Virtual reality is uncommon no more. Those cool VR headsets connect with your phone and show you a different world in front of your eyes. However, the experience is not immersive enough on mobile devices. It is because of small screens and low-end graphics configuration.
But with mainstream Headsets like the Oculus Rift S and HTC Vive, you can significantly improve your VR experience. And for this, you’ll need a powerful PC with a powerful GPU or Graphics card. So if you’re looking for one, we can help. But before you choose a GPU for Virtual Reality Gaming, you must consider the below factors: –
- RAM Capacity
More is the RAM capacity, better is the performance. GPUs come with their RAM to handle more tasks at a time. So, if you need the best performance, you need to go for a higher RAM. Our list has 4GB,6GB, 8GB and even 11GB GPUs. So, choose accordingly.
- Cooling System
GPUs tend to heat up during hardcore gaming or other heavy operations. However, a better cooling system can help you handle the heat well. So, look for compressive cooling and better fans while considering GPU.
- Size & Noise
Check for the size too. The ones with three fans will occupy more space. So, check for the size to make sure it fits into your CPU box. Also, check whether or not the GPU is silent while in use. If it produces too much sound, it can disturb the overall gaming experience.
So these were some important factors to consider. If you want to know more, we have a comprehensive “Buyer’s Guide” at the end. Now let’s talk about the best GPUs.
5 Best Graphics Cards for VR 2024 List
| Best Graphics Cards for VR | Chipset | Video Memory | Memory Interface | Buy Now |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Asus ROG Strix GeForce GTX Graphics Card | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4080 | 16GB GDDR6X | 256-bit | Check On Amazon |
| ZOTAC NVIDIA GE FORCE RTX Graphics Card | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090 | 24GB GDDR6X | 384-bit | Check On Amazon |
| ASUS TUF Gaming Graphics Card | NVIDIA GeForce GTX 4070 | 12GB GDDR6X | 192-bit | Check On Amazon |
| GIGABYTE GE FORCE Graphics Card | NVIDIA GeForce GTX 4060 | 8GB GDDR6 | 128-bit | Check On Amazon |
| ZOTAC GeForce GTX 1060 Graphics Card | NVIDIA GeForce GTX 4060 | 16GB GDDR6 | 128-bit | Check On Amazon |
Best Graphics Cards for VR 2024 Reviews
1. Asus ROG Strix GeForce GTX Graphics Card
ASUS ROG Strix GeForce RTX® 4080 Gaming Graphics Card – a cutting-edge solution for gaming enthusiasts seeking top-tier performance.
With the 4th Generation Tensor Cores, experience a remarkable 2X boost in AI performance, while the 3rd Generation RT Cores ensures up to 2 times the ray tracing performance, bringing unparalleled realism to gaming visuals. The 3.5-slot design, featuring a massive fin array optimized for airflow and three Axial-tech fans, enhances heat dissipation.
With advanced features such as PCIe 4.0 support, 16GB GDDR6X graphics RAM, and connectivity options including HDMI 2.1a and DisplayPort 1.4a, the ASUS ROG Strix GeForce RTX® 4080 sets a new standard for gaming graphics.
Best Features:
- 4th Gen Tensor Cores for 2x AI performance
- 3rd Gen RT Cores for 2x ray tracing performance
- Axial-tech fans for 23% more airflow
- Patented vapor chamber for lower GPU temps
- 3.5-slot design with optimized fin array
Pros:
- Powerful and Fast
- Doesn’t run hot, even when fans turn on.
- The card is extremely quiet.
- Worth every penny
Cons:
- Expensive
2. ZOTAC NAVIDA GEFORCE Graphics Card
ZOTAC GAMING GeForce RTX 4090 AMP Extreme AIRO graphics card. Powered by the NVIDIA Ada Lovelace architecture, this GPU is a gaming powerhouse with 24GB of GDDR6X memory for exceptional performance.
Designed with an AIR-Optimized concept inspired by aerodynamics, the RTX 4090 AMP Extreme AIRO ensures efficient utilization of its advanced gaming capabilities. With a boost clock speed of 2580MHz and a PCI Express x16 4.0 interface, it delivers robust performance, making it ideal for even the most demanding gaming scenarios.
Keep your gaming rig cool with IceStorm 3.0 Advanced Cooling, while the FREEZE Fan Stop and Active Fan Control ensure optimal temperature management. The dual BIOS adds flexibility to your performance settings, adapting to your gaming needs.
Add a touch of style with SPECTRA 2.0 RGB Lighting that not only enhances aesthetics but is also compatible with external LED strips. To ensure stability and support, the RTX 4090 AMP Extreme AIRO comes bundled with a GPU Support Bracket.
Features
- 24GB GDDR6X memory
- AIR-Optimized design for efficiency
- Boost clock speed: 2580MHz
- PCI Express x16 4.0 interface
- Streaming Multiprocessors for 2x performance
- 4th Gen Tensor Cores for 2x AI performance
- 3rd Gen RT Cores for 2x ray tracing performance
- IceStorm 3.0 Advanced Cooling
Pros:
- Great quality and great performance
- The FireStorm software works great
- Cooling is excellent
Cons:
- Mechanically incompatible with ASUS X299 SAGE 2
3. ASUS TUF Gaming GeForce GTX Graphics Card
Here’s yet another GPU from ASUS which is VR ready. It has a DDR6X 16GB VRAM with a memory speed of 4000MHz. It can handle most of your VR operations with ease. The device is compact and easy to install.
The redesigned cooling system features axial-tech fans, scaled up for 21% more airflow, ensuring optimal temperatures during demanding gaming sessions. With dual ball fan bearings that last up to twice as long as conventional designs, you can rely on the longevity and reliability of this powerhouse.
The addition of a metal exoskeleton not only provides structural rigidity but also incorporates vents to enhance heat reliability, ensuring optimal performance even under intense gaming conditions. So, it can be a great long-term investment in your VR gaming rig.
Best Features:
- PCIe 4.0 interface, 12GB GDDR6X memory
- Powered by NVIDIA DLSS3, Ada Lovelace architecture
- Full ray tracing capabilities
- 4th Gen Tensor Cores for 4x DLSS 3 performance
- 3rd Gen RT Cores for 2x ray tracing performance
- Axial-tech fans with 21% more airflow
- Dual ball fan bearings for extended lifespan
Pros:
- Paired great with my Ryzen 7 7800x3D
- Cooling is amazing
- No coil whining
Cons:
- Expensive
4. GIGABYTE GE FORCE RTX Graphics Card
Here’s another GPU from Gigabyte that has 8GB DDR6 memory.
GIGABYTE GeForce RTX 4060 WINDFORCE OC 8G Graphics Card, a cutting-edge solution that promises an immersive gaming and creative experience. With NVIDIA’s DLSS 3, efficient Ada Lovelace architecture, and full ray tracing capabilities, this graphics card stands at the forefront of technological innovation.
Featuring a GeForce RTX 4060 with 8GB GDDR6 128-bit memory, this graphics card boasts a GPU clock speed of 17000 MHz and supports various video output interfaces, including DisplayPort and HDMI. The WINDFORCE Cooling System ensures optimal temperature control during intense gaming sessions, while the RGB Fusion allows for customizable lighting to match your setup.
The GIGABYTE GeForce RTX 4060 WINDFORCE OC 8G guarantees a visually stunning and responsive experience. The graphics card is further enhanced by features like Dual BIOS for added flexibility and a Protection metal back plate for increased durability.
Best Features:
- Powered by GeForce RTX 4060
- 8GB GDDR6 128-bit memory interface
- GPU Clock Speed: 17000 MHz
- WINDFORCE Cooling System for efficient temperature management
- RGB Fusion for customizable lighting
- Dual BIOS for enhanced flexibility
- Protection metal back plate for durability
Pros:
- Great Entry Level Graphics Card
- Perfect 2.0 PCIe slot for for Intel NUC!
Cons:
- Runs a little hot
5. ZOTAC Gaming GeForce RTX Graphics Card
ZOTAC Gaming GeForce RTX 4060 Ti 16GB AMP DLSS 3 – a compact gaming graphics card that redefines visual excellence and performance. Powered by NVIDIA DLSS 3, ultra-efficient Ada Lovelace architecture, and full ray tracing capabilities, this graphics card stands at the forefront of cutting-edge technology.
Designed for optimal performance, this compact gaming graphics card features a boost clock of 2595 MHz and 16GB GDDR6 memory to handle demanding gaming and creative tasks. The IceStorm 2.0 Advanced Cooling, along with SPECTRA RGB Lighting, ensures efficient temperature management and adds a touch of customization to your setup.
Equipped with 2x 90mm fans, FREEZE Fan Stop, and Active Fan Control, this graphics card adapts to your system’s needs for a quiet and efficient cooling solution. The Metal Backplate adds durability and a sleek aesthetic to the card.
Best Features:
- GeForce RTX 4060 Ti with 2595 MHz GPU Clock Speed
- 16GB GDDR6 memory on a 128-bit interface at 18 Gbps
- PCIE 4.0 support for enhanced performance
- IceStorm 2.0 Advanced Cooling for efficient temperature management
- SPECTRA RGB Lighting for customizable aesthetics
- 2x 90mm fans with FREEZE Fan Stop and Active Fan Control
- Metal Backplate for durability and a sleek look
Pros:
- Good performance
Cons:
- Slightly pricey
Buying Guide for the Best Graphics card for VR
Sometimes it can be quite confusing to make the right choice. It’s the reason why we’ve listed some factors in detail that you must consider. Please refer below: –
1. RAM Capacity
RAM is a crucial aspect of ‘your GPU, and so is the speed. More is the RAM storage better will the system be in multi-tasking. If your gaming needs are normal, you can go for a GPU that has 4 or 6GB of VRAM. However, if you’re a hardcore gamer, you’ll need probably 8GBs of VRAM at least.
And if you’re one step ahead of hardcore, there’s an 11GB VRAM variant too. You can choose the ASUS ROG STRIX GeForce.
2. Cooling System
This is another vital feature you should look for in a GPU. Traditional cooling systems were not much effective and led to heating of the GPU. So, look for something latest like alternate spinning fans that offer better dispersion and efficient cooling.
Also, look for a system where the heat sink is in touch with the GPU. This helps in a smooth and fast heat transfer, which keeps the entire system cool.
3. Size & Noise
Some GPUs have two fans, while some have 3. And this variation can determine whether or not the GPU will fit in the CPU cabinet. So, check for how much space your GPU will occupy and make sure your CPU has enough space to accommodate it.
Keep an eye on alternate spinning fans for maintaining a silent operation. Alternate fans not only keep the system cool but offer a silent option too. It’s because alternate spinning reduces turbulence and offers better dispersion, eventually producing less sound. If you want a cool and silent operation, keep the noise factor in mind.
4. Warranty & Reviews
Warranty is quite important. You need to check the warranty of the GPU you want to buy at the manufacturer’s website. It’ll protect you in case something goes wrong. Also, make sure to look for a product that has good customer reviews.
Customer reviews and ratings reveal how good the product is. So, make sure to go through the ratings at least once.
Conclusion
A good graphics card is essential for you to experience the best of VR. All of the GPUs in the above list are reliable and offer amazing performance. You can go through the buying guide and see if it helps. However, you can also go through the products we find best for VR: –
- ZOTAC GeForce Graphics Card: If you’re seeking an ultimate VR experience, this product can be it. It may be pricey but has the best RAM capacity. It comes with 24GB VRAM, which is enough to support those high-end VR games. Also, it features a 2580Mhz boost clock, which is another performance enhancer.
- Gigabyte GeForce Graphics Card: If you need something affordable but effective, go for this one. It comes with 8GB DDR6 VRAM, which is good enough for high-end usage. It also features an effective cooling system that maintains the GPU temperature even when you’re hardcore gaming.
- ASUS TUF Graphics Card: This is best for people who want a compact and affordable GPU for VR gaming. It has a massive 12GB DDR6X VRAM and is based on the new Pascal architecture. This architecture makes this GPU ready for all the VR experiences you can think of. It has an amazing boos clock of 1708Mhz, which is another beautiful factor.
The only suggestion is that research properly before making any decision. Hope this article will provide you some valuable information.
One Response
The best GPUs for VR are all 5 year old cards selling above their original MSRP.. riiiight..