Gaming enthusiast are excited and getting ready for the release of the virtual reality headsets this year. Unfortunately, according to Nvidia, most computers are not capable of running VR as it needs high computing set up.
In a report from PC Mag Asia, Nvidia said that just around 13 million computers are powerful enough to run virtual reality in the most recommended set up: an enjoyable, high-frame-rate experience for the person wearing the headset. Typically, the graphics chip manufacturer wants gamers using its components, and declares that it could expand that number to 25 million if VR manufacturers use Nvidia's Gameworks VR SDK.
"We see the potential of VR as very large, but we also see a big challenge as far as the computing power that's required. If you look at your typical PC gaming experience, 90 percent of the gamers out there play at 1080p. For a smooth experience you don't want to go below 30fps," said Jason Paul, Nvidia's general manager of Shield, gaming and virtual reality.
"Compare that to VR where the displays are about 2K, but you have to render closer to 3K, and you don't want to go below 90fps. It's about a sevenfold increase in raw performance to render for VR versus traditional PC gaming. You have to do that in less than 20 milliseconds from head rotation to what shows up on your display," Paul added.
According to Techspot, Oculus Rift revealed the recommended hardware specifications needed for the optimal experience with its VR headset. Specifications included an Intel Core i5-4590 or better, an AMD 290 / Nvidia GTX 970 or equivalent and at least 8 GB RAM in addition to an HDMI 3.1 video output, two USB 3.0 ports and Windows SP1 or newer.
There will be more information about the Oculus Rift and other products later this week at the CES 2016. It is reported that there will be more than 40 exhibitors demonstrating VR products across 2.4 million square feet of show floor.
