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VR requires a powerful computer system that can process large amounts of data and output it to the user’s VR headset and controllers. The computers best suited to VR have plenty of built-in processing power and also have a top-notch graphics card specifically built for VR. Feb 06, 2020  Bottom line. When it comes to getting the perfect PC for VR, sometimes you don't want to have to build a new one from scratch. Luckily, there are plenty of pre-built PCs on the market that can handle the power of VR. You generally need a PC with a powerful graphics card, a mid-range processor, at least 8GB of RAM. Sep 23, 2017  From Mac Rumors: Apple's Secret VR Project So the line from Dumb and Dumber: Do I have a chance to see Apple jump into VR Gaming? As it is Apple is mostly out of the sweet spot for gaming. I think it would require some hardcore rethinking.

The HTC Vive currently offers the best combination of performance, hardware compatibility, and supported games and apps to really get the most out of the experience. With more developers offering support every day, this is the platform you want to have attached to your iMac Pro.

Our Pick

HTC Vive

The best VR Headset for Mac fans.

With the only out-of-the-box whole room VR set up available today and it's killer collection of games and apps on Steam, HTC's Vive headset is an obvious winner for anyone looking to have tons of fun.

Who should buy this VR headset

If you're looking for a VR headset with native macOS support, both in hardware and software, this is the best route for you to go. But even without that native support through Steam VR, the HTC Vive is the most accurate whole room VR system you can buy today. Just set up the tracking boxes, fire up Steam, and get ready to lose a few hours in VR.

Is it a good time to buy this headset?

HTC just recently dropped the price on this headset, both to compete with others in the market and make room for the commercial-focused HTC Vive Pro headset, so now is the perfect time to pick up a Vive. It's not likely to see another price drop anytime soon, and this is the default headset for most developers building things for the Steam VR right now.

Reasons to buy

• Great build quality
• TONS of accessories
• Mac-supported games list grows daily
• Tracking system is scary accurate

Reasons not to buy

• Display resolution in the headset could be better
• Front camera doesn't get used for much
• Significant set up required

VR Headsets don't really support the Mac much right now

Mac Vr Gaming Computers

Feeding into the false narrative that most Mac users aren't gamers, there isn't a lot of great VR support for macOS. Windows Mixed Reality only supports Windows, Oculus Rift started to support the Mac years ago and then abruptly stopped, and it's taken a long time for things to change.

But Apple and Valve and HTC have been working together to fix this. Apple has added eGPU support to macOS so just about every Mac can be turned into a VR-ready machine, and releasing more capable machines like the iMac Pro to handle it natively. Coupled with a ton of work to make sure VR developers can easily publish Mac-friendly games to Steam VR and HTC's Vive supporting the Mac through this platform, everything has come together to ensure this is the best possible solution for anyone who owns a Mac, but especially those who own an iMac Pro.

Alternatives to the HTC Vive

If you're not concerned about how much things cost or what the state of the stable version of the software is, there are other VR headsets you can consider. HTC's other headset, the Vive Pro, asks a lot more from your PC in order to correctly function but the level of realism you get in the headset is ridiculous.

Runner-up

HTC Vive Pro

Unparalleled performance in a pretty blue package.

This headset combines stunning visuals, impressive audio, and a depth-sensing camera system to create an incredibly powerful VR experience.

HTC's Vive Pro is not made for the average VR fan. It's the headset you expect to see when you go to a VR arcade, or when you're seeing a professional demo at a mall kiosk. The 2K displays, built-in headphones, and massively updated tracking system built to support multiple headsets in much larger spaces all come together to create an unrivaled experience. But to get that experience you have to pay quite a bit, both in money and in processing power. Only the highest end iMac Pro will even support this headset, and even then the GPU is not capable of pushing this headset to its fullest potential. You'd need an eGPU to really make this VR headset do everything it was designed to do, but the end result is so very pretty.

Bottom line

VR on a Mac is both possible and fantastic these days, as long as you have the right hardware to accompany your shiny new iMac Pro. An HTC Vive transforms your whole room into a portal to new worlds, and does so at a relatively low price. But if you want to go all out and really show off, the HTC Vive Pro is there to really crank things up a notch.

Either way you're in for a good time, but the HTC Vive is going to be the best option for most folks.

Credits — The team that worked on this guide

Russell Holly is a Contributing Editor at iMore. He lives for the shiniest new thing, and loves explaining its potential to improve your life. Whatever you do, don't tell his spouse about the drawer full of tech under the bed.

iMac Pro

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Every Mac you can buy from Apple in 2020

Apple's Mac laptop and desktop lineup is more versatile than you may realize.

You Have Questions, We Have Answers

Virtual reality is here, and it's amazing. But if you're feeling overwhelmed by virtual reality, don't worry, we're here to help.

There are so many systems! What's the difference?

Everywhere you turn, it seems like some new VR system is angling for your attention. Let's break it down:

HTC Vive and Oculus Rift: The two premium VR experiences are the HTC Vive and the Oculus Rift. Both run on PCs, both play the top VR PC games, both are jaw-droppingly fun. These systems include headsets, a variety of controllers, and sensors to track your movements. If you're a dedicated PC gamer or want the absolute best virtual reality will have to offer in 2016, these are the ones you want. For more details, check out our Vive vs Rift Guide.

PlayStation VR: An alternative to the Rift and Vive is PlayStation VR which requires, obviously, a PlayStation. The hardware specs on the PlayStation VR aren't quite as high as the Vive and Rift, but it still qualifies as a solid VR experience. Only PlayStation games will work on PlayStation VR.

Samsung Gear VR: The Gear VR is a phone-based system. There are a number of phone VR systems on the market that are more gimmicks than legitimate VR experiences, but the Gear VR uses Oculus technology to deliver one of the top experiences in the class. To use Samsung Gear VR, you need one of the latest Samsung phones.

Bargain Systems: There are a number of other players in the VR world, with new niche headsets being announced all the time. As of right now, though, we don't know much about these systems or what sort of support they will have long term.

So is a VR System Like an Xbox?

Not exactly. Where an Xbox is a complete package with exclusive Xbox games, the HTC Vive and Oculus Rift are bundles of a headset and controllers. You still need a regular PC. Additionally, most VR games will be playable on either the Rift or the Vive.

Do I need a VR-ready PC?

Yes, both the HTC Vive and Oculus Rift need some serious computing power to do their VR magic. You can either buy a VR-ready desktop, VR-ready laptop, build your own VR rig, or upgrade your current system. Sorry Mac users, VR is PC only for now.

What Are The Specs for VR Ready PCs?

Newegg Recommended VR PC Specs

• i5-6500 CPU or greater
• NVIDIA GTX 980 or AMD R9 390 GPU or greater
• 16GB+ RAM
• SSD (PCIe NVMe recommended)

Official Oculus Rift Recommended Specs:

• Intel i5-4590 equivalent or greater
• NVIDIA GTX 970 or AMD R9 290 or greater
• 8GB RAM or more
• HDMI 1.3 and 3x USB 3.0 plus 1x USB 2.0
• Windows 7 64 bit or greater

Mac Gaming Laptop

For more, visit Newegg's full spec requirements

Will VR Make Me Sick?

Bad VR can make people motion sick. In bad VR experiences, the frame rates fluctuate like a flickering TV and cause motion sickness. Good VR systems (Rift, Vive, PlayStation) prevent motion sickness by forcing the frame rates to stay at constant high level. If you get sick in a car, airplane, or elsewhere, don't worry, you probably won't have any problems with the Vive and Rift.

Do I need A Big Room for VR?

No, but a big room makes for big fun. The Oculus Rift is designed to be used primarily sitting down, while the HTC Vive allows for movement in room up to 15x15ft.

If you only have the space around your desk or living room, don't worry, that's enough space for both systems. In the future, the Oculus Rift will allow you to move around an entire room.

Additionally, the movement requirements will vary by game. Racing and flight games will require you to sit in a chair, while other games like shooters will allow you to move around, duck, and jump..

Will I Crash Into Walls?

Not unless you try really hard. The HTC Vive includes their 'Chaperone' system that detects the room around you. As you move in virtual space, the Vive will display a virtual wall where the real wall is located so you can avoid collisions.

Mac Vr Gaming Computer Free

Can Children Use VR? Why does the Rift say 13+?

Like any new technology, it's up to the parents to make smart decisions. Currently, there are no children-approved VR systems or long term VR studies.

Regarding the Oculus' 13+ age limit:

'We put a warning on right when you put it on and the age of 13 was something that made a lot of sense when we became a part of Facebook, their age is 13 as well. And so we just felt 'let's start at 13, let's evolve the technology more, let's build more confidence, in the health and safety side of it. And eventually, one day, we definitely want to have Oculus for kids, especially for all the educational use of this.' - Brendan Iribe, Oculus Rift CEO

If I buy one system, can I switch systems later?

Yes, to a certain extent. Most games will be playable on either system. The only differences between the systems are the accessories and room tracking. Accessories made for the Vive won't work for Oculus, and vice versa. Additionally, the room-tracking sensors only work with their specific system.

Is there Multiplayer?

Yes, there are a number of multiplayer games in the works. Some games will allow you to play with two people in the same room while others will work like traditional multiple games.

Will upgrades happen every year like phones or every six years like the PlayStation?

While nothing is confirmed, the Oculus and Vive systems are both based on PCs, and are flexible enough to be upgraded every year. But much like phones, the upgrades will be evolutionary, not revolutionary. Meaning each year should see slightly improved screens, controllers, etc.

Additionally, as game graphics continue to improve, the necessary upgrades will be around your PC graphics, not the VR headsets themselves. It's possible that in late 2017, the minimum specs for the latest VR games won't support the current GTX 970 level, but only run on higher-end cards.

WIll Prices Come Down?

Yes and no. With time and volume, every electronic device becomes cheaper. In a year, the first generation Vive and Oculus will drop in price. But the next-generation Vive and Oculus will probably have a price similar to the current model.

Mac Vr Gaming Computer Software

The same holds true for PC specs. In a year the PCs will be cheaper, but if you want better graphics, expect to pay a similar amount for a top system.

Is VR Really as Awesome as Everyone Says?

Yes. Yes, it is.