Virtual Reality (VR) is one of the best way to experience games or movies, and more and more games are getting VR support and compatability. That said, while Nvidia GPUs work well with most VR headsets, not all VR headsets are compatible with AMD GPUs. Here we'll list VR Headsets compatible with AMD Radeon graphics cards, including the recently released AMD 9070 XT.
Understanding AMD VR Compatibility
It’s essential to understand what makes AMD's Radeon GPUs suitable for VR. AMD’s graphics cards are built with features that enhance VR performance, such as:
- AMD Radeon™ RX Series GPUs: These are the latest generation of GPUs from AMD, designed to deliver top-notch VR experiences with high frame rates and low latency, two essential factors for an immersive and smooth VR experience.
- AMD FidelityFX Super Resolution (FSR): This technology potentially helps improve performance in VR applications without sacrificing image quality, ensuring smoother frame rates in demanding VR environments.
- Radeon Software: The latest AMD software suite is VR-friendly, providing you with the ability to fine-tune settings like performance and resolution.
Having a Radeon GPU is a great first step, but the key to an optimal VR experience is choosing the right VR headset.
Best VR Headsets for AMD Radeon GPUs
1. Pimax Crystal Light
The Crystal Light is a high-end PCVR headset aimed at making ultra high clarity visuals available for everyone, both affordable and easy to set up. The headset boasts a 2880 x 2880 resolution per eye, with a maximum refresh rate of 120 Hz, and uses glass aspheric lenses for high clarity and brightness. The QLED panels are fitted with local dimming, meaning contrast levels are high, and dark areas in visuals are truly dark. It has upscaling available to further improve FPS.
Compatibility:
The Pimax Crystal Light is compatible with a wide range of AMD GPUs:
- Minimal requirements: RX 5700XT, RX 6700XT
- Recommended: RX 6800XT, RX 6900XT, RX 6950XT, and more AMD GPUs.
2. Pimax Crystal Super
The Crystal Super is the latest of Pimax headsets, boasting a total pixel amount of 29 million and a field of view of 135 degrees horizontal. Like the Crystal Light, it has glass aspheric lenses, but also comes with eye-tracking to enable Dynamic Foveated Rendering. The Crystal Super has integrated tracking and integrated audio, meaning it’s fast and easy to set up, yet still with dozens of options in Pimax Play to configure. It has upscaling available to further improve FPS.
Compatibility:
The Crystal Super is compatible with a wide range of AMD GPUs:
- Minimal requirements: RX 5700XT, RX 6700XT
- Recommended: RX 6800XT, RX 6900XT, RX 6950XT, and more AMD GPUs.
3. Oculus Quest 2 (Meta Quest 2)
The Oculus Quest 2 (now branded as Meta Quest 2) is one of the most popular standalone VR headsets, and it's also compatible with PC VR gaming. With an AMD Radeon GPU, you'll have an excellent experience when using the Oculus Quest 2 in "PC VR" mode via the Oculus Link cable or wirelessly with Air Link.
The Quest 2 supports high refresh rates of up to 120Hz, offering smooth, immersive experiences. When paired with a Radeon GPU, you’ll benefit from the graphics power to handle demanding VR applications and games. AMD's FSR can also help boost performance, especially if you're playing more graphically intense games.
Compatibility:
Works well with Radeon RX 5700 XT, Radeon RX 6800 XT, and newer Radeon GPUs, ensuring a stable connection with high visual fidelity.
4. Valve Index
The Valve Index is known for its excellent visual fidelity and wide field of view. It’s a favorite for enthusiasts due to its high refresh rates (up to 144Hz) and top-tier tracking system. While it is not a standalone device, it offers one of the best PC VR experiences available.
Valve Index requires powerful hardware, and AMD Radeon GPUs are more than capable of handling it. With a Radeon GPU, you can take full advantage of the Index’s high refresh rates and large field of view, which are crucial for an immersive VR experience.
Compatibility:
The Valve Index is compatible with a wide range of Radeon GPUs, including the RX 5000 series and RX 6000 series. The AMD FreeSync feature also plays a key role in eliminating screen tearing during fast-paced action, ensuring a smooth experience.
5. HTC Vive Pro 2
The HTC Vive Pro 2 is a premium VR headset offering impressive resolution (4896 x 2448 pixels combined), making it one of the sharpest VR displays on the market. Its large, high-quality display makes it ideal for users who value visual detail in their VR games or simulations.
With an AMD Radeon GPU like the RX 6800 XT or RX 5700 XT, you can push the Vive Pro 2's high resolution to its limits. AMD's latest graphics cards are capable of delivering exceptional frame rates and low latency to maintain the smoothness needed for an ultra-high-resolution headset like the Vive Pro 2.
Compatibility:
The Vive Pro 2 is compatible with both Radeon RX 5000 and RX 6000 series GPUs, making it a great match for users with modern Radeon graphics cards.
6. PlayStation VR 1 (PSVR) for PC (via Third-Party Solutions)
The original PlayStation VR was designed specifically for Sony’s PlayStation console, but it's possible to use it with a PC through third-party solutions like the Trinus PSVR software. Although not as straightforward as the other options, it’s still a feasible way to enjoy PSVR games on a PC.
While the PlayStation VR isn't officially supported by AMD GPUs for PC VR use, the third-party software solutions can work well if you're willing to tinker with settings. When connected properly, PSVR offers decent performance with AMD Radeon GPUs, particularly older models like the RX 580 and RX 5700.
Compatibility:
The PSVR is not natively supported by PC, but with third-party solutions, it can be used with a wide range of AMD Radeon GPUs.
7. Pimax 8K X
The Pimax 8K X offers an ultra-wide field of view and a high resolution, making it a go-to for VR enthusiasts seeking a truly immersive experience. With its wide field of view (200 degrees) and dual 4K displays, the Pimax 8K X delivers some of the sharpest visuals in the VR space.
The Pimax 8K X is a demanding headset, requiring powerful hardware to maintain smooth performance. AMD Radeon GPUs, particularly the RX 6000 series, are perfect for handling the intensive graphical requirements of the Pimax, ensuring a high-quality experience at the maximum resolution.
Compatibility:
Works excellently with modern Radeon GPUs such as the RX 6800 XT, RX 6900 XT, and RX 7900 XT.
Key Considerations When Choosing a VR Headset for Your AMD Radeon GPU
1. Performance Requirements
Make sure your GPU has enough power to handle the headset’s resolution and frame rate. Headsets with high resolutions or high refresh rates, like the Crystal Light and Crystal Super, require more graphical power. A Radeon RX 6000 series GPU will be ideal for these high-end headsets.
2. Refresh Rate and Frame Rate
Look for a headset with a high refresh rate (at least 90Hz or 120Hz), as this is crucial for smooth and immersive VR. Lower refresh rates can cause motion sickness and a less enjoyable experience, especially with powerful AMD GPUs like the RX 6800 XT or RX 6900 XT.
3. Tracking and Field of View
For a truly immersive experience, opt for a headset with high-quality tracking and a large field of view. The Pimax 8K X offers a massive field of view, while the Crystal Light and Crystal Super still have a very wide field of view.
Conclusion
If you’re an AMD Radeon GPU owner, there’s a wide variety of VR headsets that will provide an excellent experience. From standalone devices like the Oculus Quest 2 to premium options like the Crystal Light and Crystal Super, AMD’s latest GPUs will ensure you get the best performance possible. Choosing the right headset comes down to your specific needs—whether you prioritize high resolution, a wide field of view, or overall immersion. With the right combination, your AMD Radeon GPU will serve as the perfect companion to your VR headset, bringing your virtual experiences to life.
