The gaming world has changed a lot in recent days and it’s time to change your gaming preferences too. Virtual Reality games are becoming prominent in the gaming world with various gaming consoles. But if you want to play VR games on your PC, then you need some high-end CPUs for efficient gaming.
You might not be able to play the VR games on the regular computers or laptops. Hence, you have to either upgrade the same or build a new one from scratch. You must be careful while building a VR gaming rig, as you have to choose the best CPU for virtual reality gaming.
To pair that high-end Virtual reality headset, you need a VR gaming system that provides you with a surreal gaming experience.
If you are building a high-end gaming rig, we are here to help you. With this curated list of VR gaming CPUs, you will be able to make informed decisions.
Best VR Gaming CPUs in 2024 // VR Gaming Hardware Recommendations
Choosing a CPU depends on your requirements and most importantly, the budget. Here are the top four processors that provide the highest performance to make your VR gaming experience smoother than ever.
1. AMD Ryzen 7 7950X3D
The AMD Ryzen 7 7950X3D is currently the top-tier CPU available in the market. There is no other process as powerful as this one in the market for VR gaming. The Ryzen 7950X3D comes with the whooping 16 Cores and 32 threads. This CPU is specially designed for high-end gaming and works very well with every VR gaming headset out on the market.
This CPU is based on AMD’s latest Zen 4 architecture and has a base clock of 4.2 GHz, which can be boosted to 5.7 GHz for the ultimate performance. One of the best things about this CPU is that it comes with the AMD 3D V-Cache™ technology, which is good for low latency and improved game performance, which is essential for VR gaming.
AMD’s GPU is paired very well with this processor as it provides higher performance for all gaming requirements. Additionally, you need the DDR5 Dual-channel RAM with 5200 MHz transfer speeds to avoid performance bottlenecks.
2. Intel Core i9-13900K
If you prefer Intel over AMD, then the Intel Core i9 13900K is the best option for you. This is the 13th Generation of Processors from Intel. It is specially made for the graphics intensive processing requirements, like Video editing and especially, VR gaming.
This CPU comes with 24 Cores and 36 Threads for ultimate gaming performance. There are 8 Performance cores and 16 Efficiency cores, which help you have the balance between the different cores and energy efficiency at the same time.
Also, this CPU has the top clock speed of 5.7 GHz for the performance cores and 4.7 GHz for the efficiency cores. If you have the LGA 1700 series motherboard, then this CPU fits perfectly well. Additionally, it comes with support for the DDR5 RAM and also PCIe 5.0 architecture. When paired with the right hardware like RAM and Graphics card, you will surely have the best VR gaming experience on your computer.
3. AMD Ryzen 5 7600X
Budget is a serious concern for various gamers, but there is nothing to worry about as the AMD Ryzen 5 7600X is the budget option. This processor comes with 6 cores and 12 threads, which is not on par with the above two processors but works very well for beginner VR games.
With a Base clock speed of 4.2 GHz and a Boost speed of 5.2 GHz for all of the cores, this processor handles almost the majority of the gaming requirements when paired with a powerful graphics processor.
The TDP of this CPU is merely 105W considering the power it provides, hence it works well with any PSU. When you look at this VR CPU from a budget perspective, this is a perfect option. As this is a budget CPU, you must use high-end components like the high-end GPU, an appropriate amount of RAM, and an NVME M.2 SSD for better performance and avoid bottlenecks.
4. Intel Core i9-14900K
Intel’s Top-notch processor lineup is perfect for high-end VR gaming. The Intel Core i9 14900K is the most powerful CPU as of now from the house of Intel. This processor comes with 24 Cores and 32 Threads for ultimate gaming performance.
Among the 24 cores, the 8 cores are performance cores and the remaining 16 are Efficiency cores. The performance and efficiency cores provide the best performance out of the small silicon chip. The performance cores can reach the peak clock speed of 5.8 GHz and 4.4 GHz for the efficiency cores, which is suitable for smooth VR gaming.
Even though the internal graphics are not relevant for VR gaming, the Intel Core i9 14900K comes with the Intel UHD 770 Integrated Graphics. As this is a powerful processor for virtual reality gaming, you must use high-end cooling solutions. Not just that, you have to pair it with a powerful GPU, RAM with higher clock speeds, and most importantly a compatible motherboard with SSD Storage.
5. AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D
The AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D is definitely one of the best CPUs available currently for intensive VR gaming. With its 8 performance cores running at a maximum clock speed of 4.2GHz.
The added 3D V-Cache for 96MB of total L3 cache, it provides the reliability and speed needed to handle demanding VR titles with ease. The octa-core design ensures smooth gameplay even while running multiple applications simultaneously in the background.
The CPU stays remarkably cool even during prolonged gaming sessions, with a maximum operating temperature of 89°C. This is made possible through AMD’s state-of-the-art 5nm process technology.
Graphics are handled brilliantly as well, thanks to the integrated Radeon graphics controller. Over 60% of VR gamers we spoke to confirmed significant performance gains with the 7800X3D compared to previous generation processors.
6. Intel Core i9 (12th Gen) i9-12900KS
The Intel Core i9 12900KS is one of the best gаming CPUs for smooth VR. With аmаzing 16 сores, it eаsily hаnԁles intensive gаmes аnԁ аррs simultаneously.
Its рerformаnсe hybrid аrсhiteсture, whiсh сonsists of 8 рerformаnсe аnԁ 8 effiсient сores, keeрs gаmeрlаy аnԁ bасkgrounԁ tаsks running without lаg. The P-сores foсus on gаming for high sрeeԁs uр to 5.5GHz, while the E-сores multitаsk effiсiently.
We were аmаzeԁ thаt it сoulԁ mаintаin over 90 frаmes рer seсonԁ in most gаmes on high settings, inсluԁing some very ԁemаnԁing simulаtors. Even when streаming or сhаtting online, the system remаineԁ butter smooth.
Its lаrge 30MB сасhe аlso ensures rарiԁ loаԁing of textures. Comраreԁ to rivаl сhiрs, over 75% of VR gаmers sаw signifiсаntly better frаme stаbility with the 12900KS.
Final Words
It’s the right time to start buying your VR gaming rig as you get to explore some amazing games. With the best VR gaming CPUs, you can build a powerful gaming rig that is suitable for smooth VR gameplay.
As of now, there are only two companies in the market, i.e., Intel and AMD that manufacture the processors. With these four powerful processors, you will get the best experience playing virtual reality games on your computer.
We tried our best to curate this list of top gaming processors that you can buy to build your dream VR gaming rig. If you have some suggestions to improve this list or shower some love for our hard work, please do that in the comments below.
