Best graphics cards for VR for 2023
Best graphics cards for VR – In this era of technology, the use of computer modeling and simulation to interact with the visual 3D environment is becoming more common. Artists and filmmakers are now more interested in making imaginative pictures. Virtual reality is equally important in educational departments and for military and pilot training.
For delivering interactive and well-specified content to your audience, powerful graphics cards must be paired with a VR headset. Graphics cards must be stronger to handle complex tasks and can render high-end 3D images.
Whether you are going to develop a virtual reality application or want to play VR games, you will have to purchase graphics cards. A GPU can stabilize the frame rate per second, hence enhancing the better visual experience.
If you are confused, about choosing between a powerful PC and a stronger GPU. Then you should select powerful and compatible graphics cards for VR.
Since the market is complex and it could be very difficult to choose the right one. But you don’t need to worry, here I have come up with the 10 best graphics cards for VR. I have added these products after testing and a lot of verifications.
So, if you are looking for GPU for making your virtual room more effective, then you are in the right spot. just take a look at the detailed review and select the one which suits you the most.
Let’s dive a bit deeper into the article.
My top 10 picks for Graphics Cards for VR:
1. Nvidia GeForce RTX 3070 Graphics Card:
Key features:
Graphic RAM size: 8GB
GPU boost clock speed: 1700 MHZ
Output interface: HDMI
Memory clock speed: 1695 MHZ
Overview:
For taking huge simulations, Nvidia GeForce RTX 3070 graphics card with the maximum resolution is the best for military use.
My friend was in the military department and he told me about using this GPU for enhancing their simulation experience. With a high FPS rate of 144, it can also give you to render scenes much better without hurting your eyes.
Its TGP is just 20 watts and temperature would never be an issue for you. Moreover, it has also a cooler for managing high temperatures. It comes with a 12-pin power connector.
The size is very compact and you can take it with you anywhere in any backpack. The performance is great in this price range. High-ray tracing feature helped a lot in rendering 3D images on a 2D screen.
This is a great choice if you don’t want to spend thousands of dollars buying a card for your PC.
Why you should buy Nvidia GeForce RTX 3070?
My Nvidia GeForce RTX 3070 graphics card offers an excellent resolution with a decent memory size. If you want a cheaper yet more efficient graphic card for virtual reality, then I would highly suggest you buy this.
2. ASUS Nvidia GeForce RTX 3080 Graphics Card:
Key features:
Graphic RAM size: 12GB
GPU base clock speed: 1440 MHZ
Output interface: display port, HDMI
Memory clock speed: 1695 MHZ
Overview:
Being a fanatic streamer, I always wanted a brilliant virtual reality and high-end gaming performance. I was looking for the best graphics card for VR and gaming and, then found this masterpiece. I am super satisfied with its performance. That’s why I have included this in this list for you.
This GPU helps me a lot in playing games at the highest resolution of 8K. Moreover, I can use the ray tracing feature for stunning realistic image quality in a 3D environment.
Even though I used to play games for a good long time but I never face any issues with the hot system. It has two axial tech fan designs for providing an innovative cooling system.
Card performance is overall very good. I can play each type of game with it including VR games. And what is more exciting for me is that this card is working efficiently with my existing hardware. So, I don’t have to pay for an extra hardware system.
The only downside is that it is lacking a port for USB but the internal memory is sufficient for playing video games and watching content on YouTube and Netflix. That’s why I am happy with its overall performance. Yes, I pay a quite big amount for this card but it is paying me back much more than that.
Why you should buy Nvidia GeForce RTX 3080?
If you want to play high-end video games and VR games, then you should buy Nvidia GeForce RTX 3080 graphics card. But if you are on a tight budget, I would not suggest you buy this. Then consider Nvidia GeForce RTX 3070 graphics card listed above here.
3. ZOTAC GeForce RTX 3060 graphics card:
Key features:
Graphic RAM size: 12 GB
CPU clock speed: 1807 MHZ
Output interface: display port
Memory clock speed: 1717 MHZ
Overview:
I and my friend arranged a fashion show last week. And it was an amazing experience to be there in a virtual environment. I tried ZOTAC GeForce RTX 3060 graphics card for viewing stunning images. I am happy with its performance and come up with this beautiful graphics card for creating virtual reality. This has made my fashion ecosystem much more profitable than ever before.
The excellent storage size of 12 GB is good enough for watching and saving 4K videos. It offers an excellent ray tracing feature for stunning image quality. We both were beginners and didn’t have any idea of installing this modern graphics card but luckily, we arranged it in just 10 minutes.
The 12 GB RAM size gives more detailed images no matter which kind of virtual reality set you are going to use. It has come up in a small size and compact design so you can take it with you anywhere and can enjoy realistic 3D images anywhere. This was my choice because it has a very decent price tag yet enormous performance.
The fans can be louder under a heavy workload but as we were in a crowd so that was not a problem for us. However, avoid overloading the card and you will never hear a louder fan. Overall, it is a great purchase so far.
Why you should buy ZOTAC GeForce RTX 3060?
If you want a mid-range graphic card without hurting your pocket, then I would highly recommend you choose this one. The excellent memory size and ray tracing feature can make any virtual environment unforgettable.
4. MSI Gaming GeForce GTX 1660 graphics card:
Key features:
Graphic RAM size: 6GB
CPU clock speed: 1685 MHZ
Output interface: Display Port
Memory clock speed: 1815 MHZ
Overview:
I use this card for playing VR games and it is superb. Before this I paid double the amount but all in waste. But now this card has changed my VR gaming level. The excellent color fit quite well in my setup. It makes my gaming experience at 1080p much more exciting than ever before. This is very cheap but no compromise on performance. By looking at the price-to-performance ratio, surely you will never be disappointed. I can play any game by changing the setting easily.
If you are a beginner and want to get a mid-range card without hurting your pocket then this is the best option for you.
Why you should buy MSI Gaming GeForce GTX 1660?
MSI Gaming GeForce GTX 1660 graphics card is the best choice if you are on a very tight budget. This is an excellent data mining card. I am happy with its overall performance and would advise you to buy this mid-range card.
5. ASUS Dual AMD Radeon RX 6700 Graphics Card:
Key features:
Graphic RAM size: 12 GB
CPU clock speed: 2622 MHZ
Output interface: PCL express 4.0
Memory clock speed: 2474 MHZ
Overview:
Because I am well aware of the market of graphics cards, once my classmate who is now a doctor asked me to suggest to her the best GPU for viewing the internal organs of patients. She is very happy with its performance. So here is what she says about this ASUS Dual AMD Radeon RX 6700 graphics card.
The image quality is awesome and even you can render high-quality images on a screen. This helps in taking more refined and detailed images with maximum resolution. The higher FPS can boost the performance to the next level.
Sometimes during heavy workloads, the fan might be a little louder. But overall, it is a good card.
Why you should buy ASUS Dual AMD Radeon RX 6700?
ASUS Dual AMD Radeon RX 6700 graphics card is the best graphic card with the highest frame per second and better image quality. I am completely satisfied with it and highly recommend you buy this.
6. MSI Gaming GeForce RTX 3090 Gaming graphics card:
Key features:
Graphic RAM size: 24GB
CPU clock speed: 1695 MHZ
Output interface: display port, HDMI
Memory clock speed: 1.7GHZ
Overview:
I was working with my colleague for training purposes. With the help of this MSI Gaming GeForce RTX, 3090 Gaming graphics card our virtual training went very well.
It is the most reliable and fastest GPU for making an immersive virtual reality. Moreover, it offers a refined and compact design perfectly fit for carrying it to any area. The cooling system is efficient so you will not need to worry about heat dissipation.
Since I was using it for training purposes so I mounted it in the larger PC case. The image views were stunning and it has helped me a lot to make a virtual training just like a real one without any destruction.
MSI Gaming GeForce RTX 3090 Gaming graphics card is good enough for creating an impressive virtual environment. There was no fan noise because of the better cooling system and increased clock speed.
It is quite expensive but after this impressive performance, I will never regret spending more on it.
Why you should buy MSI Gaming GeForce RTX 3090?
If you are looking for a compact-size, high-end graphic processing unit then you have come to the right place. MSI Gaming GeForce RTX 3090 Gaming graphics card is a very well-designed graphic card for rendering high-level virtual reality.
7. MSI RTX 3060 Ti Gaming X graphics card:
Key features:
Graphic RAM size: 12 GB
CPU clock speed: 1710 MHZ
Output interface: DisplayPort
Memory clock speed: 1807 MHZ
Overview:
I am currently training college students for their annual sports gala. I am using VR technology for providing a realistic environment. MSI RTX 3060 Ti Gaming X graphics card helps me in providing a highly simulated and safe environment for training them. They are super satisfied with my training method. That’s why I have included MSI RTX 3060 Ti Gaming X graphics card in my top list.
The maximum 200+ frames per second will allow you to have a much better image view without hurting your eyes.
Even I was able to deliver training through high-end videos. It is the best video card I have ever used. I was able to render each type of image and video by changing the setting from low to high and vice versa.
The fans are much quieter because of better overclocking speed. With the amazing ray tracing feature, I can get stunning 3D images even on a 2D screen.
It is a great choice if you are not on a very tight budget. But what a great performance it delivers, I am super satisfied with it.
Why you should buy MSI RTX 3060 Ti Gaming X graphics card?
MSI RTX 3060 Ti Gaming X graphics card is the best option for creating a high-level virtual environment. If you are interested in getting more powerful graphics cards with a high frame rate per second then this is the best choice for you. It is expensive but even so it is worth the price.
8. ZOTAC RTX 3080 Ti AMP Holo graphics card:
Key features:
Graphic RAM size: 12 GB
CPU clock speed: 1710 MHZ
Output interface: DisplayPort, HDMI
Memory clock speed: 1770 MHZ
Overview:
As a filmmaker, my main objective is to trigger the audience for involvement in the story. This ZOTAC RTX 3080 Ti AMP Holo graphics card allows the audience to get rid of the typical monitor screen by increasing the interactive effect.
With its amazing ray tracing feature people enjoy watching 3D images on a 2D screen. This made people immersed in the movie. It is a very fast GPU giving me quality performance. I can change colors on the screen due to its fantastic RGB feature.
Since I was using this ZOTAC RTX 3080 Ti AMP Holo graphics card for rendering high-quality images and scenes that’s why sometimes it gets a little hot. But having an efficient cooler can compensate for the problem. Otherwise, you are going to damage your whole system. I have installed a cooler and the graphics card is working very well.
Why you should buy ZOTAC RTX 3080 Ti AMP Holo graphics card?
ZOTAC RTX 3080 Ti AMP Holo graphics card with the impressive RGB feature and maximum ray tracing is popular among filmmakers and streamers. If you want that kind of performance, I would advise you to buy this masterpiece.
9. ASUS TUF Gaming AMD Radeon RX 6900 XT OC graphics card:
Key features:
Graphic RAM size: 16GB
CPU clock speed: 234 MHZ
Output interface: DisplayPort, HDMI
Memory clock speed: 2340 MHZ
Overview:
My younger brother bought ASUS TUF Gaming AMD Radeon RX 6900 XT OC graphics card last month. He is a fanatic streamer and used this card for rendering high-level VR games. He found it the most suitable with the hardware system.
A memory size of 16 GB is good enough for playing VR games and a good clocking speed of 2340 MHZ can boost the performance. This is an excellent powerhouse with a decent price tag. The cooling system is efficient and works quietly. So, no noise and better performance.
With the low price and quality card, what else can anyone desire? It is a great purchase.
Why you should buy ASUS TUF Gaming AMD Radeon RX 6900 XT OC graphics card?
If you want a good graphics card for playing VR games, then ASUS TUF Gaming AMD Radeon RX 6900 XT OC graphics card with a low price is a good thing.
10. GIGABYTE GeForce RTX 3060 graphics card:
Key features:
Graphic RAM size: 12 GB
CPU clock speed: 1837 MHZ
Output interface: DisplayPort
Memory clock speed: 15000 MHZ
Overview:
I used this card when I was a beginner-level VR gamer. It has come up with an easy installment procedure and setup. I admire it for its amazing RGB feature. Moreover, its low price attracted me and it was a fantastic experience with this graphics card. I was researching the best budget graphics card for playing 4k games and VR games and found this after a lot of struggle. But you do not need to worry, here I have come up with this GIGABYTE GeForce RTX 3060 graphics card.
It is super easy to install and use. Just follow the instructions given with it. This graphics card delivers much better performance at a very affordable price. You can change the colors of images according to your taste and needs.
The size is bulky but it was not a big issue for me because I had compatible hardware for this card.
Why you should buy GIGABYTE GeForce RTX 3060 graphics card?
If you are lacking a graphics card for your existing old hardware system, then GIGABYTE GeForce RTX 3060 graphics card may serve you a lot.
Buyer’s guide:
Resolution:
Higher resolution means a large number of pixels per second which in turn ensure better-detailed images. For creating a high-end VR simulations, you should go for the graphics cards with at least 4K resolution. However, 1080p resolution is good enough for sharp and detailed images.
Clock speed:
The faster the clock speed, the quicker your graphics card will access the data. It measures the rate at which cores of the GPU operate. This is a good indicator of the overall performance of the processor. So, it is necessary to check the clocking speed of the GPU before buying. Then you can estimate the performance level of a purchased graphics cards for VR experience.
RAM size:
RAM size plays a vital role in overall VR performance. Having at least 6 GB is crucial for a smooth gaming experience. But if you want to play high-end VR games you should go for an 8 GB memory size or above graphics cards. A 16 GB VRAM will make your virtual environment more impressive.
Architecture:
GPUs are designed for parallel processing. You should prefer a GPU having a large number of cores and threads for processing multiple tasks simultaneously.
Ray tracing:
Ray tracing is used to get stunning 3D images even on 2D screens. This is the best for simulating light within a 3D virtual setting. If you want to get brilliant realistic images, then you should consider ray tracing technology. Although, older graphics cards now support this feature modern graphics card provides excellent image quality and gaming level. So, you should select the one which suits your need.
Several cords:
Every PC has ports like HDMI port, DisplayPort, etc. While buying a new cord for your existing hardware system, consider the number of available ports. Otherwise, you are going to waste your money or damage your hardware system.
Your budget:
Money is a key factor in any purchase. While buying the best graphics card for VR games, keep a strict eye on its price. Though You want to watch high-end VR games, if you don’t want to spend thousands of dollars then mid-range graphics cards can be the best option for you.
Your needs for creating a virtual environment:
Each graphics card comes up with a specific feature, designed for different purposes. First, decide where you want to create a virtual environment then you will be better able to make a wise decision. If you are a pro-level VR gamer then the Nvidia GeForce RTX 3080 graphics card will be the best choice for you. But if you are a beginner then you should consider ZOTAC GeForce RTX 3060 graphics card.
FAQs:
Do VR games need a more powerful GPU?
VR games require a powerful GPU for rendering 3D realistic images. It mostly renders two displays for both eyes. With the much more powerful GPU, you can make an impressive virtual environment even with the old hardware system.
How much RAM is good enough for virtual reality?
RAM is very important for creating a virtual reality environment. The minimum should be at least 8GB. 16 GB of memory size would be more than enough for rendering high-quality images and simulating detailed images. If you are on a budget, get an 8GB graphics card for playing 1080p games. However, if you are not on the tight then go for 16 GB at least.
Are 90 frames per second fine for VR?
The higher the frame per second ensures the better VR. 90+ FPS is fine for VR. However, anything below this frame per second can cause trouble. It also depends on the type of VR simulation you are going to do. If you want a fantastic view then 120 FPS would be the best option for you.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the choice of a graphics cards for VR largely depends on individual needs and budget. Whether you are a beginner-level gamer or a professional, the market offers a wide range of options to choose from. The top 10 graphics cards mentioned in this article are carefully selected, keeping in mind the performance, price, and features of VR experience. However, a high-end performance requires a higher investment, but for those who are just starting out, there are affordable options available as well. Ultimately, it is up to you to decide which one suits your requirements the best.
However, if you want to choose the best graphics cards for VR gaming, then take a deep look at the buyer’s guide section. That will help you in making the right decision. Look at the resolution, clock speed, memory size, and ray tracing while selecting the graphics card for simulating a virtual environment and for playing VR games.
If you have any further queries related to the graphics card and its installation, feel free to contact me. I will try my best to resolve your issue.