VR Capable Build

[Trepidati0n]

I jumped into VR via the PS4 (low cost entry)...but basically gimping along compared to PC choices. I have a decent SSD/PSU/case but need to overhaul my guts. Was waiting for some things to settle out (like RAM prices) but that doesn't seem to be happening.

• MSI Computer GTX 1080 GAMING X 8G NVIDIA - $644.89
• MSI Enthusiastic Gaming Intel Z270 DDR4 VR Ready HDMI USB 3 ATX Motherboard (Z270 GAMING M7) - $239.99
• Intel BX80677I57600K 7th Gen Core Desktop Processors - $235.00
• 2x Corsair Vengeance LPX 16GB (2x8GB) DDR4 DRAM 3000MHz (PC4-24000) C15 Memory - 2x $124.99
• NZXT Kraken X61 280mm All-in-One CPU Liquid Cooling System (RL-KRX61-01) - $119.98

Goal would be to OC to at least 4.5GHz (preferablly towards) and high as I can on the RAM (a different game I run love RAM speed). The 1080 is to ensure best VR w/o going to Titan prices. Also still like MSI because they tend to handle RMA/warranty consistently and reasonably.

Questions I have are:

• Is it worth it going to the Z270 or will the Z170 do what I need it to do?
• Will the M7 OC that much better than the M5 or M3?
• Any other recommendations on RAM? (2x16 r 4x8) or vendor?
• I feel the cooler is okay with what i'm trying to do but not sure if there is a better AIO out there in a similar price bucket.

Thanks in advance

 

[whateverer]

You're wasting money on that second set of ram. That's a surprising move, considering how expensive the stuff is.

Nothing uses more than 16GB for the foreseeable future, and that second set of ram will hut your memory overclock stability. Try to keep it to two sticks if you want to simultaneously overclock RAM and CPU.

Second, if you want max ram overclocks, you should go with Kaby Lake. The memory controller is supposed to be WAY more stable at high speeds.

 

[rastaban]

VR is going to need a 4K capable GPU and thus far a single GTX 1080 still can't make it to that level (60fps+) on most if not all titles, unless you're ok with hovering at 30fps or tuning down the details. You should check some benchmarks.
2x8GB RAM is more than enough for games.
If you're buying new, may as well go Kaby Lake and Z270 since it won't cost much more. Those extra 4 PCH lanes might come in handy. (although I'm indifferent about actual chip changes)

 

[Trepidati0n]

VR is going to need a 4K capable GPU and thus far a single GTX 1080 still can't make it to that level (60fps+) on most if not all titles, unless you're ok with hovering at 30fps or tuning down the details. You should check some benchmarks.
2x8GB RAM is more than enough for games.
If you're buying new, may as well go Kaby Lake and Z270 since it won't cost much more. Those extra 4 PCH lanes might come in handy. (although I'm indifferent about actual chip changes)

Your comment about a single GTX 1080 not cutting it would mean Kyle and crew would be liars. All the data says a 1080GTX is good enough but a titan is better. Also...SLI is a no go for VR.

 

[rastaban]

Your comment about a single GTX 1080 not cutting it would mean Kyle and crew would be liars. All the data says a 1080GTX is good enough but a titan is better. Also...SLI is a no go for VR.

They're not liars. For many people, 60fps is the minimum framerate to hit...I think 30-40fps is perceptible vs 60. What's wrong with SLI for VR? I thought Oculus supported Gsync?

 

[Trepidati0n]

They're not liars. For many people, 60fps is the minimum framerate to hit...I think 30-40fps is perceptible vs 60. What's wrong with SLI for VR? I thought Oculus supported Gsync?

Based upon your comments...i'm not sure you know how VR headsets work.

 

[rastaban]

Based upon your comments...i'm not sure you know how VR headsets work.

Not sure what you're getting at, but I've always been under the impression that VR was equivalent to 4K but on a much smaller display. If that's not the case, please enlighten me.

 

[Nenu]

VR runs at 90fps.
If it drops below it interpolates 45fps to make 90fps again (if you turn that option on).
But its not as pleasant so its better to maintain 90fps directly.

The res is quite low so needs supersampling to reduce aliasing.
By default the headsets use x1.3 res supersampling and I recommend boosting that by at least another x1.2 either in game or using ini files.
This needs a GTX 1070 minimum.
I am using a 980ti with a Rift and most games run very comfortably with very high quality settings.
My favourite game at the moment is Project Cars, fecking awesome. Without clocking it and an extra 1.2x SS, GPU use is around 50 to 90%.
Doom BFG with HD pack and VR mod is my second fave. This game nowhere near maxes the 980ti.

I am building a VR machine next week that has a GTX 1070.
At some point NVidia will release a tweak in the 10xx series drivers to increase VR performance by detecting when something is present in both eyes and only drawing it once.
Expect something from 1.2x to 2x performance. I doubt it will get near 2x.

 

[rastaban]

VR runs at 90fps.
If it drops below it interpolates 45fps to make 90fps again (if you turn that option on).
But its not as pleasant so its better to maintain 90fps directly.

The res is quite low so needs supersampling to reduce aliasing.
By default the headsets use x1.3 res supersampling and I recommend boosting that by at least another x1.2 either in game or using ini files.
This needs a GTX 1070 minimum.
I am using a 980ti with a Rift and most games run very comfortably with very high quality settings.
My favourite game at the moment is Project Cars, fecking awesome. Without clocking it and an extra 1.2x SS, GPU use is around 50 to 90%.
Doom BFG with HD pack and VR mod is my second fave. This game nowhere near maxes the 980ti.

I am building a VR machine next week that has a GTX 1070.
At some point NVidia will release a tweak in the 10xx series drivers to increase VR performance by detecting when something is present in both eyes and only drawing it once.
Expect something from 1.2x to 2x performance. I doubt it will get near 2x.

Interesting. I see where I had my limited info mixed up. I saw the 2160x1200 res on the Oculus and assumed 2160p (4K). So it's not much more than WUXGA aside from the supersampling requirements. Do you think a GTX 1060 would be sufficient once the new drivers are out?

 

[Nenu]

A GTX 1060 can be used but wont be the VR you are looking for.
Some games will be fine there is no doubt, it depends what you want to play.
I stated above why there is a need for a GTX 1070 if you want a very good experience.
I didnt mention there are games that are a lot more demanding.

Its worth reading the [H] VR reviews.