Processor Choice for Future VR Intel Core i5 6600K or Intel Core i7 6700K 4.0Ghz

[djjohnmerry]

Hello,

I am building a new gaming rig / everyday PC and looking to in the future get VR (Vive or OC Rift) - I wonder if the i7 is a must over the i5 in benefits? I hope to pair with a RX480 (Not sure on 4 or 8 yet)

Any thoughts welcome

[DavidCane]

It's tough to say. With VR bring at the start of it's time as a true consumer platform, the devs are still learning and the software is getting more and more efficient. Oculus just dropped their minimum recommeneded CPU spec from the i5 to the i3 at the recent OC3 conference, that should tell you that an i7 isn't a necessity over an i5.

With latency being such an important factor in VR performance, look at anything that could slow down comms between your CPU and GPU (like high latency RAM) - bottlenecks in VR may have a much bigger impact in VR than in traditional gaming.

I've been running an i5 with my Oculus since day 1 (2500k with the Dev kits and 4690k with the CV1). I'm considering a change to the i7 4790k but can't say for sure if it will lead to any improvement in VR, however for the £100 difference in price I'd probably say that I'd choose and i7 if I was doing a completely new build and investing in all the kit from new in one go. With Vr in the mix, that extra £100 won't make much difference.

DC

[djjohnmerry]

Thanks for the feedback I think I leaning towards the i7 as VR is my end goal and this is a new build :-)

[shaithis]

I'd go i5 and up the GPU. VR loves GPU power....