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Best graphics cards for VR in 2024 – Top GPUs for virtual reality

Looking to boost your VR experience with a GPU? We have got you covered
Last Updated on April 15, 2024
Best graphics cards for VR

As virtual reality continues to evolve and shape the gaming and entertainment community, the demand for a cutting-edge graphics card capable of delivering unparalleled VR experiences is reaching unprecedented levels. GPU manufacturers are engaged in fierce competition, striving to offer superior performance, advanced rendering capabilities, and tailored features specifically designed for VR applications. In this article, we will take a look at the best graphics cards for VR, exploring the leading contenders in the market and assessing their suitability for powering virtual reality. Whether you’re an avid VR enthusiast or a newcomer intrigued by the possibilities of this new form of gaming, we have got you covered.

Products at a Glance

How we picked the best graphics cards for VR

Our methodology for selecting the best graphics card for VR involves a lot of market research, thoroughly sifting through user reviews and publically available benchmarks, and drawing on our extensive topic knowledge of both GPUs and the virtual reality experience. In this case, looking at the relevant available data and reviews helps us to understand how different graphics cards handle VR applications and games. This includes looking at frame rates, graphical fidelity, and the ability to maintain smooth performance in various VR-related scenarios.

Additionally, we make sure to factor in longevity and future-proofing. With the ever-evolving nature of PC and VR components and software, we emphasize GPUs that perform exceptionally today and show promise to still perform for upcoming VR headsets and game titles. We also consider the value proposition of each GPU. This means evaluating the price-to-performance ratio to ensure users get the best VR experience without overspending and trying to include a price-conscious budget option as well as high-end picks to recognize the diverse needs of our audience.

If you’re looking for a graphics card that’s a more well-rounded performer for your gaming setup, it’s worth also reading through our guides to the best GPU for 4K gaming, or perhaps the best AMD graphics card if you’re more loyal to a certain brand. However, let’s not stray from the task at hand: keep reading on to find our picks of the best graphics cards for VR.

Our Recommended

Product Reviews

1
PROS
  • Superior performance over last-gen cards
  • Efficient cooling system
  • Ample 20GB GDDR6 memory
CONS
  • Higher price relative to RX 7900 XTX
  • Requires a 750W system power
  • Large sizes may not fit in all cases

The PowerColor Hellhound AMD Radeon RX 7900 XT is a robust graphics card featuring 20GB GDDR6 memory and a high stream processor count of 5376 units. With a game clock of up to 2130 MHz (OC) and a boost clock of 2500 MHz (OC), this card is designed to deliver exceptional performance, particularly in VR environments. The 320-bit memory interface and high memory bandwidth ensure smooth handling of VR content.

This graphics card is ideal for VR enthusiasts seeking top-tier performance without going for the most expensive option in the market. The ample video memory and high clock speeds make it capable of handling demanding VR applications and games with ease. Furthermore, its cooling system ensures that the card remains cool under load, maintaining performance stability during extended VR gaming sessions.

2
PROS
  • Superb performance
  • DLSS and Ray Tracing
  • Thermal Management
  • Future-proof
CONS
  • Premium Price
  • Overkill

The Nvidia GeForce RTX 4090 Founders Edition is truly a VR powerhouse thanks to its cutting-edge technology. Its impressive processing power, fueled by the Ada Lovelace architecture and 16GB of GDDR6X memory, tackles demanding VR titles with ease, delivering smooth gameplay even at high resolutions and maxed-out settings.

Furthermore, the RTX 4090 boasts two key features that elevate VR experiences: DLSS (Deep Learning Super Sampling) and hardware-accelerated ray tracing. DLSS boosts performance, crucial for maintaining the high frame rates required for a seamless and comfortable VR experience. Ray tracing, on the other hand, enhances lighting effects, creating a more immersive and realistic VR environment.

However, the RTX 4090 Founders Edition comes with a hefty price tag, reflecting its top-tier performance. It’s important to remember that other powerful GPUs, can also deliver a compelling VR experience at potentially lower costs. Ultimately, the best choice for you depends on your budget and specific VR gaming needs. If you prioritize absolute top performance and cost isn’t a major concern, the RTX 4090 Founders Edition stands as a powerful and future-proof option. If you’re looking for a more balanced approach, other powerful GPUs might offer a more cost-effective solution for your VR gaming desires.

3
PROS
  • Price
  • DLSS
  • Future-Proofing
CONS
  • Not top-tier performance (RTX 4090)

PC Guide Product Review: Nvidia RTX 4070 Review

Our third choice for the best graphics cards for VR is the Nvidia RTX 4070 Founders Edition. Here’s why it’s a good VR choice.

The RTX 4070 packs a punch with its Ada Lovelace architecture and ample GDDR6X memory. This translates to smooth gameplay in VR titles, especially at moderate to high resolutions and graphics settings. Just like the RTX 4090 Founder’s Edition, the 4070 supports DLSS. This technology is a game-changer for VR because it allows you to enjoy high-quality visuals without sacrificing frame rates. DLSS can upscale lower resolutions to near-native quality, giving you a crisp experience while ensuring smooth performance – essential for avoiding nausea in VR. Additionally, the 4070’s power gives you some headroom for future VR titles that might be more demanding. With this card, you’re less likely to need an upgrade for a while, making it a potentially future-proof VR solution.

Compared to the RTX 4090, the 4070 Founders Edition is significantly cheaper. This makes it a more budget-friendly option for those who still want excellent VR performance. However, the 4090 does outperform the 4070 in nearly every category.

Overall, the RTX 4070 Founders Edition offers a compelling balance between affordability and performance, making it a great choice for VR gamers who want a powerful and future-proof graphics card without breaking the bank.

4
PROS
  • Exceptionally powerful for VR gaming
  • Efficient power consumption
  • High-quality build and cooling system
CONS
  • Expensive
  • Needs a significant case space

The ASUS TUF Gaming NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090 OC is a high-end graphics card that offers exceptional performance for VR gaming. It features a massive 24GB of VRAM and a high GPU clock speed of 2595 MHz in OC mode. The card utilizes NVIDIA Ada Lovelace Streaming Multiprocessors for improved performance and energy efficiency, and it’s equipped with the latest Tensor and RT cores for enhanced AI and ray tracing capabilities.

This GPU is a powerhouse suited for the most demanding VR applications and games. It’s perfect for enthusiasts who want the absolute best VR experience without compromises, offering unparalleled performance in both current and future VR titles. 

Best graphics cards for VR – Features and considerations

Raw graphical power

When considering a graphics card for VR, the first essential feature is raw graphical power. The GPU needs to have enough horsepower to handle VR’s high-resolution and high-refresh-rate demands. This usually means opting for higher-end GPUs with substantial VRAM, as VR applications can be quite memory-intensive. 

VR headset compatibility

Another key consideration is the GPU’s compatibility with various VR headsets and the ecosystem of VR games and applications. It should have enough ports, like HDMI or DisplayPort, to connect to VR headsets. The card’s cooling system and power efficiency also play a crucial role, as VR gaming can be resource-intensive and may cause the GPU to heat up.

What is the best GPU for virtual reality gaming?

The best GPUs for virtual reality gaming are the PowerColor Hellhound AMD Radeon RX 7900 XT and the Nvidia GeForce RTX 4090 Founders Edition. Both cards deliver excellent performance and are capable of handling the demanding nature of VR gaming. While the price may vary, we definitely recommend taking a look if you get a chance.

Our Verdict

The PowerColor Hellhound AMD Radeon RX 7900 XT excels in delivering the demanding performance required for immersive VR experiences, offering the power to handle complex virtual environments and detailed textures. This card’s ability to remain cool under pressure ensures stable performance in VR gaming.

Additionally, the Nvidia  RTX 4090 Founder’s Edition offers the maximum performance for VR. While the card excels in almost every category required to be the best in this scenario, its steep price tag and performance capabilities are very much overkill for the demands of VR gaming. Which one will you pick?