CPU is one of the most important components of any VR Computer setup, and it can make or break your VR Experience. If your CPU is not capable enough to support Virtual Reality content, it doesn’t matter how capable other components are, you won’t have the best VR Experience. That’s why it’s important to pick a CPU that can handle the Virtual Reality content. So, If you are building your VR Computer setup and wondering which CPU is best for Virtual Reality, this guide is for you. A CPU is one of a few key hardware requirements you need to run VR, with the other key component being a Graphics Card. In this comprehensive guide, we will share the best CPUs for Virtual Reality. Let’s dive right into it.
The Best CPUs for Virtual Reality
The idea of “Best CPU for Virtual Reality” is subjective, and it varies from person to person. It mainly depends on how much you are willing to spend on your CPU. In this section, we will outline the various GPUs you can use for Virtual Reality. Let’s take a look.
Intel Core I9-9900K (Best CPU for Virtual Reality)
Intel Core I9-9900K processor is arguably the best CPU for Virtual Reality. It comes with 8 Cores and 16 threads, which can easily handle the VR content without any problem.
The CPU runs at the speed of 5 GHz when it’s using one core, and when it’s using all 8 cores, the CPU runs at 4.7 GHz, which is still respectable, and it won’t experience any issues dealing with VR. Also, when it comes to cooling, the Intel has used the “Solder Based Thermal Interface Material (STIM) material in this processor, which offers better heat dissipation, and hence you get the better performance under load.
If you are looking for a top of the line CPU and budget isn’t an issue for you, you should consider Intel Core I9-9900K processor because it’s the best you can get.
AMD Ryzen 9 3900X (Best AMD CPU for Virtual Reality)
AMD Ryzen 9 3900X is the latest and greatest CPU by AMD that comes with raw power. This CPU is designed to handle the VR systems, and just like the Intel Core I9-9900K processor, Ryzen 9 offers the top of the line performance.
It comes with 16 Cores and 32 Threads, which allow the CPU to handle the complex tasks without breaking a sweat. Also, this CPU is arguably one of the most powerful CPUs out there. Its performance is unmatched in terms of 3D Rendering, Video Encoding, and Memory Bandwidth, which are the traits of an ideal VR CPU.
The only problem with AMD Ryzen 9 3900X is that it doesn’t come with AMD’s Wraith Prism Cooler, but it shouldn’t be a deal-breaker as you can always go for an AIO cooler. Overall, AMD Ryzen 9 3900X is a very capable CPU that can easily handle the VR Systems, and if you want the Top-end AMD CPU, you should consider this one.
Intel Core I5-9600K (Best Budget CPU for Virtual Reality)
When it comes to VR Setup, many people think that only premium CPUs can handle VR, but it’s not true. There are some very capable CPUs available that can handle the basic VR, and Intel Core I5-9600K is one of them.
It’s the mid-range processor by Intel that comes with enough power to handle VR. Intel Core I5-9600K comes with 6 Cores and 6 threads that can handle the complex tasks easily. This processor is surely not as powerful as the premium processors in this list, but it can get the job done.
Another great thing about Intel Core I5-9600K is that it comes with great overclocking capabilities, which means you can get more power from it by unlocking it. If you are building a budget VR Setup and looking for an affordable option, then Intel Core I5-9600K is arguably the best option.
We would also like to give the honorable mention to Intel Core I5-10400 Processor, which is the 10th generation Intel processor, and it also offers great performance. However, we think that Intel Core I5-9600K offers better value.
AMD Ryzen 5 2600 (Best Budget AMD CPU for Virtual Reality)
AMD Ryzen 5 2600 is another very capable CPU that comes with excellent value for money. It’s also the cheapest CPU for Virtual Reality on this list.
If we look at the performance, AMD Ryzen 5 2600 is really good. It can run the VR Content smoothly, and it also comes with great overclocking potential as well, which means that you boost the performance further. AMD Ryzen 5 2600 comes with 6 Cores and 12 threads, which are enough to handle the Basic VR Content. So, if you want a CPU that is cheap and comes with overclocking potential, then AMD Ryzen 5 2600 is our recommendation.
Conclusion
That’s all, folks. These are the Best CPUs for Virtual Reality. If you want the best CPU for Virtual Reality, then Intel Core I9-9900K is the best option. You can consider Ryzen 9 3900X if you want AMD’s CPU. We have also shared the budget VR CPUs as well, which you can consider. Let us know your thoughts on these CPUs in the comment section below. Also, don’t forget to visit our website for more useful guides on VR.