A dual-core processor with Hyperthreading paired with either a GTX 970 or RX 480? Indeed, that is what the Valve Index lists its minimum specifications as. While we understand that VR gaming is significantly more GPU bound than CPU bound due to the doubled total resolution with both eyes, not even the conservative Oculus Quest has ever dared to go below four cores.
Because as we shall find out, modern VR gaming at high settings native resolution takes way more than just repurposed Alder Lake E-core real estate for the Valve Index. This, of course, includes an equally period-appropriate GPU at the time of its original release.
How to Check Your Computer Specs
How to Check if Your Computer is VR Ready
Aside from comparing the relative performance of your individual CPU and GPU to systems that have been tested on actual VR games, you can also use several benchmarking tools to get a more quantitative measurement.
For example, the SteamVR Performance Test uses a 2-minute rendered in-game sequence, determining if your system can handle the resolution and can maintain the target 72 FPS throughout the brief session. Aside from a base performance chart and score, you will also get an assessment of which components are the bottlenecks, those that would require upgrades or replacement.
Other VR benchmarking tools available for the Oculus Quest and Quest 2:
- VRMark – more benchmark fine-tuning options, frame-by-frame analysis
- FCAT VR – Nvidia’s own VR benchmarking tool
- OpenVR – optimized for actual headset testing and community comparisons
Official website: steampowered.com/valveindex
Valve Index VR PC Requirements
Official minimum computer requirements for Valve Index
CPU | Dual-core CPU with Hyperthreading
(Presumably post Intel 6th Gen Skylake architecture) |
GPU | NVIDIA GTX 970
AMD Radeon RX 480 |
Memory | 8GB+ RAM |
OS | Windows 10 |
USB Ports | 1x USB 2.0 port |
Video Out | DisplayPort 1.2 |
Official recommended computer requirements for Valve Index
CPU | Any Quad Core or higher CPU
(Presumably post Ryzen 1000 architecture) |
GPU | NVIDIA GTX 1070 or better |
Memory | 8GB+ RAM |
OS | Windows 10 |
USB Ports | 1x USB 3.0 port |
Video Out | DisplayPort 1.2 |
Ideal minimum computer requirements for Valve Index
Based on stable gaming frame rates with low settings for 80% scaled resolution targeting at least 75 FPS on mildly demanding VR titles. Use DLSS 2.3 and FSR 2.0 as necessary.
CPU | AMD Ryzen 3 3100 (4C/8T, Zen 2)
Intel Core i3 10105(F) (4C/8T, 10th Gen Comet Lake) |
GPU | NVIDIA Geforce GTX 1660 Super / Geforce RTX 3050 8GB
AMD Radeon RX 590 / RX 6600 |
Memory | 16GB+ RAM |
OS | Windows 10, Windows 11 |
USB Ports | 1x USB 3.0 port |
Video Out | DisplayPort 1.2 |
Ideal recommended computer requirements for Valve Index
Based on stable gaming frame rates with medium settings for 1440p full resolution targeting at least 80+ FPS on almost all VR titles.
CPU | AMD Ryzen 5 5600 non-X (4C/8T, Zen 3)
Intel Core i5 11400(F) (6C/12T, 11th Gen Rocket Lake) |
GPU | NVIDIA Geforce RTX 3060 Ti
AMD Radeon RX 6700 XT |
Memory | 16GB+ RAM |
OS | Windows 10, Windows 11 |
USB Ports | 1x USB 3.0 port |
Video Out | DisplayPort 1.2 |
Valve Index Supported GPUs
Here is the official supported GPU list for the Valve Index. Keep in mind that some of these GPUs are well below our “actual” game specs. They would still run the VR game, but you may have to compromise on settings too much just to keep a stable frame rate. Double-check them before assessing whether VR gaming is possible for your system.
Nvidia GPUs
- Nvidia Geforce GTX 900 series
- Nvidia Geforce GTX 10-series
- Nvidia Geforce GTX 16-series
- Nvidia Geforce RTX 20-series
- Nvidia Geforce RTX 30-series
AMD GPUs
- AMD RX 400 Series
- AMD RX 500 Series
- AMD RX 5000 Series
- AMD RX 6000 Series
- AMD Vega Series
(NOTE: AMD RX 200 and RX 300 series were excluded due to AMD itself no longer providing driver updates for these GPUs.)
Final Thoughts
The Valve Index was a nice piece of relevant hardware to promote Valve’s Half-Life: Alyx (included for free with the headset’s purchase). A well-optimized game that can run even on relatively inferior GTX 1060s (albeit at low settings), it wasn’t just a bundle cop-out. It actually provided a number of immersion and gameplay gimmicks that made the purchase quite worth it. The experience of exploring and diving into VR was the focus, and on that note, all of the pioneering prototypes, including the Valve Index, succeeded rather well.
In fact, this product is hardly the beginning of Valve’s foray into VR. Last year, Valve has already registered new patents for another VR headset, and so it is only a matter of time before we get Valve Index major update.