The Best VR Ready Graphics Cards: 2020 Picks and What to Buy Now

Compatibility and source notes

All five original picks are Nvidia GTX 10-series models from 2016 and 2017, no longer in production. As checked on 24 September 2026, Meta's Horizon Link requirements list the GTX 1060, 1070 and 1080 as supported, while recommending an RTX 20-series or AMD RX 6000-series card or newer. The PS VR2 PC adapter requirements start at a Turing-generation GTX 1650. Nvidia ended Game Ready driver support for the GTX 10 series in late 2025 and plans security updates until October 2028 (Wikipedia summary of Nvidia's announcement).

John's original 2020 overall pick was the discontinued ASUS ROG Strix GTX 1080 Ti 11GB. Newer Nvidia RTX 50-series and AMD RX 9000-series options are covered below.

What Does a Graphic Card Do?

A graphics card, also known as a graphics processing unit (GPU), is a component in your computer that is used to process and display graphical data as images.

In general, more powerful graphics cards are able to process and display a larger amount of visual details than the default video cards found in your standard desktop PC.

The graphics card improves the performance of your system in several ways.

Since the graphics adapter takes control of graphics processing roles, your rig’s RAM is free for other tasks. These newly available processing capabilities allow your system to run programs more efficiently when video processing tools are needed.

The GPU and Gaming

This means that your basic video card and CPU can be used to operate background processes while the GPU performs the heavy-lifting of graphics data processing and image rendering.

After installing a high-end graphics card to your rig, you may notice higher frame rates and better images when you opt to play games with demanding video settings.

The enhanced graphics processing capabilities of your system upgraded with a good graphics card may allow you to enjoy the extra features commonly found in the video settings menu of a AAA game.

For example, if you play The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, you can use a powerful graphics card to improve the world with dynamic shadows, reflections, water fidelity, light fracturing, and nuanced features like grass.

The volume of assets like NPCs and in-world objects can also be increased without sacrificing the framerate.

In open-world games like Skyrim VR, the immersive experience depends on your ability to perceive depth and the way the environment changes relative to your position in the game.

A VR ready graphics card can improve this experience by increasing draw distances and rendering speeds.

Consider the last time you played an open-world game like Skyrim or Fallout 4 on a rig that could not quite handle the graphics demands. You may have noticed that characters and visuals do not render properly if you move across the world too quickly.

Skyrim VR players often notice that the peaks of distant mountains appear jagged and unnatural due to their poor rendering speeds. A good GPU can help solve this problem to keep you from losing your sense of immersion.

What to Look for in a VR Ready Graphics Card?

Now that we have discussed the perks of having a top-quality GPU for VR gaming, let’s talk about what types of specs you should keep an eye open for.

Thermal Design Power

The most powerful graphics cards on the market can be quite taxing on your rig if you do not have a proper cooling system. Thermal design power (TDP) is measured in watts, and it is listed on the graphics card itself for new models. You can check the thermal design power rating to learn how operation temperature and energy consumption of a GPU might be handled by your cooling unit.

If the graphics card you are interested in has a high TDP value, you may need to consider upgrading your coolers with additional fans and other hardware tweaks. When comparing otherwise identical GPUs, select the option with the lower TDP value.

Power Consumption

The power consumption value tells us how many watts the GPU consumes. Some manufacturers also provide a recommended power supply unit capacity, so check your rig’s current specs against both the power consumption value and the recommended power supply unit capacity.

This information will tell you if you need to make power supply unit upgrades or opt for a graphics card with lower power consumption requirements.

Graphics Memory

Graphics memory is not nearly as important as GPU marketers would have us believe, but it is still a spec that we should consider when choosing a graphics card. Graphics memory is used to load textures and to hold rendering assets. It is also used to maintain frame and depth buffers.

Graphics memory is particularly important if you use the anti-aliasing options available in most games. Anti-aliasing is a technique that smooths jagged edges that develop out of curvatures and angles. Anti-aliasing tends to make in-game architecture and facial appearances more realistic.

When anti-aliasing settings are on, your GPU will use a significant amount of memory. 1 GB was once enough for many games, so most high-quality graphics cards had suitable memory specs (Tom’s Hardware). That is no longer true for VR: even the oldest cards Meta still supports for Link, such as the GTX 1060 3 GB and GTX 970, have 3 GB or more, and Nvidia’s current RTX 50-series cards start at 8 GB. For today’s headsets, treat 8 GB as a sensible minimum.

Bandwidth

The memory bit rate is often listed as the memory bus value. The memory bus value is a measure of how much data the GPU can access from memory at any moment. Higher memory bit rates generally lead to faster processes and higher framerates.

Clock Speeds

There are two types of clock speeds that you should keep an eye out for: memory clock speed and GPU core clock speed. The memory clock speed is a measure of how quickly the graphic card transfers data after it receives an instruction.

The GPU core clock speed is a measure of how many instructions the graphics card can process per second. The GPU core clock is one of the most important determinants of performance. If you are looking to play graphically intensive VR games, look for GPUs with high core clock speeds.

Large clock speeds are ideal, but do not be fooled by the effective clock speeds listed on newer cards. The actual clock speed is the only value in this category that matters for product comparison purposes.

Cores and Shaders

You will likely purchase a Nvidia or AMD graphics card. Look for options that have a high quantity of CUDA core units and shaders (stream processors) for Nvidia and AMD, respectively. Only compare core counts within the same generation, though: a newer architecture does more work per core.

While their names differ, CUDA cores and shaders are both used to render images. Higher core and shader values imply better images and more realism.

Other Factors to Consider

Before you purchase a GPU, you should check to see if it will work for your system.

• Will the card fit in your case?
• Are there enough display ports to support your monitors?
• Are there any special compatibility requirements that you need to satisfy?
• Does your headset maker list the card as supported? Meta, Sony and others publish their own lists, and some cards are excluded; Meta, for example, doesn’t support the RTX 2050, GTX 1050 Ti or Intel Arc cards for Horizon Link.

Answering these questions in advance will save you from the troubles of lost time and buyer’s remorse.

What VR headsets ask for, and newer cards to consider

We checked the official PC requirements for two of the most common ways to play PC VR today. These are TechFuturae research notes from the manufacturers’ pages; we haven’t benchmarked the cards ourselves (how we research).

Sources: Meta and PlayStation. Our VR PC requirements guide covers more headsets, including high-resolution PC headsets that ask for more.

Current cards worth considering for VR, with launch prices:

• Nvidia GeForce RTX 5060 and RTX 5060 Ti. The RTX 5060 has 3,840 CUDA cores and 8 GB of GDDR7 memory; the RTX 5060 Ti has 4,608 cores and comes with 8 GB or 16 GB (Nvidia). The RTX 5060 launched in May 2025 starting at $299. For VR we’d lean towards the 16 GB version of the 5060 Ti if the budget allows.
• Nvidia GeForce RTX 5070, 5070 Ti and 5080. Nvidia’s comparison page lists 12 GB for the RTX 5070 and 16 GB for the 5070 Ti and 5080, which gives more headroom for high-resolution headsets.
• AMD Radeon RX 9070 and RX 9070 XT. Both have 16 GB of GDDR6 and a 256-bit memory bus, and launched in March 2025 at $549 and $599. Meta names only the RX 6000 series in its recommendation and doesn’t publish a full list of supported AMD cards, so check your headset’s page first.

Street prices change often and can sit well above launch prices, so compare current listings before buying. If you also need a processor, see our VR CPU guide.

The GTX 10-series cards we recommended in 2020

The reviews below are our original 2020 picks. All five cards are discontinued. We corrected specifications that disagree with Nvidia’s reference figures; factory clock speeds are the ones the card makers listed at the time.

MSI Gaming GeForce GTX 1060 Gaming X 6G

The MSI Gaming GeForce GTX 1060 Gaming X 6G graphics card is a good option if you are looking for a good specs and a low price relative to other VR ready GPUs on the market. Fans of this GPU for VR appreciate excellent performance at medium-high settings. 35 to 60 fps is the norm for the most graphically intensive AAA titles when using medium-high settings.

Cooling is also effective due to great power economy and a low TDP rating. It uses 120 watts. The recommended power supply should be able to handle 400 watts. Some users of this GPU are critical of the fan settings. They turn on only at high temperatures, and their speeds cannot be tweaked without a third-party utility tool.

The GPU has 3 display ports, 1 HDMI port, and 1 DVI-D port. It uses a single 8-pin connector. Like other Nvidia graphics cards, the MSI Gaming GeForce GTX 1060 Gaming X 6G uses the PCI Express interface.

The clock speeds and CUDA core values are low when compared to the specs of high-end GPUs. The RAM is sufficient for most VR purposes. Overall, this graphics card is a suitable option for people on a budget. You will be able to enjoy most VR games, but you will need to avoid the maximum settings.

Pros

• Core clock speed is 1789 MHz when gaming
• Memory clock speed is 8008 MHz when gaming
• Supports up to 4 displays
• Maximum resolution of 7680 x 4320
• Cost-effective option

Cons

• ​Only 1280 CUDA core units
• Ultra settings are not recommended for most games
• Memory bus is narrower than high-end competitors

View the listing on AmazonPaid link · Historical or unverified listing

ASUS ROG STRIX GeForce GTX 1070 Ti 8GB

The Asus ROG Strix GeForce GTX 1070 Ti 8GB is not one of the most expensive graphics cards, but it has the specs of high-end hardware.

You might like this product for its high RAM and decent clock speeds. People who have purchased this product are often fans of the high number of CUDA core units. At 2,432 CUDA cores, images are rendered with high levels of detail.

This GPU runs very quiet, and temperatures remain low throughout use due to high-pressure fans and new heat dissipation technology.

This graphics card supports up to 3 monitors. It has 2 display ports, 2 HDMI ports, and a DVI-D port. It relies on an 8-pin connector. Unfortunately, you might need a larger case for your rig; the graphics card is very large at 12 x 2.2 x 8.7 inches.

Pros

• 2,432 CUDA cores
• 8 GB RAM
• Supports maximum resolution of 7680 x 4320

Cons

• Physically large; you might need another case
• Moderate clock speeds: 8008 MHz memory clock speed/1759 MHz core clock speed (overclocked)

View the listing on AmazonPaid link · Historical or unverified listing

MSI Gaming GeForce GTX 1070 8GB

The MSI Gaming GeForce GTX 1070 8GB is a big step up from its 1060 cousin. It uses Nvidia’s Pascal architecture, which was new when the card launched in 2016, to provide impressive clock speeds.

It has an effective memory clock speed of about 8000 MHz. It offers a boost clock speed of 1683 MHz when gaming. At 8 GB, this GPU has more than enough RAM for virtual reality gaming of its era. This graphics card has 1,920 CUDA core units and a 256-bit memory bus (GeForce 10 series specifications).

While this VR graphics card has good specs, users have complained about high temperatures due to fan issues. You may need to consider tweaking the default fans or checking the thermal paste if your system indicates heat problems.

This VR GPU requires 150 watts, and you will need a 500-watt power supply unit. To reduce wear and energy, the fans turn off when video processing is unnecessary.

You may appreciate the high number of ports.

This GPU has 3 display ports, 1 HDMI port, and 1 DVI-D port. It can support up to 4 displays. It uses an 8-pin connector.

Pros

• 1,920 CUDA cores
• Good core clock speeds
• Plenty of ports
• 8 GB RAM

Cons

• Requires a large power supply unit
• High temperatures are expected
• Fan problems

View the listing on AmazonPaid link · Historical or unverified listing

ASUS ROG Strix GTX 1080 Ti 11G

The ASUS ROG Strix GTX 1080 Ti 11G is a high-end graphics card for virtual reality gaming, so it offers great specs at a steep price.

While this option is likely not suitable for casual gamers or people on a budget, you can expect great rendering speeds and high performance.

This GPU has 11 GB of RAM, and it has above-average clock speeds. Asus listed a core clock speed of 1708 MHz, above the 1480 MHz base and 1582 MHz boost clocks of Nvidia’s reference card. The memory clock speed is 11100 MHz. This graphics controller for VR gaming also has significant bandwidth thanks to its 352-bit memory bus.

The manufacturer lists 3,584 CUDA core units. It supports a maximum resolution of 7680 x 4320. The wide bandwidth and large number of core units means that this GPU can quickly process detailed images.

High performance capabilities often imply high temperatures during play. While this graphics accelerator card does become hot, it has multiple temperature sensors and a good cooling system.

High-pressure fans consistently dissipate heat. This graphics card supports up to 4 displays and a virtual reality headset. It has a DVI-D port, two HDMI ports, and two display ports. It uses two 8-pin connectors.

Pros

• Very high quantity of CUDA core units (3,584)
• Good clock speeds
• Wide memory bus (352 bits)

Cons

• ​One of the most expensive options on the market
• Large power supply unit required

View the listing on AmazonPaid link · Historical or unverified listing

ASUS GeForce GTX 1060 6 GB

The ASUS GeForce GTX 1060 6 GB is a budget option, but it offers great power economy and very high clock speeds for its price. Memory is sufficient at 6 GB of RAM.  It has a core clock speed of 1809 MHz for good performance.

The memory clock speed is 8008 MHz. Unfortunately, you may find that the memory bus lacks the width of its high-end counterparts; it is just 192 bits.

Several users reported that this wasn’t an issue for many of the games of the time, even across multiple 4K monitors.

Even without lag, images are not perfect; 1,280 CUDA core units cannot produce the same quality of images as a more expensive GPU.

To prevent heat-related performance issues, this graphics card has two high-pressure fans. The GPU supports up to three displays. It has one DVI-D port, two HDMI ports, and two display ports. It uses one 6-pin connector.

Pros

• Cost-effective option
• Great clock speeds
• Maximum resolution of 7680 x 4320

Cons

• ​Low number of CUDA core units (1,280)
• Narrow memory bus

View the listing on AmazonPaid link · Historical or unverified listing

The Winner (2020) and what to buy now

There are several great VR ready graphics cards.

Based on specs alone, the ASUS ROG Strix GTX 1080 Ti 11GB was the clear winner in 2020.

This GPU has more than enough RAM, great clock speeds, and a huge amount of CUDA cores. These specs combine to offer high framerates, short rendering times, and an excellent level of detail. None of the competitors in the list can compete against its CUDA core units or memory bus width.

If you are an economical gamer who doesn’t want to sacrifice frame rates, check out the ASUS GeForce GTX 1060 6 GB. While it doesn’t have nearly as many CUDA cores as competitors, it has sufficient RAM and fast clock speeds.

This option is similar to the MSI Gaming GeForce GTX 1060 Gaming X 6G, but its superior clock speeds make it the budget winner.

VR graphics card FAQ

Can a GTX 1060 still run VR?

For Meta Quest headsets over Link or Air Link, yes: Meta still lists the GTX 1060 as a supported card, though it recommends an RTX 20-series card or newer and demanding games may need lower settings. It doesn't meet the PS VR2 PC adapter requirements.

How much graphics memory do I need for VR?

Aim for at least 8 GB on a card you buy today. Current Nvidia RTX 50-series cards start at 8 GB, and 12 to 16 GB gives more headroom for high-resolution headsets.

Do AMD graphics cards work for VR?

Yes. Meta recommends AMD's RX 6000 series or newer for Horizon Link, and Sony lists the RX 5500 XT as the minimum and the RX 6600 XT as recommended for PS VR2 on PC.

Is a VR-ready laptop an alternative?

It can be, if its graphics chip matches the headset's requirements. See our guide to VR-ready laptops.

Research behind this guide

Check the linked specifications and support documents, or read how we research. Original review experience stays attributed to its author.

View 7 sources

• Meta Quest Help: Windows PC requirements for Meta Horizon Link
• PlayStation Support: Prepare your PC for PS VR2
• Wikipedia: GeForce 10 series
• NVIDIA: GeForce RTX 5060 out now, starting at $299
• NVIDIA: GeForce RTX 5060 family specifications
• NVIDIA: Compare GeForce graphics cards
• AMD: AMD unveils RDNA 4 with the Radeon RX 9000 series

Explore the related guides in PC VR.