New to VR gaming - upgrade or new build?

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23 Aug 2012
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153
Hi all,

I took the plunge and got a Valve Index after passing the "Is my PC VR ready?" test from Valve. Predictably, while my PC can just about run HL Alyx, it really struggles and Steam VR crashes a lot. So, I think it's time for a major overhaul!

I don't really care about super-high res gaming outside of VR - the only case where I care about performance is for VR gaming.

I'm looking for advice on whether to upgrade some components or just go for a whole new PC. I'm guessing that the CPU is the current bottleneck but I don't even know if my case (Antec 902) will be suitable for upgrading with modern kit, particularly if I need to upgrade the GPU as well.

I guess if I upgrade the GPU to something closer to top-end, I'll likely end up needing a new PSU as well, and then we're basically just talking about whether it'll all fit in the same case or not.

The original build was 10 years ago. RAM, GPU and maybe the PSU have been upgraded since. I did the build myself, but I'm not a very confident PC-builder (especially fitting the cooler on the CPU), so I'd also consider an OCUK pre-built PC if buying a whole new system.

Current spec:

CPU: Intel Core i5 760 2.8GHz
MOBO: Asus P7P55D-E Intel P55
GPU: AMD Radeon RX 580 8GB
PSU: Corsair HX620W
RAM: 16GB (4x4GB Corsair CML8GX3M2A1600C9 Vengeance low profile)
HDD: 3 SSDs, which I'd like to re-use if possible, but it's not a deal breaker. One 80GB drive for Windows 10, then a 500GB and a 250GB picked up over the years. Guess I'll need something bigger if I'm going to end up with a lot of VR games!
Case: Antec 902

Budget:

If I was going for a pre-built, I guess I'd probably be aiming at the ones around £1500 or so. Unless you think I need to spend more to really get the best out of the VR, in which case I could be persuaded. Not much else to spend money on in the current circumstances!

What do you think - should I see if I can get away with just replacing the CPU and mobo, or ditch the lot and start over?

Thanks in advance :)
 
Since you're changing motherboard you would need new RAM (DDR4 is now the current on all motherboards).

CPU cooler installation is pretty easy.

What game titles do you play (might help with getting the recommended specs)
 
Ah yes, good point on the RAM, not the first time I've forgotten to check that!

Re: games, I've only just got the VR headset so I don't have many games yet. I'll be playing Half Life Alyx, probably Star Wars Squadrons, Racket Fury Table Tennis for sure. I'll check out some car racing games too, and maybe some other flight sim games.

Outside of games, I'd like to try some VR nature tours and other travel stuff while locked down. I'm not sure what's currently out there, and how high-res those can go, so maybe the resolution on those would place different demands on the system to the gaming stuff I've mentioned?

I don't really do online shooters, so not interested in things like Call of Duty, Battlegrounds, etc (if they even have VR modes).
 
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