Recommended Graphics Card for VR Ready/General Gaming

[learningsomethingnew]

In advance, thank you for any help!

I’m getting a Rift and also need to upgrade my graphics card. What card would offer the best value/longevity?

Budget: $500 ($550 absolute maximum if really worth it)
Current Card: Nvidia GTX 660
Processor: i7-3770 @ 3.4GHz
RAM: 10gb
Motherboard: Pegatron 2AD5
OS: Win 10 Pro
USB: 2x 3.0 and 4x 2.0
Monitor: Dell U2412M

If you’d recommend any other upgrades, I’m open to hearing those too…can add to my shopping list for down the road.

 

[jojesa]

With you current setup, I would go with the GTX 1070, which you could find for that budget.

 

[learningsomethingnew]

Thanks for the fast response! I just updated my budget. Would you still recommend the 1070 at the new budget?

With you current setup, I would go with the GTX 1070, which you could find for that budget.

 

[jojesa]

Thanks for the fast response! I just updated my budget. Would you still recommend the 1070 at the new budget?

The GTX 1070 can handle the Rift resolution (1080 by 1200 pixels per eye).

With your new budget update, you could get the GTX 1080, which could handle higher resolutions in case you decide to upgrade your VR device.
Your CPU and RAM might prevent you from unleashing the performance of this GPU.

 

[learningsomethingnew]

Got it! I bought a mini GTX 1080 and plan on upgrading the RAM to 16gb. Do you think that's enough, or should I am for 24 or 32? I have 4 slots and will replace all of the current ones with a whole new set.

 

[jojesa]

Don't buy any RAM unless you have issues loading some games.
I suggest you test your system with both: Oculus compatibility tool and Steam VR Performance Test
Start saving to get a new system when some games might required a newer CPU.

 

[learningsomethingnew]

Don't buy any RAM unless you have issues loading some games.
I suggest you test your system with both: Oculus compatibility tool and Steam VR Performance Test
Start saving to get a new system when some games might required a newer CPU.

Understood. I tested with both of them a couple days ago. The only recommendation was an upgraded graphics card. Thanks so much for all of your help!

 

[jojesa]

No problem, enjoy your VR experience...

 

[J_E_D_70]

The only game I am aware of that recommends 32gb ram for VR is DCS F/A-18. I may try with only 16gb... we’ll see

Edit: Lone Echo is best I have played on Rift so far. If you havent played it already, Hellblade in VR is creepy and looks good.

 

[learningsomethingnew]

No problem, enjoy your VR experience...

I uninstalled my 660 driver software and then installed the 1080 yesterday. I successfully pass Steam and Rift's VR tests. However, I can't say that I see a visual difference. Is it possible that my monitor is outdated? I have a Dell U2412. Or could it be something else? I haven't tried with the Rift yet (arrives today), so this is just based on the monitor.

I'm also using about 80% of RAM with some games. In that case, would you recommend that I proceed with that 16gb upgrade?

 

[learningsomethingnew]

The only game I am aware of that recommends 32gb ram for VR is DCS F/A-18. I may try with only 16gb... we’ll see

Edit: Lone Echo is best I have played on Rift so far. If you havent played it already, Hellblade in VR is creepy and looks good.

Oh good! If I upgrade, I'll go 16gb max at this point and save up for a new system next. I'll have to check those games out when I get the Rift installed. Thank you!

 

[J_E_D_70]

Did you increase the eye candy in your games? That’s the only thing that’ll make a new gpu look better on the same monitor. If you were already at high, ultra might not look a ton better, depending on game.

If you are short on usb ports for the Rift, I’ve had good luck with this pci card:
https://www.amazon.com/Inateck-Express-15-Pin-Connector-KT5001/dp/B00FPIMJEW

Also want to spread the sensors across usb controllers to keep from overloading them.

Finally, probably need 2-3 meter usb and hdmi extensions.