Windows Mixed Reality is coming Fall 2017, and with the new experience is an entirely different set of minimum requirements to run it. These specifications open up a new tier of laptops and desktop PCs to VR and ultimately make it way more affordable for a lot of people. Here's what you'll need in your PC to run Windows Mixed Reality.
Windows Mixed Reality minimum system requirements
It's clear from these specs that Microsoft is favoring a mixed reality experience that can be used with a non-gaming laptop. Smart plan, as this opens it up to a lot of people who don't have a desktop PC.
- CPU: Intel Mobile Core i5 (e.g. 7200U) Dual-Core with Hyperthreading equivalent
- GPU: Integrated Intel® HD Graphics 620 (GT2) equivalent or greater DX12 API Capable GPU
- RAM: 8GB+ Dual Channel required for integrated Graphics
- HDMI: HDMI 1.4 or DisplayPort 1.2 for 60Hz head-mounted displays
- HDMI: HDMI 2.0 or DisplayPort 1.2 for 90Hz head-mounted displays
- HDD: 100GB+ SSD (Preferred) / HDD
- USB: USB 3.0 Type-A or USB 3.1 Type-C Port with DisplayPort Alternate Mode
- Bluetooth: Bluetooth 4.0 for accessories
A lot of newer, mid-range Ultrabooks not commonly associated with gaming are sporting these specs, and one of the only problems we can see is the HDMI port that seems to be disappearing from a lot of the thinner laptops out there.
As far as building a PC to run Windows Mixed Reality, you should be able to get away with spending somewhere around $500.
Comparing Windows Mixed Reality to HTC Vive and Oculus Rift
Windows Mixed Reality requires a lot less graphics power. Instead of a dedicated GPU, an integrated one will do as long as there is at least 8GB of RAM with it. Considering a pretty sizeable portion of the cost of a VR rig for a Rift or Vive is taken up by the GPU, you can see where the cost will be cut.
HTC Vive
- Processor: Intel Core i5-4590 or AMD FX 8350
- Graphics card: NVIDIA GTX 970 or AMD Radeon R9 290
- RAM: 4GB
- Video output: One HDMI 1.4 or one DisplayPort 1.2
- USB: One USB 2.0
- OS: Windows 7 or newer
Oculus Rift
- Processor: Intel Core i3-6100 or AMD FX4350
- Graphics card: NVIDIA GTX 960 or AMD Radeon RX 470
- RAM: 8GB
- Video output: HDMI 1.3
- USB: One USB 3.0 and two USB 2.0
- OS: Windows 8 or newer
Your opinion
What do you think about the minimum requirements for Windows Mixed Reality? Will this hardware be able to deliver a legitimate experience? Let us know in the comments section!