If money is no object— what is the best PC for VRChat? How do I get the most frames?
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| Recommended | Notes | |
|---|---|---|
| CPU | 🥇 Top Tier: | |
| 9950X3D/7950X3D |
🥈 99% as good: 9800X3D/7800X3D
🥉 Good for low cost: 5800X3D/5700X3D ⚠️ Warning: AM4/DDR4
💀 Do not buy: Intel | The large L3 cache makes the X3D series of AMD CPUs exceptional for gaming. This also applies to VRChat, granting huge gains over similarly-clocked CPUs with smaller caches, even when sacrificing clock speed.
The “950” model of any given AMD series is a dual-CCD chip, where the first CCD is equivalent to the solo CCD on the “800” model in the same series.
Both are great, but the 950 model lets you offload non-essential tasks to the second CCD, making more room for the tasks on the first CCD. However, this gain is pretty minimal. Only do it if you’re the type to min/max.
The 5800 and 5700X3D are excellent budget options, but are largely ignored in the main text.
⚠️ If you get one of these, keep in mind you’re buying a motherboard with a EOL socket (AM4) and older, slower memory (DDR4). Any upgrades will require a full mobo and memory replacement, increasing your cost later on. | | GPU | 1. nVidia 4090 2. nVidia 3090 3. AMD 7900XTX | Get the most VRAM possible. That’s just about it.
Running out of VRAM results in a cataclysmic failure of FPS, dropping you down to single-digit framerate instantly. Badly optimized avatars devour VRAM.
If you have less than 12GB of VRAM, consider blocking Very Poor avatars, or avatars that exceed 300MB Uncompressed size. | | RAM | ≥ 32GB DDR5 6000 Check timings. CL30 is good | AM5 supports DDR5 so we use it. AMD apparently likes fast RAM, so stick with 6000. It’s cheap now.
Consult with your motherboard and CPU documentation to figure out what models work best. | | SSD | Any WD Black 4.0 NVMe ≥ 1TB | 4.0 NVMe’s are cheap and fast. Don’t skimp.
Avoid the Samsung 980s, they apparently have controller issues. | | Other | Windows 11 ⚠️ Clean install ≥ 2024H2 | Windows 11’s scheduler is superior to Windows 10’s, supposedly even after backporting.
⚠️ Do NOT use an upgrade install. There are a large number of problems resulting from upgrade installs. Use a fresh, clean install. | | VR HMD
⚠️Opinion! | 1. Bigscreen Beyond 2. Meta Quest 3 3. Valve Index
Honorable Mention: Meta Quest Pro | This section is opinion. It has very little to do with performance.
The direct GPU connection and low weight make the Beyond the obvious first choice. Lighthouse compatibility seals the deal. Expensive, but very good, especially with the Audio Headstrap.
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The Quest 3 is an excellent headset. Despite its heavier weight, larger size, and lack of direct GPU connection, its low cost is hard to argue with.
There are a lot of caveats to the Quest 3, however.
Use it via wireless. Use Steam Link or Virtual Desktop. Avoid Quest Link, either wired or wireless. Depending on your home router, this may require you to buy a dedicated router/access point as well as a hot-swap battery headstrap if you want to spend more than 2 hours at a time in VR. This will add on an additional ~200 USD to your cost. Alternately, buy a charging cable — but the Quest 3 will eventually run out of power while in use, even while plugged in.
If you want FBT (and you probably will), you’re going to have to set up playspace calibration, ideally using a version that supports continuous calibration. You’ll also need to buy another tracker, not to mention your ≥ 3 trackers for your body, and your ≥ 2 base stations. That’s another 780 USD.
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The Index is still viable with its direct GPU connection, native Lighthouse and SteamVR compatibility, and decent pricing (full kit comes with controllers, base stations). It also maintains the crown for audio quality in both its BMRs and microphone.
However, it is heavy, uses fresnel lenses, and has inferior screens to all other headsets listed here.
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The Quest Pro gets an honorable mention for face and eye tracking, but its comfort is wildly divisive. It also has a subpar microphone, subpar built-in audio, and lacks a direct to GPU connection. However, Steam Link’s foveated video encoding makes it a very interesting choice.
I would only select the Quest Pro if I desperately wanted face and eye tracking (and I don’t). |
I’ll write up something more substantial once I’m not sick (sheltercon gave me a cold), but the 9800X3D is looking like a very sound upgrade.
If you’re still on a AM4 (good ol’ venerable 5800X3D) board, this is your signal to upgrade.
For AM5, it’s a harder sell. Eyeballing benchmarks shows a ~20% performance increase — but importantly, the 9800X3D overclocks very well. Might be something to consider!
If you’re still on Intel, this must be the first time you’re reading this page! Get off Intel ASAP.