Best CPU For VR in 2022
There’s arguably never been a better time to jump into VR. Historically prohibitive hardware costs chart ever downwards, VR finally has its killer app in Half-Life: Alyx, there’s more options than ever when it comes to headsets, and, well, VR Chats growing popularity is on the uptick if we take Twitch viewer numbers as a measure of interest. While mass adoption may still be a few years away, there’s a sense that we are at a turning point when it comes to VR’s popularity.
If you’re planning on dipping into VR for the first time or plan to upgrade a struggling rig, then you probably have some pressing questions about what hardware is best suited for the best performance when exploring virtual worlds. Today, we’ll be looking specifically at what’s required on the CPU front, and we’ve as such compiled a least of the very best CPUs out there for VR.
Products at a Glance
Best CPU For VR in 2022
- Super fast speeds
- Excellent single-core performance
- Price may be prohibitive for those on a budget
- Excellent performance
- High core count
- Lower gaming performance compared to Intel
- Price
- VR performance
- Singel-core performance below Intel CPUs
- Performance
- Reasonably-priced for an Intel chip
- Pricier than AMD alternatives
- Best value among VR-suitable CPUs
- May not stand the test of time
Our Verdict
If you are looking for the very best CPU for VR that money can buy, then you can’t go wrong with the Intel Core i9-9900K, a powerhouse CPU capable of delivering a premium VR experience regardless of the game. Simply remember to pair it with a worthy GPU for the best performance possible.
If you’re already set up with an AMD socket motherboard or simply prefer team red, then the AMD Ryzen 9 3900X won’t disappoint, despite a marginal drop in gaming performance compared to our top pick.
Looking to our next pick, there’s the AMD Ryzen 7 3700X, which offers similar performance to the 3900X, but with a more palatable price. If you’re looking for a value Intel option, then the Intel Core i7-9700K will serve your VR needs well.
Last but by no means least, we have the entry-level AMD Ryzen 5 3600, which packs enormous amounts of value and more than enough processing power for a fantastic VR experience, given the cost.
And, with that, our guide to the best CPUs for VR comes to an end. We hope this has been informative and helped you on your journey to choosing the right CPU for VR based on your needs and budget. Don’t hesitate to chuck us a few words in the comment section below if you have any concerns or pressing questions. We’re happy to help.