At a refresh rate of 90 Hz, the HTC Vive is the ultimate accessory for your gaming computer. So how do you tell that your gaming computer is HTC Vive compatible?
HTC VIVE is a head mount that will take you straight to the battlefield; the device has been equipped with a camera next to the bottom rim, two lighthouse base stations, and wireless handheld controllers. At this point, it is safe to say that gaming while seated on a couch is outright traditional and boring in so many levels.
And with the VR headset flying off the shelves, gamers no longer have to contain their adrenaline when gaming, as the VR headset allows them to interact with the virtual world physically. Even more interesting is that you get to play different VR games with this particular headset and flex as much as you want.
Gaming on the couch will only mess with your emotions and that is totally old school, but with the VR you are free to act out your emotions instead of suppressing them.
We have thus sampled the best gaming computers for HTC VIVE that will transport you to the virtual world and help unleash the beast in you. We bet that there is no better way to burn calories other than having fun gaming with the HTC VIVE.
A Comparison Table
Name of Desktop Computer | OS | Number of USB Ports | Check on Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|
ROG STRIX GL12 Gaming Desktop | Windows 10 Professional | 4 USB 2.0 Ports 8 USB 3.0 Ports | |
Consair One i164 Compact Gaming PC | Windows 10 Home | 2 USB 2.0 ports 6 USB 3.0 ports | |
Acer Aspire Gaming Desktop Computer | Windows 10 Home 64 Bit | 8 USB ports | |
CyberpowerPC Gamer Xtreme VR Gaming PC | Genuine Windows 10 Home 64 Bit | 2 USB 2.0 ports 6 USB 3.1 ports | |
OMEN by HP Obelisk Gaming Desktop Computer | Windows 10 Home | 8 USB 3.1 ports 1 USB Type C port | |
HP Pavilion Power Gaming Desktop | Windows 10 Home | 2 USB 2.0 ports |
Table of Contents
The Best Gaming Computers: A Detailed Review
ROG STRIX GL12 Gaming Desktop– Extreme horsepower for that perfect feel of the game
For gamers that cannot get enough of your favorite game, this is the way to go. This desktop will allow you to enjoy the game in amazing detail
Specs
- NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2080 Ti 11 GB Graphics card
- Liquid-cooled 9th Gen Intel Core i9-9900K 8-Core processor with a factory overclock
- Ultra-fast SSD storage (1TB SSD)
- USB ports (4 USB 2.0 ports and 8 USB 3.0 ports)
While this computer is more expensive than most, it has so much to offer for a gaming enthusiast. The specs on this machine speak for it. Trying to match the specs by building your own would be difficult. Again, if you were to buy the parts, you would have to dig deeper into your pocket to achieve something close to this desktop.
The ROG STRIX GL 12 Gaming desktop has the best processors, featuring a liquid cooling system. This gives the gamer the ultimate experience as your computer will not have a heating problem no matter how long you play.
The cooling system works by combining the power of the 9th Generation Intel Core Processor with a Turbo gear, overclocked to high speeds of up to 5.0GHz. At this speed, your desktop uses all 8 cores.
Are you the gamer who would like to personify your gaming experience? Then the ROG STRIX GL 12 is for you. You can customize this computer with Aura Sync lighting effects.
The computer is built to allow for expansion. Yes, you have room to add fans and storage drives to expand your gaming feel. One pointer is that when the inbuilt cooling system needs any additions you need to have a clear plan because dismantling the system is not easy.
Pros
- Unlike the fan cooling system, the liquid cooling system is quiet
- Allows for upgrades and customizations
- Has a premium graphics card
Cons
- Buying parts to build your own is expensive
Verdict
For your ultimate gaming experience, this desktop is ideal for you. However, you have to dig deeper to get this gaming computer compared to the other gaming computers in the marketplace.
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Corsair One i164 Compact Gaming PC– Get immersed into your game with this compact gaming PC
Do you love your games, but your apartment is quite small? This desktop gaming computer is modeled for you.
Specs
- NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2080 Ti 11GB
- A 9th Generation Intel Core i9-9900k 8-Core processor
- 2 USB 2.0 ports and 6 USB 3.0 ports
- 32 GB RAM
This gaming computer is similar in many ways to the ROG STRIX GL 12 Gaming desktop. A significant difference though is its compact case. It makes the gaming desktop comfortable to use in limited spaces, as all you have to do is place it on your tabletop, plug it in and get playing. Simple, right?
The downside to the smaller case is that it is not easy to customize or upgrade. But then if you are not looking to upgrade or customize, this machine serves you just as well.
Looking at the specs of the two gaming computers, the best has not been spared to produce the best. One major difference is the number of USB ports. Not to worry though. The ports are more than enough to give you excellent gaming experience with your HTC Vive headset.
Pros
- Compact
- A good number of USB Ports
- Liquid cooling system
Cons
- Cannot be upgraded or customized
Verdict
An avid gamer with minimal space would enjoy this unit. The setup gives you an experience similar to what you would get if you had theSTRIX GL 12 Model. You will enjoy long gaming hours without overheating your computer, thanks to the in-built liquid cooling system.
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Acer Aspire Gaming Desktop Computer– For your best bargain that is above expectation
Not all gamers will go for high budget gaming computers. Often, you will find that even with the best bargain desktop, your gaming experience is not compromised
Specs
- AMD Ryzen 7 8-Core Processor (3.80 GHz Turbo)
- AMD Radeon RX 480 Graphics Card
- 1 TB SSD
- 16 GB RAM
This gaming computer, unlike the others, uses an AMD processor and graphics cards. However, the NVIDIA products tend to take the trophy where graphic cards are concerned. That is not to mean that the Acer AMD products are inferior. The processors from this company tend to score higher than their other competitors.
With this computer, you get to enjoy the feel of two top-line products. The specifications and the performance for the computer packs a punch for the ultimate gaming experience.
Looking at the specs, the 1 TB SSD memory is quite a gift for the price this gaming machine goes for. The Acer Aspire model has expansion slots for customization. Though the expansion allowance is minimal, a gamer will enjoy having more for a friendly budget price.
8 USB ports are a bargain on this model, especially when 4 of the ports are from the Gen 1 and Gen 2 Aspire model. The ports give you the flexibility that even premium gaming computers fail to give. The four ports are split into USB 3.1 Gen 1 and USB 3.1 Gen 2.
Pros
- AMD Processor is of a superior performance
- 1 TB SSD is a bargain for the price of this computer
- 8 USB ports with 4 ports from Gen 1 and Gen 2 models with expansion slots
Cons
- Lacks a liquid cooling system
- It is slow compared to premium gaming computers
Verdict
Despite the slow speed, this gaming computer offers much for the casual gamer. The 1 TB is a bargain for the price of this model. The fact that it uses products from two high performing companies is a plus for an entry-level gamer.
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CyberPowerPC Gamer Xtreme VR Gaming PC– For your virtual reality gaming experience
This PC is for the gamer seeking a thrilling experience in smashing your competition. This computer is the top choice for the pro e-Sports players, and top gamers. But, any player can enjoy the performance of the CyberpowerPC gamer.
Specs
- A 9th Generation Intel Core i9-9900k 8-core Processor
- NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 Super 8 GB Graphics Card
- 1 TB SSD Hard disk
- 16 GB RAM with 2400 MHz Memory Speed
My search for the perfect HTC Vive compatible PC showed that CyberpowerPC Company places effort in optimizing their products for VR system use. This computer gives you the same specs for premium valued computers while keeping to a budget. For instance, the liquid cooling system gives you a longer experience in your game without fear of overheating.
Some additional products that come with this computer are a mouse and a keyboard. These are optimized for your system, to give you the ultimate gaming experience.
The high-performance processors and the DDR RAM system give the player experience in high-definition video playback. Your gaming is made better by the high-resolution visuals thanks to the use of uncompromised parts.
The i9 processor is not only fast and intelligent but also allows for multitasking. Its maximum performance helps you to unleash your digital media creations fast and on a clear resolution. The NVIDIA GeForce RTX 20 Series graphics card brings a whole new level to your gaming experience.
Pros
- Designed for VR systems use
- You get an optimized keyboard and a mouse
- Liquid cooling system
Cons
- You need to update your drivers once you purchase it
- The graphics are a step down from the other premium computers
Verdict
Do not let the phrase ‘preferred by top gamers’ scare you. This computer can be used by gamers at any level. The VR Ready system is a commendable plus for this gaming PC.
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OMEN by HP Obelisk Gaming Desktop Computer– for the personalized gaming feel
The real-time graphics technology on this computer gives the gamer a new level of gaming realism. Your favorite games such as Fortnite, Overwatch, and Apex Legends become a better experience on this computer
Specs
- 9th Generation Intel Core i9-9900K Processor
- NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2080 SUPER 8 GB Graphics Card
- HyperX32 GB RAM
- 1 TB SSD
The OMEN is reviewed as the ‘Best Value Pick’ by many users on Amazon. This is not to mean that it is in the same league with premium level computers. However, it gives you a gaming experience beyond what is required by an average gamer.
The OMEN offers the gamer graphics from the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2080 Super Series. This is an upgrade from the 2070 series that many mid-level gaming computers use. You can comfortably use your HTC Vive on this computer for that desired gaming feel.
The specs on this computer are similar to many premium computers in the market. However, for HP OMEN models, you can choose the processor you prefer (the Intel Processor of the Ryzen 7).
The cooling system is expanded to carry the liquid and the fan cooling system. Even with the two, this computer will still struggle to perform the high demanding tasks a gamer might need.
Pros
- A combination of a fan and liquid cooling system
- Top of the line processor
- Fairly easy to modify and upgrade
Cons
- It can overheat when charged with high demanding tasks
- Loud in-built fans
Verdict
For a mid-level gamer, this computer is an excellent choice. But, you cannot use this computer for high demanding tasks. For example, you cannot edit or perform 3D processing as it overheats. A solution most gamers use is to remove a side panel, which improves the airflow.
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HP Pavilion Power Gaming Desktop– for the non-die-hard gamer
For its price, this computer delivers well for the entry-level gamer.
Specs
- AMD Ryzen 5 1400 Quad Core
- 8 GB RAM
- 1 TB HDD
- RX580 4 GB Compatible with HTC Vive
This computer is not high-end, but its compatibility with HTC Vive gives it a fighting chance. Its parts are upgradeable in case you want to use your computer to tougher tasks (e.g. processing). Its onboard specs, however, make this impressive for gaming.
Pros
- Upgradeable
- You get HP mouse and keyboard
- Recommended for entry-level gamers
Cons
- Cannot perform multiple tasks
- 8 GB RAM is minimal for a heavy workload
Verdict
Unlike the high premium computers, this model favors minimal tasks. The entry-level gamer looking for a place to start in the gaming world could easily learn by using this computer. We feel that purchasing parts to custom make a computer could be expensive. Even as an entry-level gamer, you would be better off buying a computer with better specs.
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Reviewing the Best Gaming Computers
Before I made my purchase, I considered a few factors that I would like to share.
The Gaming Computer Model
Better specs for your computer will give you a better gaming experience.
RAM
The RAM space on your computer determines the kind of chores your PC can handle. An HTC Vive headset will require 4 GB RAM to operate. Many Virtual Reality headsets require a minimum of 8 GB RAM. The more RAM your computer has, the better its performance. At a high RAM, your computer and VR system will run better. An upgraded RAM means that your computer will serve you longer without requiring more upgrades.
Graphics Card (GPU)
For your HTC Vive headset to function at its optimum best, you need to invest in a computer with good graphics. We recommend NVIDIA GeForce and AMD Radeon. These are product manufacturers that many gamers approve. An upgrade in your graphic cards gives better performance for your gaming.
Processor
I certainly cannot overemphasis the need to have a good gaming processor. Your specs could be the best upgrades the market can give, but you will not love your gaming experience with a low-grade processor. The minimum recommended specs for your processor to run the HTC Vive is Intel Core i5-4590 and AMD FX 8350. However, these specs are still not good enough and an upgrade could do you better.
Design and Features
The gaming world keeps upgrading to give gamers more and better options in components. One question to consider is, Should you buy now and upgrade or wait for the new generation models? Gaming computers can come as a huge tower or compact design. The compact designs are good for minimal space. However, they are not easy to customize and expand. Some gamers are upgraders. So, your choice of a desktop needs to give you easy options for its upgrades or customization.
Conclusion
I decided that the ROG STRIX GL 12 Gaming Desktop was the model for me. The specs this machine offers are top-notch and while it is expensive, its multitasking capacity was a plus for me. I am easily immersed in my games, thanks to the surround sound from my HTC Vive headset.
