX12 API Capable GPU
  • RAM: 8GB+ Dual Channel required for integrated Graphics
  • HDMI: HDMI 1.4 with 2880×1440 @ 60 Hz or HDMI 2.0 or DP 1.3+ with 2880×1440 @ 90 Hz
  • HDD:100GB+ SSD (Preferred) / HDD
  • USB: USB 3.0 Type-A or USB 3.1 Type-C Port with DisplayPort Alternate Mode
  • Bluetooth: Bluetooth 4.0 for accessories

The minimum specs essentially mean that most modern PCs will be able to run Windows 10 VR experiences, but games and apps will vary depending on the available specs to power them.

//via TheVerge

2 COMMENTS

  1. I just decided I wanted a Vive, but now I guess I’ll wait to see what MS comes up with.

    For the Vive I’d need to buy yet another new video card, and reports that my AMD 8350 may still be a bottleneck are concerning.

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