The cost of PC components has shifted rapidly in recent years thanks to the RAMpocalypse, inflation, and more. So how much does a VR Ready gaming PC actually cost in 2026?
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While the definition of a ‘VR Ready’ PC was once pretty straightforward, in recent years it has become more fragmented depending upon which headset you’re using and which games you expect to play (similar to PC gaming in general).
Below are our recommendations for the most affordable futureproof VR Ready PC configurations for three different headset categories:
Pre-built VR Ready PCs
Entry Level – Best for Last-gen Headsets, Tethered
ZOTAC MEK Gaming PC – $1,100
CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 5500
GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5060 (8GB VRAM)
RAM: 16GB DDR4 (3,200MHz)
Storage: 1TB SSD (NVMe M.2)
Who it’s for: If you’ve got a last-gen tethered VR headset like Valve Index, Rift S, HTC Vive (or Vive Pro), or Windows Mixed Reality, this is going to be a great starting point for your VR journey. This setup will easily handle these tethered headsets under 5MP (2,250 × 2,250) per-eye resolution, with room to grow if you decide to upgrade to a newer headset.
Enthusiast – Best for Current-gen Headsets, Wireless & USB Tethered
Skytech Gaming PC – $1,700
CPU: Intel Core i7-14700F
GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 (12GB VRAM)
RAM: 16GB DDR4 (3,200MHz)
Storage: 1TB SSD (NVMe M.2)
Who it’s for: If you’re using a current-gen headset like Quest 3, Quest 3S, PSVR 2, Pico 4, or Steam Frame, this setup gives you the power you need for smooth PC VR gameplay. Headsets like these send compressed video streams over a wireless or USB link, which requires some extra work on behalf of the CPU and GPU (compared to a native tethered headset). The beefed-up CPU and GPU in this configuration (compared to our Entry Level configuration) means your PC will be able to handle smooth, high-resolution VR rendering while doing the extra work required for PC VR streaming.
High-end – Best for High-end Headsets, Wireless & Tethered
HP OMEN 45L – $3,000
CPU: Intel Core Ultra 7 265K
GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5080 (16GB VRAM)
RAM: 32GB DDR5 (5,600MHz)
Storage: 2TB SSD (NVMe M.2)
Who it’s for: If you’re a hardcore VR user with a headset that pushes the envelope on resolution, refresh rate, and field-of-view, you’re going to need a next-level CPU and GPU to get the most out of your headset. This configuration is best for headsets like Bigscreen Beyond (1 and 2), Pimax Crystal Super, Pimax Dream Air, Shiftall MeganeX 8K, Apple Vision Pro, and Samsung Galaxy XR. The extra power and VRAM on the GPU (compared to our Enthusiast configuration) is especially useful if you’re planning to play simulation-style games like flight sims or racing sims.
Building your own PC is a fun DIY project that has traditionally also been a cost-saving exercise. At the time of writing, the market is in a weird place where building your own PC is generally less affordable than a pre-built PC with equivalent specs. Nonetheless, below you’ll find DIY parts lists that match the same tiers we shared above in the pre-built section:
Entry Level – Best for Last-gen Headsets, Tethered
Entry Level VR Ready PC Part List – $1,181
Enthusiast – Best for Current-gen Headsets, Wireless & USB Tethered
Enthusiast VR Ready PC Part List – $2,382
High-end – Best for High-end Headsets, Wireless & Tethered
