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Introduction
Are you looking for a budget-friendly VR gaming laptop that won’t break the bank? If so, you are in the right place. In this article, we will explore the best budget VR gaming laptops of 2023, equipped with the latest and greatest technology, making them perfect for immersive and unforgettable gaming experiences. We have also provided a detailed buying guide, recommended specifications, and troubleshooting tips to help with your purchase and ensure that you can avoid common problems.
Top Budget VR Gaming Laptops of 2023
With the growth of VR technology and its rising popularity among gamers, virtual reality experiences are in high demand. As a result, the market is saturated with options, varying from high-end PCs, content-creation laptops, and VR-ready laptops to simple displays. Budget VR gaming laptops are also available for those on a tight budget, with models ranging from entry-level to mid-range. To help you find the right VR gaming laptop, we have compiled a list of our top picks based on specifications, user reviews, and performance.
Without further ado, here are our top picks for budget VR gaming laptops for 2023:
Acer Nitro 5
The Acer Nitro 5 is a strong contender for a budget-friendly VR gaming laptop. It has an Intel Core i5-9300H processor, 8GB DDR4 RAM, and Nvidia’s GeForce GTX 1660 Ti graphics card, a powerful GPU capable of producing high frame rates with ease. Additionally, the laptop has a 15.6-inch IPS display with a refresh rate of 144 Hz, making it ideal for VR gaming. The storage is 512GB SSD, with a 1TB HDD in addition, allowing for ample space for game installations and files. Furthermore, the laptop offers an HDMI and DisplayPort for external display connectivity, two USB 3.0 ports, and one USB Type-C port.
MSI GP73 Leopard
The MSI GP73 Leopard is a VR-ready laptop with a 17.3-inch full HD screen that supports a refresh rate of 120Hz, making it perfect for immersive gaming. The laptop has Intel’s Core i7-8750H processor, coupled with 16GB DDR4 RAM, an NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 GPU, and a 256GB SSD. It also includes USB 3.1, Type-C, and HDMI connectivity. The MSI GP73 Leopard is a great option for those seeking a budget-friendly VR-ready laptop with an excellent balance of power and performance.
Stay tuned for more recommendations
VR-Ready Laptops Under $1000
If you’re on a tight budget, don’t worry. You can still find budget-friendly VR-ready laptops with exceptional performance. Here are some of our top picks for VR-ready laptops under $1000:
ASUS TUF Dash 15 2021
The ASUS TUF Dash 15 2021 is a budget-friendly VR-ready laptop that packs a powerful punch. It has an AMD Radeon RX 6600M graphics card, which can handle even the most demanding VR games and applications. The laptop has an Intel Core i7-11370H processor, 8GB DDR4 RAM, and 512GB SSD storage. It also includes a 15.6-inch FHD IPS display with a refresh rate of 144Hz and a full suite of ports, including HDMI, USB 2.0, and USB 3.2.
Acer Swift X SFX14
The Acer Swift X SFX14 is another excellent option for those on a budget. The laptop has an AMD Ryzen 5 5600U processor, 8GB DDR4 RAM, and an NVIDIA GeForce MX450 graphics card. Although it is not as powerful as some of its competitors, it is still VR-ready and ideal for those with a tight budget. The laptop’s 14-inch Full HD IPS display has a refresh rate of 60Hz, and it has a battery life of up to 14.5 hours. The laptop also includes two USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports, one USB Type-C port, and an HDMI port.
Buying Guide for VR Gaming Laptops
When selecting your ideal VR gaming laptop, several essential features and specifications must be taken into consideration. Here are some of the key factors to consider when buying a budget VR gaming laptop:
Processor:
The processor is the brain of your VR gaming laptop. It is essential to get a high-end processor to ensure that the game runs smoothly. For VR gaming, we recommend a minimum of an Intel Core i5 or i7 or AMD Ryzen 5 or 7 processor, but Intel Core i9 and AMD Ryzen 9 processors can provide even better results.
Graphics Processing Unit (GPU):
The GPU is the core of the laptop that processes the images and visuals. When purchasing a VR gaming laptop, it is essential to choose a powerful GPU capable of handling VR games and applications. The minimum recommended GPU is the Nvidia GeForce GTX 970 or AMD Radeon RX 480, but we recommend the Nvidia GeForce GTX 1060, GTX 1070, or the latest Nvidia GeForce RTX or AMD Radeon RX 5600 or RX 5700 series for optimal performance.
RAM:
RAM, or Random Access Memory, is essential for running and loading games. With VR, you should aim for a minimum of 8GB of RAM. It is highly recommended that you opt for a laptop with 16GB of RAM or more to ensure smoother gameplay.
Storage:
The storage requirements for VR gaming are higher than those for traditional gaming laptops. You should opt for a laptop with at least 256GB of storage and preferably an SSD for faster loading times.
Display:
The display is an important consideration for VR gaming. The display needs to meet certain technical specifications to ensure a smooth VR gaming experience. You should consider a laptop with a high-resolution display and at least a 90Hz refresh rate.
Ports:
When buying a VR gaming laptop, it is important to ensure that the laptop has the necessary ports to connect your VR headset and peripherals. The minimum required ports for VR gaming include an HDMI 1.4 or DisplayPort 1.2 port. A USB 3.0 or higher port is required for a VR-compatible mouse or keyboard.
Take into consideration these factors and you can choose the perfect VR gaming laptop that suits your needs and budget.
Troubleshooting Tips for VR Gaming
Even the best VR gaming laptops can experience lag, stuttering, and other issues. Here are some tips to troubleshoot VR gaming problems:
Restart your laptop:
Restarting your computer or headset can help fix many problems.
Check your Internet connection:
Ensure that the internet connection is stable and reliable. Using an Ethernet connection is always better than Wi-Fi.
Update your graphics drivers:
Ensure that your graphics drivers are up-to-date.
Adjust VR headset settings:
You can adjust the VR headset settings to achieve a better experience. You can decrease the resolution or graphics quality to improve performance.
Turn off other background programs:
Close all other programs that are not essential for running the game as they can significantly impact performance.
Contact support:
If all else fails, contact the game’s support team or the manufacturer of your VR headset or laptop for additional help.
With these tips, you can troubleshoot VR gaming problems and continue to enjoy your favorite games with minimal interruptions.
Luca Booth is a pioneering voice in the intersection of technology and spatial design, and the lead author at VPR Matrix. With a background in architectural design and a passion for the latest in virtual reality innovations, Luca brings a unique perspective to the world of VR architectural design.